---
title: "Slug Pellet Poisoning in Pets UK"
description: "Slug and snail pellets containing metaldehyde are a common UK garden poison for dogs and cats. Symptoms, Animal PoisonLine, emergency action."
url: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/slug-pellet-poisoning-pets-uk"
canonical: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/slug-pellet-poisoning-pets-uk"
date_published: "2026-06-25"
date_modified: "2026-07-10"
source: "PETHEALTH+"
---

# Slug Pellet Poisoning in Pets UK

**Metaldehyde slug pellets are a garden emergency.** Dogs often eat pellets scattered on lawns and borders — causing tremors, seizures, and overheating. If your pet may have ingested slug bait, call your vet or **Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000** immediately and go to an emergency clinic — do not wait for tremors.

## Why slug pellets poison pets

**Metaldehyde** — the active ingredient in many traditional UK slug and snail pellets — is one of the most dangerous **garden poisons** for dogs. Cats are less commonly affected but can still be poisoned.

Metaldehyde affects the nervous system, causing:

- Severe **muscle tremors and twitching**
- **Seizures**
- **Hyperthermia** (dangerously high body temperature)
- Vomiting, wobbliness, and rapid heart rate
- Coma and death without treatment

UK gardens see peak exposure in **spring and autumn** when gardeners treat slugs on vegetables, hostas, and lawns. Dogs explore with their mouths — a handful of blue or brown pellets can be lethal for a small dog.

## Recognising metaldehyde poisoning

Signs often begin within **30 minutes to 3 hours**:

- Restlessness and panting
- Muscle tremors — starting in face or legs
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Wobbly or uncoordinated walking
- **Seizures**
- Collapse and coma

Hyperthermia is common — body temperature can exceed 41°C, causing organ damage. This is always a **same-day emergency**.

## Ferric phosphate vs metaldehyde

UK shops increasingly stock **ferric phosphate** (iron phosphate) slug pellets marketed as safer for wildlife and pets. These are **preferable** to metaldehyde but are not risk-free — large ingestions can still cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset.

Always read the label. If the active ingredient is **metaldehyde**, treat any ingestion as life-threatening.

## What to do immediately

1. **Call your vet or Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) now** — do not wait for tremors
2. Bring the **product tub or photograph the label**
3. Keep your pet cool — overheating worsens outcomes
4. **Do not induce vomiting** unless your vet instructs you
5. Out of hours: [Vets Now emergency clinic finder](https://www.vets-now.com/find-an-emergency-vet/)

Veterinary treatment may include:

- Induced vomiting and activated charcoal if recent
- **IV fluids** and temperature control
- **Muscle relaxants** (methocarbamol) and anti-seizure medication
- Anaesthesia in severe tremor cases to control seizures
- Hospitalisation for 24–48 hours with continuous monitoring

Survival depends on dose and how quickly treatment starts.

## Pet-safe slug control in UK gardens

- **Avoid metaldehyde entirely** if dogs or cats use the garden
- Choose **ferric phosphate** products if chemical control is needed — still store securely
- Use **physical barriers** — copper tape, sharp grit, beer traps (placed where pets cannot drink)
- Hand-pick slugs at dusk on damp evenings
- Encourage natural predators — hedgehogs, frogs, and birds
- Store all garden chemicals in **locked sheds** — not open shelves in garages dogs access
- Water pellets in according to label — scattered dry pellets are more attractive to dogs

If your dog is a known scavenger, consider fencing off vegetable beds or using raised beds with netting.

## Cats and slug pellets

Cats rarely eat pellets directly but may ingest them while grooming paws after walking through treated areas. Any suspected exposure warrants a vet call.

## FAQs

### Are slug pellets poisonous to dogs?

Yes. Metaldehyde-based slug pellets cause seizures, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs — and can be fatal without rapid vet treatment. Even small amounts from garden spills are dangerous.

### What are signs of slug pellet poisoning?

Muscle tremors, twitching, restlessness, panting, vomiting, wobbliness, seizures, and collapse. Signs can start within 30 minutes to hours.

### Are ferric phosphate slug pellets safe for pets?

Ferric phosphate (iron phosphate) products are generally considered lower risk than metaldehyde, but ingestion of large quantities can still cause illness. Store all garden products away from pets.

### What should I do if my dog ate slug pellets?

Phone your vet or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 immediately. Bring the product tub or label. Do not wait for tremors — early decontamination and supportive care improve survival.

## Sources

- [RSPCA — Garden poisons](https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/cats/health/poisoning)
- [Animal PoisonLine](https://www.animalpoisonline.co.uk)
- [BVA — Pet poisons](https://www.bva.co.uk)
- [PDSA — Poisoning advice](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub)

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Last modified: 2026-07-10