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Slug and Snail Bait Poisoning in Dogs: Signs and What to Do
Slug and snail bait that contains metaldehyde can poison a dog. If your dog may have eaten bait, call your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Pet parents who want the whole yard to be safe can also create a dog-friendly yard.
What Is Snail Bait?
Snails may seem like small and harmless creatures, but they can be a nuisance when they reside in your garden. Snail bait is a poison that kills snails and slugs.
The Merck Veterinary Manual calls metaldehyde “the active component in over 80% of slug and snail baits globally.” VCA Animal Hospitals says metaldehyde is commonly found in slug and snail baits, which “come in granular, liquid, spray, dust, pellet, meal, gel, and paste forms.”
VCA says that “To attract slugs, they often contain bran or molasses, making them tasty to other animals.” Merck adds that metaldehyde baits “are often formulated in pellets that resemble dog food, with some baits dyed blue or green.” Because the bait is flavored to attract slugs and is tasty to other animals, it is dangerous for animal ingestion. This is why keeping snail bait away from dogs (and other pets) is essential.
Why Is Snail Bait Toxic To Pets?
VCA says poisoning “occurs when pets eat metaldehyde-containing slug or snail bait off the ground or from the storage container.” It also says “Dogs, cats, birds, and other wildlife can all be affected by metaldehyde.” The Merck Veterinary Manual says most reports are in dogs and cats and “are related to careless placement of bait for pest control.”
The Merck Veterinary Manual says “The target organ of toxicity is the CNS,” the central nervous system. Tremors and seizures are signs of neurological damage. Pet Poison Helpline says untreated neurological signs “result in severe fever and death.”
How Much Snail Bait Is Dangerous For Your Dog?
VCA says metaldehyde “may cause signs of poisoning even when the animal ingests very small amounts.” The Merck Veterinary Manual says “Clinical signs of metaldehyde poisoning are dose-dependent and similar in most species.”
VCA adds that the outcome “depends on many factors, including the initial health of the pet, amount ingested, and time to treatment.” A dog that has eaten any bait needs a call to a vet or a poison hotline, whatever the amount.
What Are The Signs Of Snail Bait Poisoning?
VCA says the signs of metaldehyde poisoning are called “shake and bake,” because animals may have “severe tremors or seizures (shake) and an alarmingly elevated body temperature (bake).” It says “The high body temperature may cause damage to internal organs.”
VCA lists the early signs this way: “drooling, vomiting, panting, and anxiety, which can progress to include depression, a wobbly gait, or the characteristic muscle tremors, seizures, and hyperthermia.” Pet Poison Helpline lists “drooling, vomiting, agitation, tremors, and seizures.”
The two vet sources give different windows for when signs start. VCA says signs “are generally seen within a few minutes, and up to three hours after ingestion.” The Merck Veterinary Manual says “In dogs, neurological signs, which predominate, develop 30 minutes to 6 hours after ingestion.” Either way, a pet parent who suspects bait was eaten should call right away. VCA says “There is no time to delay, as death can occur very quickly.”
Liver trouble can follow. VCA says “some pets that survive these initial signs develop liver failure two to three days after ingestion.” The Merck Veterinary Manual also reports liver damage in this window.
If you catch your dog eating snail bait or it starts showing any of these signs, contact a veterinarian promptly for assistance. Call at once, because snail bait poisoning is potentially fatal if it is not treated quickly and appropriately.
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Snail Bait
VCA says to “immediately call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 animal poison center.” Pet Poison Helpline lists (855) 764-7661 on its metaldehyde page, and says “If you think your pet has eaten something potentially toxic, call Pet Poison Helpline or seek immediate veterinary treatment.”
ASPCA Poison Control says it is available “24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” and its number is (888) 426-4435. The ASPCA also says “A consultation fee may apply.” A dog with any of the signs above needs a vet.
How Is Metaldehyde Poisoning Treated?
VCA says “There is no antidote for metaldehyde, but supportive care can treat clinical signs and help prevent more serious complications.” It also says “Treatment may be required for several days.” VCA lists “decontamination, bloodwork monitoring, intravenous fluid therapy, liver support, and medications to control clinical signs.”
Decontamination And Activated Charcoal
The Merck Veterinary Manual says “Treatment should focus on decontamination; controlling hyperthermia, tremors, and seizures; maintaining adequate organ perfusion; and monitoring for and correction of metabolic acidosis.” It says activated charcoal is “recommended in recent ingestions, ideally within 60 minutes and before severe clinical signs have developed.” Only a vet can decide on and give it.
IV Fluids
The Merck Veterinary Manual says intravenous fluids are “essential to correct the metabolic acidosis and associated electrolyte imbalances and to control hyperthermia.”
Blood And Urine Tests
VCA says “Metaldehyde levels in the blood, urine, stomach contents, or liver can be measured at a specialized laboratory.” It adds that “Blood work may be performed to rule out other possible causes of the pet’s signs and to monitor for complications that require further treatment.” Abdominal X-rays, VCA says, “sometimes show bait in the stomach or intestines.”
Safer Ways To Keep Slugs Out Of The Garden
VCA says to “Avoid using slug and snail baits that contain metaldehyde in any area that can be accessed by non-target animals.”
Baits that contain iron phosphate instead of metaldehyde “are considered safer for pets,” VCA says. It adds, “These baits are still potentially toxic due to the iron content, but much larger doses are required to cause poisoning.”
VCA also says “Many gardeners use broken shells, lava rock, or other rough materials to deter slugs from the area without using chemicals.” It says “Placing copper bands around plants or planting lavender, mint or rosemary may also discourage slugs and snails from entering the garden.”
If you do use metaldehyde, VCA says to “always store the product out of reach of children and pets,” in closed containers. It says “Pets should not have access to areas where metaldehyde has been applied, as some products may remain active in soil for several weeks.” It also says “Always follow labeled instructions for application.”
Slug bait is one of many harmful things for dogs that can turn up around a home. Antifreeze is another, and pet parents should know how to help treat antifreeze poisoning in pets.
Snail Bait Toxicity FAQs
Are slug pellets harmful to dogs?
Yes, when they contain metaldehyde. Pellets are one form the bait comes in, and a dog that eats metaldehyde pellets can be poisoned. Call your veterinarian or a poison hotline at once.
Is snail bait toxic to other pets besides dogs?
Yes. The Merck Veterinary Manual says metaldehyde poisoning “most frequently affects dogs and cats.” Cat parents who let their cats in the garden should know that it is also toxic to cats. If you think your pet has ingested snail bait, seek veterinary care immediately.
Can a dog recover from snail bait poisoning?
VCA says “With early treatment, pets are less likely to develop serious signs.” The Merck Veterinary Manual says “Animals that survive the first 24 hours of intoxication have a good prognosis,” and also says “Dogs can require several days of hospitalization and several weeks to fully recover.”
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