Slug poison intoxication in dogs can be a life threatening condition. Dogs who scavenge may be at a higher risk of eating something they shouldn’t. Treatment requires prompt identification of the cause and hospitalisation for several days. 

Slug poison intoxication in dogs can develop quickly if they ingest a product containing metaldehyde. It can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, tremours and seizures. Ferrous oxide containing products require a large amount to be ingested for symptoms to develop. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, collapse and liver failure. Long-term problems may develop as a consequence of intoxication. If you suspect your dog may have eaten slug poison, take them to see a vet immediately.

Overview

What is slug poison intoxication in Dogs?

Slug poison can contain different substances with varying toxic levels to dogs.

Metaldehyde

Metaldehyde has a pleasant flavour for dogs and can be used as liquid, powder, granules or pellets.

If ingested it quickly gets absorbed into the body and directly affects the brain and nerves.

Symptoms may start as early as 30 minutes after ingestion and will develop within 3-4 hours.

The use of metaldehyde in slug poison has been prohibited in the UK.

It can be found as solid fuel for camping.

Ferrous Oxide

Ferrous oxide contains iron.

Eating large amounts of Ferrous oxide can lead to a toxic amount of Iron building up in the body.

Iron is only partially absorbed in the gut, so toxicity is less common.

No harm is expected if less than 20 mg/kg of elemental iron has been ingested.

Dogs who ingest between 20 and 60 mg/kg of elemental iron may develop some symptoms.

Serious disease is expected after ingestion of more than 60 mg/kg.

Iron can also accumulate in the body over time, and repeated ingestion of small amounts can still be dangerous.

Excess iron in the body will damage many cell types and organs.

If very large amounts are ingested, initial symptoms are related to digestion, but after some time, ranging from 2 days to 6 weeks, dogs may develop severe signs in other organs.

Symptoms

Symptoms of slug poison intoxication

Symptoms will depend on the product ingested.

Metaldehyde

• Restlessness
• Panting
• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Incoordination
• Muscle tremors
• Seizures
• Collapse

Ferrous oxide

First 6 hours after ingestion:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Blood in stools or vomit

12 hours to 3 days after ingestion:

• Lack of energy
• Return of vomiting and diarrhoea
• Panting
• Bruising or spontaneous bleeding
• Low blood pressure
• Collapse
• Liver failure

2-6 weeks after ingestion, surviving animals may develop complications such as:

• Scarring in the gut, causing partial or complete intestinal blockage
• Liver disease

Risk

Dogs at higher risk for slug poison intoxication

All dogs can suffer from slug poison intoxication.

Smaller dogs can ingest dangerous amounts more easily.

Dogs that are at higher risk for heat stroke (such as flat-nosed breeds) or those with heart disease are more likely to develop life-threatening complications from metaldehyde toxicity.

Iron cannot be easily eliminated from the body, so dogs that have had overdoses of iron products will more easily develop toxicity from ferrous oxide.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of slug poison intoxication in dogs

Diagnosis of slug poison intoxication is usually based on finding out about ingestion and the symptoms.

No specific test is available for metaldehyde intoxication.

Measuring blood levels of iron is possible, but this is only available in some labs.

Vet treatment

Veterinary treatment of slug poison intoxication

• The first and most important step in treating an intoxication is to stop the poison from getting into the blood and organs. If slug poison was ingested, the stomach should be emptied as quickly as possible, ideally within 30-90 minutes. This can be done with an injection to make them sick or by pumping the stomach under anaesthesia.
• The next step is to give activated charcoal, which will stick to the poison in the gut and prevent it from being absorbed. Large amounts are needed, so a high-strength veterinary product is best. This may be needed for up to three days.
• Dogs that have ingested metaldehyde products are likely to need intensive hospital care for 1-3 days to control the tremors/seizures and manage complications. If the liver is affected, full recovery may take several weeks.
• If only a small amount of ferrous oxide was ingested, preventing absorption of the poison and monitoring may be enough. If a large amount was ingested or symptoms have developed, your dog is likely to require medication and supportive care for several days. Medication is available to help the body get rid of excess iron, but this is a slow process that requires multiple injections over time.

Home treatment

Home treatment of slug poison toxicity in dogs

Always contact a vet for advice immediately if you think your pet has ingested slug poison.

Metaldehyde ingestion almost always requires immediate emergency care.

Ferrous oxide intoxication requires ingestion of greater amounts, but if enough is ingested, treatment is also urgent.

If you have it, take the package of the slug poison with you so the vet can see what substance is involved.

Prevention

Prevention of slug poison intoxication

• Do not use metaldehyde-based products, and safely dispose of any you have stored.
• Monitor your dog closely when out and about, especially around cultivated or garden areas.
• Pesticide-free slug control methods can go a long way in preventing the need to use potentially dangerous substances.
• If you choose to use a ferrous oxide product, follow the instructions on the label carefully and make sure no dogs can access the area for at least 2 weeks.

Living with slug poison intoxication in dogs

Treatment of slug poison intoxication is difficult and requires intensive care and hospitalisation, but many dogs will make a full recovery over days to weeks.

Some cases will be left with long-term complications, such as brain, liver or intestinal problems. They may need long-term medications or specialised foods to manage symptoms.

When to worry

When to worry about slug poison intoxication

Always speak to a vet immediately if you suspect your dog has ingested slug poison, so the risk can be assessed and treatment advice given.

If your dog develops any of the following symptoms, see a vet as soon as possible:

• Restlessness or distress
• Panting
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Vomiting and/or diarrhoea with blood
• Unexplained bruising
• Yellow gums (jaundice)

Joii can help if:

• You aren’t sure if the product they came into contact with is of high toxicity
• You need advice on what to do after suspecting your cat may have eaten something they shouldn’t