Snail Bait Poisoning in Dogs: Dangers, Symptoms & Emergency Care in 2025 🐌☠️🐶

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, Ask A Vet Blog
Published: July 7, 2025

Snail bait may keep your garden looking great—but it’s deadly to dogs. 🐌 Poisoning from metaldehyde, a common ingredient in snail bait, causes rapid muscle tremors, seizures, and even death if not treated quickly. 🧪

🧪 What Is Metaldehyde?

Metaldehyde is the active ingredient in many slug and snail repellents. It’s often flavored with molasses or bran to attract snails—but it also makes it dangerously tasty for dogs. ❗

🧴 Comes in pellets, granules, powder, or liquid form—dogs may ingest it directly or lick it off their paws.

☠️ Toxic Dose

• 🧪 Less than 1 teaspoon per 10 lbs of body weight can cause poisoning
• ⚠️ Very small amounts are dangerous, especially in small dogs

⚠️ Signs of Snail Bait Poisoning

• 💥 Muscle twitching (mild to severe)
• 🌡️ High fever (can cause brain damage)
• 🤢 Vomiting, diarrhea
• 💓 Rapid heart rate
• 😵 Seizures
• 🛌 Lethargy or collapse

🧪 Diagnosis

Vets often diagnose metaldehyde poisoning based on symptoms alone. Tests on stomach contents or urine can confirm it, but rapid care is more important than confirmation. ⏱️

🩺 Emergency Treatment Steps

• 🚑 Immediate transport to the vet
• 🤮 Vomiting may be induced only if safe to do so (within 1 hour & no seizures yet)
• 🛁 Stomach pumping (under anesthesia) if already twitching
• 🧴 Activated charcoal + cathartics to reduce absorption
• 🧠 Muscle relaxants like methocarbamol or diazepam for tremors/seizures
• 💧 IV fluids and temperature control for support

🧬 Monitor for Liver Failure

Some dogs develop liver failure 2–3 days post-poisoning. Regular blood tests and liver support meds may be needed. 🧪

🏡 What to Do at Home

• 💦 Hose down the yard to dissolve any remaining bait
• 🚧 Keep pets out of treated areas for at least 2 weeks

📞 Poison Control Contacts

• 📱 ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435 (fee may apply)
• 📱 HomeAgain Emergency Hotline: 888-466-3242 (free for microchipped pets)

🧼 Prevention Tips

• ✔ Avoid using metaldehyde products in pet-accessible gardens
• ✔ Opt for pet-safe snail deterrents like copper tape or iron phosphate baits
• ✔ Supervise dogs outdoors in high-risk garden zones

📱 Ask A Vet Can Help

Think your dog may have eaten snail bait? Don’t wait—this is a true emergency. ⏱️

📲 Download the Ask A Vet app to connect with licensed vets for urgent poisoning guidance and care. 🐶📱

✅ Summary: Snail Bait Poisoning in Dogs

• ✔ Metaldehyde poisoning is rapid and life-threatening
• ✔ Symptoms include twitching, seizures, fever, vomiting
• ✔ Immediate vet care is essential—there is no antidote
• ✔ Recovery is possible with prompt, aggressive treatment
• ✔ Always use pet-safe garden products

Snail bait may be convenient—but it’s not worth the risk. Awareness and prevention can save your dog’s life. 🐾☠️

Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app to be prepared and get expert support when every second counts. 📱🩺