Is Metaldehyde toxic to dogs?

Extreme severity No safe amount — No amount is considered safe.

Yes, Metaldehyde is extremely toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can be life-threatening, so treat any exposure as an emergency and contact a vet immediately. No amount is considered safe.

Symptoms to watch for

agitation
tremors
seizures
severe hyperthermia
organ failure

How vets treat it

Immediate veterinary intervention or contact with a poison helpline is required for life-saving treatment advice.

Why it's dangerous

Metaldehyde ingestion causes rapid neurological dysfunction leading to severe tremors and seizures, which can result in life-threatening hyperthermia and secondary organ failure.

Toxic compound: Metaldehyde

Good to know

Commonly found in slug and snail baits in various forms like pellets, liquids, and powders; particularly prevalent in coastal or subtropical regions.

Sources

Pet Poison Helpline

This page is informational and is not veterinary advice. If your pet has been exposed to something risky, contact your vet or an animal poison control line right away.

The StrawPaw Team · How we prepare our guides

More substances toxic to dogs

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