Help! My dog ate snail bait!
Snail bait, due to the toxic component called metaldehyde, is a common cause of dog poisoning. It’s commonly seen during spring and summer when snail numbers are high and gardeners are trying to control their numbers. They are designed to attract and kill snails and slugs. The problem is they also attract our furry friends, who as we know are often not very discerning eaters!
Metaldehyde primarily affects the nervous system, and signs can develop within as little as thirty minutes of ingestion. Some of the signs to be aware of might be:
-
- anxiety and restlessness
- vomiting/diarrhoea
- salivation
- panting
- dilated pupils
- muscle tremors
- incoordination and difficulty walking
- seizures
There is no specific antidote to snail bait. If you know or even suspect your dog may have eaten snail bait you need to take them to the veterinarian IMMEDIATELY, so that your vet can minimise the absorption of the toxin and can initiate treatment.
Prevention is key. If you have pets, simply don’t use it.
There are other more natural alternatives to try. Now I’m no gardener, but here are a few:
- Copper deterrents – place copper around the rim of plant pots or containers to deter slugs and snails by being a barrier and also by giving a slight electric shock.
- Commercial or home made snail traps
- Beer traps! Yep, another use for beer – snails and slugs are attracted to beer and will go to it, if deep enough they can’t get out.
- Hand picking and stomping – yuck – but effective!
