Snail baits are molluscicides containing either metallic (iron) salt-based chem- icals that are supposedly non-toxic to animals, or methiocarb and metaldehyde with acetylcholinesterase inhibitor-based products (blue or green in color), which are poisonous to both pets and humans. Commonly used in climates and locales where slugs are garden pests, it is imperative never to use metaldehyde baits, as there is no antidote.
What Types to Avoid
Most commonly used baits like Defender (metaldehyde) and Baysol (methiocarb) are manufactured in pellets like dry pet foods. They may kill anything that eats them, and the poisoned bodies of the slugs may also become food for unsus- pecting birds, with more environmental impact than anyone would want.
According to Marvista Veterinary web site, only a small amount can kill, (1 tspn per 10 lbs of body weight). It is fatal in more than half of all cases. With no antidote, prevention is the only answer for metaldehyde ingestion. Treatment only address- es symptoms using anaesthesia until the seizures cease. Methiocarb toxicity can sometimes be treated with intravenous atropine to counteract the effects on a pet’s nervous system.
Symptoms of Poisoning
Like many fast-acting poisons, initial symptoms may be twitching, soon becoming uncontrollable, then rigidity and seizures, accompanied by high body temperature, fast heart rate, diarrhea and/or vomiting, and breathing difficulty, resulting in brain damage, coma, and death. Other possible symptoms are staggering, salivating, green vomit (stained by the bait), and dilated pupils. Any of these symptoms mean rush your pet to an Emergency hospital immediately – as seconds will count. Without treatment, death will occur in 4 - 12 hours.
What To Do
If very recent ingestion was observed (less than an hour prior), and there are yet no seizures, inducing vomiting may prevent some of the poison from being digested. Get the pet to the hospital immediately so a vet can pump the stomach.
DO NOT induce vomiting if seizures have begun, as vomit can go into the lungs.
To cause vomiting:
Force pet to swallow 1 or 2 washing soda pellets, but NOT washing powder or laundry detergent!
Washing soda pellets can be found at a supermarket or in a pet First Aid kit.
A teaspoon of salt or very salty water may be used if there is no washing soda available.
A charcoal flush or enema may also be required to clean the poison from the stomach and intestinal tract, and may have to be repeated.
If possible, Bring the poison container to the vet with the animal, to facilitate the proper treatment.
Environmentally Safe Bait
Baits such as Sluggo are said to be environmentally and pet safe and are comprised of a blend of iron phosphate from soil, and also used in fertilizers. Whatever is not eaten by slugs is bio-degradable. When slugs eat it, they stop feeding and generally die and disappear within a week.
Very few commercial brands of snail bait are safely used around dogs and cats. The best policy is to take no chances and not use snail bait around pets. Anything without labeling that specifically says "Safe Around Wildlife and Pets", throw away.
Being Pro-Active
Anyone with a pet that goes outdoors should check with neighbors to see if they address garden problems with pesticides. Inform them that snail baits are toxic to wildlife and domestic pets alike and ask them to consider the environment and use only biodegradable brands that say “safe around wildlife and pets”. Being perceived as meddlesome or an environmental kook is a risk, but it could save innocent bird and animal lives, as well as prevent further toxin absorption into an already overloaded landscape.
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Marie Thomas - Marie Thomas (RieT) is an author in multiple genres, with 18 years in technical writing, and freelance work in science, biographical, and ...
