Is Metaldehyde (Slug & Snail Bait) Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Metaldehyde slug and snail bait is severely toxic to both cats and dogs, causing anxiety, tremors, and seizures within hours. Call a vet immediately.
Potentially life-threatening — treat any exposure as an emergency.
Potentially life-threatening — treat any exposure as an emergency.
In an emergency, do not wait.
Medical disclaimer: This tool is for general information only and isnot a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Toxicity depends on the amount, your pet’s size, and health history. If your pet may have ingested something harmful, contact your veterinarian or a poison control hotline ((888) 426-4435 / (855) 764-7661) immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear.
What is Metaldehyde (Slug & Snail Bait)?
Metaldehyde slug and snail bait is severely toxic to both cats and dogs, causing anxiety, tremors, and seizures within hours. Call a vet immediately.
Also known as: metaldehyde, slug bait, snail bait, slug pellets, snail poison, slug-o, cory's slug death.
Symptoms to Watch For
🐕 In Dogs
- Anxiety, pacing, and panting within 1–3 hours
- Excessive drooling and vomiting
- Muscle tremors and rigidity
- Seizures that can become continuous
- Dangerously high body temperature
🐈 In Cats
- Restlessness and drooling
- Muscle tremors and rigidity
- Seizures
- High body temperature
What to Do If Ingested
- Call a veterinarian or poison hotline IMMEDIATELY — note the product and active ingredient.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a veterinarian directs you to (seizures can make this dangerous).
- Keep the pet calm and cool while getting to a clinic.
- Note the time and amount eaten if known.
Steps apply to both cats and dogs. When in doubt, call a vet or poison hotline before acting.
When to Call the Vet Immediately
Call your veterinarian or a poison control hotline right away if you notice any of these:
- Any slug or snail bait was eaten
- Panting, drooling, or muscle tremors appear
- Seizures or a hot, panting body
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is slug bait so dangerous to dogs?
Metaldehyde — the active ingredient in many slug and snail baits — is highly toxic to dogs and tastes appealing to them. It causes anxiety, panting, drooling, muscle tremors, and seizures that can become continuous, along with a dangerous rise in body temperature. Even a small amount can be fatal without rapid treatment.
Are "pet-safe" slug baits actually safe?
Some slug baits use iron phosphate instead of metaldehyde and are marketed as safer around pets. Iron phosphate is much less toxic, but it is still best to keep all baits out of reach. Always check the active ingredient — if it says metaldehyde, treat any ingestion as an emergency.
How fast do symptoms appear after eating slug bait?
Signs usually appear within 1 to 3 hours of ingestion — anxiety, panting, drooling, and muscle tremors are early warnings, progressing to seizures. Because it acts fast, do not wait for symptoms. Call a veterinarian immediately if you suspect any slug bait was eaten.
Sources
This entry is reviewed against the following authoritative veterinary sources.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-11