chemical
Slug bait
IMMEDIATE VET ATTENTION
Slug and snail bait containing metaldehyde causes severe tremors and seizures and can kill dogs.
If your dog has eaten this item, contact your vet or an emergency veterinary service now.
If your dog is showing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, seizures, collapse, severe vomiting, unconsciousness or other serious symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
What to do
Contact your vet immediately.
When to contact a vet: Emergency vet attention immediately. Bring the bait packaging.
Symptoms to look for
- anxiety
- drooling
- vomiting
- tremors
- seizures
- high body temperature
- rapid breathing
- collapse
Why
Metaldehyde is a neurotoxin. Dogs are attracted to the blue or green pellets and can eat a toxic amount very quickly. Signs often start within an hour with anxiety, drooling and tremors, and can progress to continuous seizures and a very high body temperature. Without rapid treatment it can be fatal.
- Substances of concern
- metaldehyde
- Safer parts
- {}
- Parts to avoid
- {"slug pellets","snail pellets","slug bait granules"}
- Preparation
- No safe preparation.
- How much matters
- A small handful can be fatal for a medium-sized dog.
- Severity
- Fatal if untreated
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlPrimary authoritative — Chemical exposure
- Pet Poison HelplinePrimary authoritative — Chemical exposure
Information reviewed against recognised veterinary and animal-safety sources. Source organisations are independent of Is It For Dogs unless otherwise stated.
Last reviewed 6 September 2026 · next review due September 2027.
Safety classifications are based on available expert and veterinary information. Individual dogs may react differently, particularly dogs with allergies, existing health conditions or specific dietary requirements.
Important: Is It For Dogs provides general information about the safety of foods, plants, drinks, ingredients and other items around dogs. Our information is based on sources we consider reliable and is intended to help dog owners make informed decisions. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified veterinary professional. Read more
Dogs can react differently depending on their size, age, health, allergies, medications, the amount consumed and other circumstances. An item classified as Safe is not necessarily suitable for every individual dog.
If your dog has eaten something potentially poisonous or dangerous, has eaten an unknown substance, or is showing concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary service immediately.
Do not induce vomiting or give your dog medication unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional.