Roach baits are really good at attracting bugs, but they can also catch the attention of curious pups.
Since these baits are designed to kill insects, it’s understandable to worry if your dog happens to eat a roach bait, like Combat, that you’ve left in a corner of the house.
What you might not realize is that dogs often end up eating roach bait, no matter if it’s from Hot Shot, Maxforce, Fipronil, or Raid. The traps often have sweet ingredients, like sugar, that attract both cockroaches and dogs.
Dogs love to chew on things, and the yummy smell of these baits makes them even more tempting. It’s easy to see why your dog might be interested.
You might think these baits are dangerous for your dog, but that’s not usually the case. Most modern roach traps are made with safety in mind, so dogs would have to eat a lot of them before it could be harmful. If your dog only licked or took one bite, there’s no need to worry.
The bigger issue would be if your dog eats the plastic case the bait comes in. This can cause blockages in their stomach or even choking, which can be very dangerous if not treated quickly.
If you think your dog might have swallowed some plastic, it’s best to take them to the vet right away for an urgent check-up and treatment.
What’s In Combat Roach Bait, Anyway?
Combat employs two poisons in their roach baits, based on the specific bait such as Fipronil 0.05 percent or Hydramethylnon 2.2%. The two poisons are all active components used in the formulation since the rest of the bait is safe and is made up by sugars as well as preservatives.
The two Hydramethylnon and Fipronil are extremely broad in terms of safety and are safe for use with dogs.
Fipronil 0.05%
Fipronil is not just found in bait stations for roaches, as well as in treatments for ticks and fleas in canines. This will tell you plenty about its security!
Fipronil works by affecting the insect’s brain and nerves. It is a stronger insecticide than hydramethylnon. It kills cockroaches in 6 to 24 hours.
Here’s how it works:
- Fipronil blocks channels in the insect’s nerve cells.
- It affects the central nervous system.
- Cockroaches die within 6 to 24 hours after exposure.
Despite the fact that it kills insects and other insects, it is much less harmful to mammals. Both cats and dogs can tolerate fipronil with ease, and the dose that kills dogs is 640 mg per kilogram body weight.
The neurotoxicity of the brain has been demonstrated in research studies to manifest in doses that exceed 2 mg/kg and symptoms that manifest within a couple of hours and include incoordination and loss balance in addition to hyperactivity, tremors muscle cramps, convulsions and seizures.
Hydramethylnon 2%
Hydramethylnon is an insecticide that works more slowly, killing cockroaches within two to four days after they eat it. The delay is intentional, as it allows the cockroach to return to its colony and spread the poison to other cockroaches.
Here’s how it works:
- It stops the cockroach’s cells from making energy.
- This makes the cockroach slow and less interested in eating.
Like fipronil, hydramethylnon has very low toxicity for dogs and would be fatal only in very large amounts (28,000 mg per kilogram of body weight).
In studies, rats (but not dogs) fed hydramethylnon showed signs like:
- Excessive drooling
- Loss of appetite
- Trouble balancing
- Low energy
Will Combat Roach Bait Hurt My Dog? A Concealed Danger
As you might have realized yourself in the preceding section, it’s nearly unattainable for dogs to be poisoned by or both the Fipronil or Hydramethylnon the contents of one Combat baiting station.
If it does eat several traps, there will probably be very few negative consequences. According to the manufacturer themselves, a dog weighing 10 pounds is likely to begin experiencing toxic symptoms after eating 50 tray!
It’s not only the smallest amount in poisons to eliminate cockroaches the poisons themselves aren’t well absorbent from the dog’s digestive tract because of their chemical nature. Around 5 percent of the poison will be in the body while the rest will be eliminated.
It’s the norm in the event that a dog is fed something that isn’t designed to be eaten by its stomach, it could have a mild stomach irritation for a few minutes. The most frequent adverse effects that can occur when roach bait is consumed include drooling as well as lip-licking (a indication of nausea) as well as sudden vomiting and diarrhea.
In the rare event of poisoning with a serious nature, symptoms could include tremors, fatigue, frequent urination, seizures, breathing difficulties, and tremors.
The Hidden Danger…
You’re not alone the most hazardous aspect that roaches are able to catch is their plastic housing which carries the poison, not the poison in itself.
“How can plastic be dangerous?” You might think.
To find the tasty lure in the bait station dogs will usually break and tear the exterior housing. This leads to sharp shards of plastic scattered all over the floor. some of which may be ingested accidentally or deliberately from the pet.
Plastic fragments can pose an choking hazard as well as an obstruction of the stomach risk. If they’re sufficiently sharp, they could cause lacerations to both the stomach and the throat.
Although small pieces of plastic are likely to getting into the throat and getting passed down the stool Dogs tend to not chew well before swallowing. This means that the plastic pieces that are swallowed can be very big or in the case of determined dogs, completely.
