This blog is a little different from my norm, but I did want to share with you something interesting I’ve discovered. As a dog owner (and even a cat owner), you should be aware of the danger that rats can have to dogs, cats and humans.
Let me start with how this article came to be written. When we used to live near farms and open land, field mice would always come in when it got cold. That also included some rats and they were shocking. We couldn’t keep our big dogs’ food in the plastic bins, the mice (or I think more likely rats) would chew through the heavy-duty plastic to get to the dog biscuits. So, we invested in some metal bins with solid metal lids and that fixed that problem.
Recently, I noticed that my fly screens in the door at the back had been chewed through. Thought, it’s either mice or rats, but suspected rats as we now live near water. I know they’ve come in because the dog’s bowl had been raided. I found a ‘stash’ of dog biscuits in a pile near that back screen. So, I did two things. Firstly, I’ve got into the habit of putting any leftover dog biscuits up on the bench at night and placing a plate over them AND I got some heavy duty fly screen from the hardware. The type which is made of metal and is fireproof. Figured that would do the job. But alas, not so. Found the screen severely damaged the next morning, so after that, I closed the glass door. Next morning, 3 huge holes in that metal screen, but thankfully, they can’t gnaw through glass! But this got me to doing a little research on what can stop them. I then discovered some interesting things.
There is a rat problem – especially in some areas of Australia
Sydney, including Woolloomooloo, Mosman, Newtown, Bondi, the city area and as far out as Cronulla, has a significant rat problem. Melbourne’s CBD has issues too and Brisbane hasn’t gone unscathed, particularly after significant rain or when it cools down.
Rats carry disease – especially leptospirosis – affecting dogs, cats and humans
Leptospirosis causes severe liver and kidney damage. The signs are fever, diarrhea, vomiting, jaundice, and increased thirst. In dogs, it is often fatal resulting in organ failure. But as much of a worry is that it’s contracted by humans through the urine of animals. Human symptoms include a severe headache, a high fever, muscle aches (particularly the back and calves) and red eyes. Some human cases are mild, whilst other cases can lead to organ failure, meningitis and even respiratory distress, which can sometimes lead to a fatality.
Cats are not immune
Whilst it’s rarer in cats, they can contract leptospirosis. It starts with fever, vomiting and lethargy and like humans and dogs, can lead to kidney disease and ultimately death. It should be said that whilst it’s rarer for cats to get it, they can become carriers, transmitting the virus through contaminated soil, water or urine.
But rodents fear humans, big dogs and cats, don’t they?
Well, actually not rats. They will avoid a human, cat or large dog, but if cornered or feeling threatened, they will stand their ground and attack. Years ago, I was walking up the stairs of our house and came face to face with a rat about 8 stairs ahead of me. It was on higher ground, and just reared up on its back legs and held its ground. At the time, we had two rottweilers, but imagine if a small dog was in the house; it might bark at it, but wouldn’t like to presume the dog would come off ok. Actually, I think a small dog would come off worse, either being attacked by the rat or infected by it. In my research, I’ve learned that even rats will stand their ground with cats, if there is no way to avoid them and in some instances, a rat will chase a cat.
Will rats come into your bed?
The short answer is, yes. Your bed and that of your children or babies. They are drawn to food, even the minuscule remnant of food on your fingers or hands, mouth, or crumbs in bed. Needless to say, don’t eat in bed, and after eating, wash your hands, mouth and basically keep your bed area absolutely hygienic.
Protect your house, family and pets!
Basically, you need to protect your household from these vermin. You can engage the services of a pest controller, of course. However, there are steps you can first take. Start by removing all food sources from them. Pick up pet food before dark (rats are most active the hour after sunset and the hour before dawn). Store food in rat-proof containers or bins. Ensure kitchen cupboards are secure and food isn’t left out on benches. Mop and vacuum floors so there aren’t any food crumbs left. In other words, practice excellent hygiene. Note also, they don’t like vinegar, so you might add some double-strength vinegar to your mopping bucket. I even grow my tomatoes on the window sills inside my home now, as I’ve given up fighting to protect them from rodents and possums alike outside.
The next step is to secure entry points. If they are getting in through the flyscreen of a window, can you close that window, or at least close it at night? For me, I needed to keep the back door open which has the doggy door in it, and gives airflow, but instead, added a sheet of clear PCV plastic between the metal screen of the door and the flyscreen. So far, so good. This has proven to be a successful solution thus far.
Also, don’t forget your garden, shed and outdoor areas. Besides removing dog food, ensure compost bins are secure, garbage bins are kept clean and closed and definitely don’t leave garbage outside in plastic bags. That’s asking for trouble. Remember also your BBQ – rats love those ‘fat trays’, so keep things clear and those trays empty. Rats (like most animals) need water, so remove any stagnant water and if it’s possible to bring in dog water at night, then do so. Our tall water bowls (especially our larger size) do make it more difficult for rodents to access water, given the height and slope of the tall bowls. Ideally, for outside areas, if communities as a whole work together, you’ve a better chance of mitigating a rat problem.
If you live in a high-risk area, talk to your vet about a vaccination
In the areas where rat infestation is a problem, vets are recommending that some dogs be vaccinated against leptospirosis. It’s not suitable for every dog; some breeds shouldn’t be vaccinated, nor the young or those with certain health conditions.
Take care with baiting
Remember that baits kill dogs, so take care. Whilst baits might be put in ceilings (where dogs presumably have zero access), don’t leave baits around just anywhere. Ensure you know where baits are being placed if you engage a professional pest controller; you don’t want to inadvertently let your dog come into contact with that bait.
Always walk your dog on a lead
In highly affected areas, Councils are putting down lots of bait. For this reason, you want to always walk your dog on a shorter lead and watch what they are sniffing at or about to eat. Which means, not being on your phone whilst walking; be present and aware. The same goes if you’re visiting more country areas, as they are often putting down bait, but instead for foxes. For this reason, it might be unwise to visit dog parks off-leash.
Inspect your yard when you let them out in the morning
Unless you’re on acreage, I do recommend you have a look at your backyard when letting them out. Two things, one is bait, but also if a neighbour (or yourself or Council) have baited a rat, then you don’t want your dog eating that diseased rodent which now also has bait in its system!
Watch for the early signs of your dog being ill
Keep an eye out for lethargy, fever, loss of appetite (which also can be a sign of a tick, so check for that first), but also diarrhea, vomiting or a soft cough. Unsure, best to reach out to your vet.
If you see your pooch eat a rat bait, go immediately to your vet, as there is an antidote they can give if it is given early enough. Signs of bait poisoning include weakness or fatigue, pale gums, bruising and coughing.
Whilst rats are a problem for big dogs and small (and cats and humans), there is action we can take. Keep your eyes open, keep your yard and home as rat-unfriendly as possible and hopefully you and your four-legged friends will stay safe, healthy and rat-free. 🐾