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Metaldehyde (slug and snail bait)
slug pellets, snail bait
A professional reference for veterinary specialists. It does not replace clinical judgement.
Species and toxic dose
| Species | Risk | Toxic dose |
|---|---|---|
| Dog | Toxic | LD50 about 200-600 mg/kg; about a teaspoon of bait can kill a 5-lb (about 2 kg) dog, depending on the product. Reference book A veterinary reference written and reviewed by specialists, summarising accepted practice. The product label gives the authorised dose. |
| Cat | Toxic | LD50 about 207 mg/kg. Reference book A veterinary reference written and reviewed by specialists, summarising accepted practice. The product label gives the authorised dose. |
Toxic principle
Not fully known: it lowers GABA, serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain and so the seizure threshold.
Onset
From 30 minutes to 6 hours (typically 1-4 hours); signs last 24-72 hours.
Clinical signs
Panting, tachycardia, vomiting, mydriasis, ataxia, generalised tremors, marked hyperthermia, seizures, coma; with large exposures acidosis, liver damage after 2-3 days and DIC from hyperthermia. Death from respiratory failure 4-24 hours after exposure.
Organs affected
Central nervous system, liver.
Treatment principle (for veterinarians)
Confirm the product first: iron-based baits are managed differently. Emesis only within 30 minutes and only without signs, never during tremors; gastric lavage with a cuffed tube in a symptomatic animal. Methocarbamol for tremors, diazepam or midazolam infusion; active cooling; chemistry daily for 72 hours. Haemodialysis cleared the toxin many times faster in reported dogs. Prognosis is good if the animal survives the first 24 hours with treatment.
In the reference: Diazepam, Midazolam
A summary of the principles in the sources, not a protocol: doses and the plan are the treating veterinarian's decision.
Sources
- Reference book. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Tips for treating baclofen and metaldehyde poisoning in dogs and cats. aspcapro.org 2025
- Scientific article. Rodary M, et al. Medium cut-off dialyser for severe metaldehyde intoxication in three dogs. Veterinary Medicine and Science 12(2):e70813 2026
- Reference book. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Hepatotoxicant table. aspcapro.org 2020
- Reference book. Department of Animal Science, Cornell University. Common cat toxicities. poisonousplants.ansci.cornell.edu 2018
Professional reference for veterinary professionals. Not advertising and not a substitute for the product label/SPC.
For veterinary professionals only. It does not replace clinical judgement or the product label; check the dose in the official label (SPC). vetman is not liable for harm caused by using this information.
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This reference is still growing. Missing a product? Let us know. · Report an error or request an addition · Updated: 22 Oct 2026