Choking causes the airway be blocked, which stops circulation of oxygen to the body. This prevents the dog from breathing and can lead to unconsciousness as well as brain and organ damage, and eventually death.
If several pieces of plastic reach the esophagus into the stomach, it’s possible to cause obstruction of the pylorus. This is when foreign objects are trapped in the pyloric sphincter region in between stomachs and the small intestinal.
A stomach obstruction is extremely hazardous, as it shuts off circulation, causing surrounding organs to start to degrade. A blockage that is only partial could turn into a complete blockage at any time therefore it is essential to keep an eye on your dog’s health and get it to the vet right away in the event that you observe any signs.
Signs of GI obstruction may begin about 3-8 hours following the the initial intake, and may be characterized as:
- Lethargy
- Heavy panting
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- A loss of appetite
- Visible stomach bloating
- Constipation
- Stools that are bloody
What Should I Do If My Dog Ate Combat Roach Gel Or Bait?
Combat Roach bait has very low toxicity for dogs, so there’s usually not much to worry about if that’s all your dog ate. However, if your dog eats a large amount—more than 0.45 grams of bait per pound of their body weight—vomiting might be necessary.
If your dog also chewed on the plastic case, you should look out for signs of choking or stomach blockage.
What to Do if Your Dog Is Choking:
Check the throat:
If you can see the object in your dog’s throat and it’s within reach, carefully try to remove it with your fingers.Don’t dig blindly:
If you can’t see the object, don’t try to search for it by sticking your fingers down the throat. This could push the object deeper and make the choking worse.Avoid tools:
Don’t use items like scissors, sticks, or pliers to remove the object. These could injure your dog’s throat and make the situation worse.Try the Heimlich maneuver:
If you can’t see or reach the object, the Heimlich maneuver may help dislodge it. Watch a trusted video tutorial or follow these steps:- Stand behind your dog and place your hands under their ribcage.
- Gently but firmly push upwards toward the spine to apply pressure.
- Repeat a few times until the object is expelled.
Always monitor your dog closely after choking or eating something unusual. If you notice signs like difficulty breathing, vomiting, or lack of appetite, contact your vet immediately.
If You Suspect Your Dog Has An Internal Blockage…
If you’re worried or suspect your dog is suffering from an obstruction in the internal lining of their dog, you’ll be required to watch it attentively over the next few days and hours for any warning symptoms.
Although it’s not yet showing any signs of obstruction There are a few actions you can take to reduce the risk.
If your dog ate the plastic pieces in the last couple of hours eating mashed potato plain pumpkin paste, some slices of bread might be an ideal idea.
The idea for this theory is that it is capable of forming bulk and also cushion and cover sharp edges of plastic. This helps them flow much more smoothly through dogs’ digestive tracts, and avoid internal lacerations.
In the same way, making your dog vomit in this scenario may not be the most effective decision without first taking an X-ray. In the event of bringing sharp or heavy pieces of plastic in the same way can cause serious harm to the lining of the esophageal tract and cause more damage than it is worth.
In the coming days, substitute your dog’s regular meals with a “bland diet comprised comprising 25% lean cooked animal and 75% cooked white rice. The diet is extremely simple to digest, and can aid in the bowel movements of your dog to be processed faster.
In that regard, keep watch on the excrement for plastic pieces! Fun times indeed.
When you observe any of the signs listed above, such as a swollen stomach, lethargy or bloody stool, don’t hesitate to bring your pet to the vet as soon as you notice any of the symptoms listed above.
It’s possible that it’s the crucial difference between living and dying because stomach blockages can happen quickly and in a way that is not predictable.
How To Prevent Your Dog From Eating Combat Roach Bait
Keeping your dog safe from eating roach bait is all about smart placement and planning. Here are some simple tips to prevent future accidents:
1. Place Baits Out of Reach
- Avoid placing traps in open areas, like the middle of the room or easily accessible spots.
- Instead, put them in hidden areas, such as:
- Inside a closed cupboard under the sink.
- On high shelves or countertops where your dog can’t reach.
2. Think Like Your Dog
- Get down to your dog’s level and check what areas are accessible to them.
- Ensure traps are out of sight and reach from their curious nose.
3. Store Unused Baits Safely
- Never leave unopened traps lying around.
- Keep them in secure drawers, high cabinets, or other places your dog can’t get to.
Summary
If your dog eats Combat Roach bait:
- The poison itself (Fipronil or Hydramethylnon) has low toxicity to dogs. Large amounts are needed to cause side effects like nausea or vomiting.
- The plastic housing could pose a risk of choking or internal blockage. If swallowed, this may require immediate medical attention.
Watch for signs like:
- Bloody stool
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
- Constipation
If you notice these symptoms, contact your vet right away. Prevention is key, so keep roach baits out of reach and your furry friend safe!