Slug/Snail Pellets Almost Deadly to our Dog

[Boudicca]

The slug snail pellets I put atop one of my tall 5 gallon planters, almost killed our geriatric Beagle/Corgie "Meg". Fortunately for Meg, since I applied the pellets, we've had plenty of rain which diluted the mix, and most of it had settled deep into the mulch. Last night I saw Meg standing on her hind legs, digging into the mulch with her nose. Surprising behavior for a dog with hip problems. I called for her to "stop", and she guiltily limped into the house, Later, she began panting and coughing, but we attributed those symptoms to the heat as she had just been out for "walkies". I gave her a small dose of liquid Benadryl which has helped her asthma in the past. However, she continued to pant and was obviously in great distress. We took her to the vet , and she is being treated appropriately, just now showing signs of improvement. I am passing this information along, to let other pet owner's know that the bait is apparently very aluring to our four legged "children" . We are hopeful that Meg will make a full recovery, but we sure learned a valuable lesson. We left the offending bait box to the vet, so I cannot report yet, if there is a warning in the fine print. However, in the interim, I feel very guilty. :(

[pooh]

I'm so glad you got your puppy to the vet quickly. In CA, snail bait is the most common poisoning agent for dogs. Snail bait can contain molasses to attract the snails and it does resemble dog food.

We had LOTS of the slimy creatures. Beer worked in keeping the number down.
Here's one method you could try. Use Beer to Get Rid of Snails in Your Garden - wikiHow (http://m.wikihow.com/Use-Beer-to-Get-Rid-of-Snails-in-Your-Garden)

Hope puppy is improving quickly....it's so distressing when our pets aren't well.
Please let us know how things are going.

[gomoho]

Thank you for the timely warning - prior to coming on TOTV tonight I was researching slug bait. Think I will stick with the old fashioned beer method. Hope your fur friend recovers fully.

[CFrance]

Fingers crossed for Meg. Thanks for the bait info. Molasses would certainly attract a dog.

[Boudicca]

Meg is on the mend, but it will take a while for the effects to wear off. She was allowed home tonight, but we return her to the vet tomorrow for another IV infusion. Amen for pet insurance. We are so pleased our little dog is doing so well.

[Schaumburger]

Meg is on the mend, but it will take a while for the effects to wear off. She was allowed home tonight, but we return her to the vet tomorrow for another IV infusion. Amen for pet insurance. We are so pleased our little dog is doing so well.

Glad to hear that Meg is getting better. I had not heard of the beer method before reading this thread. Another thing I have learned from reading TOTV.

[Patty55]

Glad she's getting better. I remember you posted pictures when you adopted Little Bear, she's a cutie.

[Love2cruise]

Hope Meg is doing better. I have used the beer method here in my garden and it works pretty good, although my dog does try to drink it!

[Boudicca]

Meg is home now, and recovered completely. When we had time to examine the planter with the snail/slug killer, we realized she had actually lapped up the standing water in the base of the plant stand (one of those trays on wheels). It of course, contained tainted water. The vet explained, had Meg eaten as much as a tablespoon of the pellets, it would have been deadly. It made more sense that she had ingested the liquid - all planters duly washed thoroughly, and plants outside where Meg has no access. Thank you for your kind comments.

[gomoho]

Oh what a little sweetie - so glad she is on the mend.

[pooh]

Wonderful that she is home and doing well.....:BigApplause::BigApplause::BigApplause: