we never poison rats that our dogs may come into contact with we trap them but my mates lakie pup and whippet got a rat passing through the kennel about 2 weeks ago by the time i got into the run it was eaten i wouldnt worry about it fox's etc eat the likes of rats every day if they are going to catch something from them what difference will it make swallowing one to having about 30 bleeding in there mouths on a ratting trip if they are gonna catch something the will catch it whether they eat them on spit them back out .