07/12/2024
🙀 Did you know that snail bait is a significant pet poisoning hazard?
In Australia and New Zealand, most snail baits contain either metaldehyde, methiocarb or iron. Dogs may find these products appetising and will ingest large amounts (even an entire box) if given the chance to do so. Some products may be labelled as pet friendly, whilst others incorporate a bittering agent to deter ingestion. In our experience these bittering agents do not stop curious dogs and whilst some snail baits are considered safer than others, it is important to note that a large ingestion of any of these products may result in life-threatening poisoning.
We would like to remind all pet owners about the safe use of such products. To prevent snail bait poisoning in your pets;
✅ Ensure your pets never have access to snail bait packaging. Many of these products are available in cardboard boxes and can easily be chewed through.
✅ Use as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Do not sprinkle excessive quantities or heap pellets in any particular area. Applying more than recommended can drastically increase the risk to pets.
✅ Be careful not to sprinkle any pellets onto pedestrian pathways next to your garden. Passing dogs may find these highly appetising and you may inadvertently poison someone else’s pet.
✅ Consider pesticide free solutions such as manually removing snails.
The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and can be reached on ☎️1300 869 738 (AU), 0800 869 738 (NZ), 3106 4216 (SG) or (917) 722-5958 (US). If you are a member of a veterinary team in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore or the United States, you can join the Animal Poisons Centre For Vets Facebook group which is regularly updated with toxicology tidbits and poisoning trends. We thank the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development for supporting this post.
