How wobbliness changes the emergency level
When a 30 kg dog stumbles minutes after ingestion, this points to neurotoxic rodenticides like bromethalin—a ‘one-block-can-kill’ scenario. Unlike anticoagulants that act days later, these attack the nervous system directly. Your dog’s size doesn’t provide protection; the poison is already disrupting nerve signals to his muscles.
The wobbliness you see likely means swelling in his central nervous system has begun. Time is critical—hospitals use IV mannitol to reduce brain swelling, but only if given early. Don’t wait for seizures; transport him now, keeping him cool and quiet to slow toxin spread.
Why inducing vomiting could be deadly
With bromethalin or zinc phosphide, vomiting risks aspirating poison into the lungs or triggering violent seizures. Even if you saw the block go down whole, let professionals decide—some clinics use endoscopy to remove it intact. Your dog’s current instability makes at-home interventions too risky.
If the packaging reveals cholecalciferol (vitamin D3 analog), the danger is different: it causes calcium levels to skyrocket over 12-72 hours, damaging kidneys. Wobbliness now suggests he ate a massive dose—this requires immediate blood tests and specialized drugs to bind calcium.
The race against invisible damage
Neurotoxins don’t show up on standard blood work—your vet diagnoses by symptoms and history. MRI scans may detect brain swelling, but many clinics act on suspicion alone because waiting for confirmation loses precious hours. A 30 kg dog’s veins allow faster IV access for life-saving meds than a cat’s, but the drugs themselves are high-risk.
Monitor his breathing depth and gum color during transport—shallow breaths or blue-tinged gums mean oxygen support is needed. Cover his eyes with a towel if he’s disoriented; bright light worsens neurological distress. Don’t offer water—some toxins react violently with fluids in the stomach.
What intensive care will involve
Expect 48-72 hours of hospitalization with constant neurological checks—vets watch for ‘decerebrate posture’ (rigid limbs) signaling irreversible damage. IV lipids may be used to absorb fat-soluble toxins, a treatment that’s weight-dependent—your dog’s 30 kg size requires precise dosing.
Even if he stabilizes, some dogs develop permanent tremors or blindness. Ask about follow-up neurology consults—the first two weeks post-exposure are critical for assessing long-term effects. Recovery isn’t linear; he may seem better then relapse, requiring readmission.
The step-by-step response, from the first minute to the vet visit, is in our Rat Poison (Rodenticide) Poisoning emergency guide.