Snail bait might help protect your garden—but for our pets, even a small amount can be fatal. At Animal Emergency Service, we regularly treat dogs and cats suffering from metaldehyde toxicity, the active ingredient in most snail and slug baits.
Metaldehyde poisoning progresses rapidly, and without immediate veterinary intervention, it can be life-threatening.
This blog will help you understand the dangers, how to recognise the signs, and what to do if your pet is exposed.
What Is Snail Bait?
Snail and slug baits are commonly used in gardens and around outdoor plants to deter pests. These products often come in pellet or granular form, making them easy to scatter—but unfortunately, also very easy for pets to ingest.
To make matters worse, many snail baits are flavoured or scented to attract pests, which means they often appeal to dogs too. Cats are less commonly affected but may ingest it indirectly (through grooming contaminated paws or fur).
The active ingredient, metaldehyde, affects the nervous system—causing symptoms within as little as 30 minutes of ingestion.
Why Is Snail Bait So Dangerous for Pets?
Metaldehyde is a potent neurotoxin. It causes overstimulation of the nervous system, leading to muscle tremors, seizures, and dangerously high body temperatures. There is no antidote, so treatment relies on fast, aggressive supportive care.
Even a teaspoon or a few pellets can be fatal to a small dog or cat.
Signs of Snail Bait Poisoning
If your pet has ingested snail bait, symptoms can develop rapidly—often within 30 minutes to 3 hours. These may include:
- Intense muscle tremors or twitching
- Seizures
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Excessive drooling or salivation
- Rapid breathing or panting
- Agitation, anxiety, or confusion
- High body temperature (hyperthermia)
- Uncoordinated movement or collapse
Without treatment, symptoms can worsen quickly—leading to organ failure or death.
What to Do If You Suspect Poisoning
If you suspect your pet has ingested rat bait or snail bait, every second counts. The earlier treatment begins, the better the chances of survival and full recovery. Here’s what to do—and what not to do:
DO:
- Stay calm—but act fast. Time is critical. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—some toxins act slowly, while others can trigger rapid deterioration.
- Call your nearest emergency veterinary hospital immediately. Let them know you’re on your way and what the suspected poison is. If you’re unsure which hospital to call, you can find all AES locations here.
- Bring the bait packaging or product label if possible. Knowing the specific type of bait (and active ingredient) helps your vet choose the most effective treatment.
- Safely remove any remaining bait from your pet’s access. If there’s any leftover bait in your home, garden, or on your pet’s fur, remove it or isolate your pet from the area. Use gloves if necessary.
- Keep your pet as calm and quiet as possible. Try to limit their movement to reduce stress on their body—especially if they’re showing signs of bleeding, tremors, or uncoordinated movement.
DO NOT:
- Do NOT wait for symptoms. Some baits (especially anticoagulants) may take hours or days to show clinical signs, but damage can begin immediately.
- Do NOT attempt to induce vomiting at home. While inducing vomiting can sometimes help, doing it incorrectly can cause aspiration (inhaling vomit into the lungs), worsen symptoms, or lead to further complications. This should only be done under veterinary guidance.
- Do NOT give any food, water, milk, or home remedies. These won’t neutralise the poison and could delay more effective treatment.
- Do NOT assume your pet is fine because they “seem normal.” Always err on the side of caution. If there’s any chance they’ve ingested a toxic substance, they need immediate veterinary assessment—even if they appear unaffected at first.
How Is Snail Bait Poisoning Treated?
There is no antidote for metaldehyde, so treatment focuses on stabilisation and symptom control. Early intervention is critical and may include:
- Inducing vomiting (only under veterinary supervision)
- Administering activated charcoal to bind remaining toxins
- Hospitalisation for IV fluids, seizure control, sedation, and temperature regulation
- Monitoring for complications like kidney or liver damage
Pets who receive prompt, intensive treatment have a much better chance of recovery, but time is absolutely critical.
Prevention Is Key
The best way to protect your pet from snail bait poisoning is to avoid using it altogether. If you must use pest control in your garden:
- Opt for pet-safe alternatives or natural deterrents like crushed eggshells, coffee grounds, or copper tape
- Supervise your pet outdoors, especially if visiting other gardens, parks, or shared spaces
- Inform housemates, neighbours, and gardeners about the risks to pets and check for any recently applied baits
- Store all garden chemicals securely and out of reach of pets at all times
Final Thoughts
Snail bait may be small, but its impact on pets can be devastating. At AES, we treat too many emergency cases involving metaldehyde toxicity—many of which could have been avoided with greater awareness and prevention.
If your pet ever ingests or is suspected to have ingested snail bait, don’t wait. If you’re ever unsure, it’s always better to call and act early. Immediate veterinary care can save their life.