Is Terro Ant Killer poisonous to dogs or not? Here’s what you should know. Pests and pets may be similar in spelling, but the comparison stops there. Our love for our dogs equals our hatred for pests like ants. One of the most common ways to attack an indoor ant infestation is with an ant killer.
Terro Ant Killer is a popular option on the market, but when our pet’s safety is on the line, we have to take great measures of caution. So, is Terro Ant Killer poisonous to dogs? Let’s learn more about it!
Before you scroll down to a more in-depth answer to this dog question, “Is Terro Ant Killer Poisonous to Dogs,” you can check out these other dog-related questions answered by our team at We Love Doodles: Are Slugs Poisonous to Dogs and Is Hydrogen Peroxide Safe For Dogs?
Is Terro Ant Bait Poisonous to Dogs?
Here are some questions about Terro Ant Killer when being exposed to dogs.
Can I Use Terro Ant Killer If I Have a Dog Around At Home?
Many people consider Terro Ant Baits safe for use around pets like dogs. However, it’s best to practice caution as the main ingredient in these baits is borax. Borax can be harmful to both animals and children if ingested. Terro Ant Killer Spray is safe when dry, but the company recommends you not use it around pets, children, or food.
Terro also indicates that the product is harmful to humans and animals if swallowed and directs you to contact medical professionals if this occurs. Finally, Terro’s Ant Bait granules also contain borax as an active ingredient, which can harm dogs if they ingest it.
More Dog-Related Guides: Best Flea Killers For Your Yard and Does Ortho Home Defense Kill Fleas?
All About Borax Around Dogs
Borax has many names, including sodium borate, disodium tetraborate, and sodium tetraborate. Boric acid is made from the same chemical compound and is the form of Borax most often used in pesticides – though most people refer to it as borax.
This chemical compound comes in a loose, white, powdery substance. It’s a favorite among homeowners because it makes an excellent cleaning product. Many people also use it to make homemade insect killers.
But as great as it is for cleaning, borax can cause serious harm if ingested. Humans can suffer from headaches, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If they eat a large amount, it can lead to kidney failure.
The same goes for pets like dogs. Most veterinarians will tell you that borax is toxic to dogs. If your dog consumes the product, it can have some nasty implications. Not only should your canine friend not ingest borax, but he shouldn’t even touch it!
More Dog-Related Guides: Does Diatomaceous Kill Fleas and Is Sudocrem on Dogs Safe?
What Happens if a Dog Ingests Terro Ant Killer?
Here’s what happens when your dog ingests Terro Ant Killer. It’s important to understand this before you decide to use the product around your beloved pets.
Is Terro Liquid Ant Bait Toxic to Dogs?
If your dog consumed Terro Ant Killer, it means he has ingested the main ingredient: borax. As we mentioned above, borax is considered toxic to animals like dogs.
A small amount of borax will likely not be deadly, but you may see the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Abdominal Pain
- Diarrhea
- Excessive Thirst
In extreme cases, borax toxicity is considered a medical emergency. You may see more severe symptoms such as twitching, seizures, skin burns, and kidney damage. Borax can also cause skin irritation and eye irritation for your pup.
If you think your dog may have touched or ingested borax, keep a close eye on him for the next couple of hours. He is likely to display symptoms within two to four hours of consumption.
More Dog-Related Guides: What is a Bait Dog?
What Do You Do When a Dog Eats Terro Ant Bait?
The first thing you need to do if you know your dog ate Terro Ant Bait is to call your veterinarian. They can let you know whether you need to schedule an appointment or take your dog immediately to the closest animal hospital. You can take additional steps to care for your dog:
- Find and Keep Terro Ant Killer’s Package: If you still have it, locate the package that the Terro Ant Bait came in. You should have it on hand when you call your vet if they have any questions. When you visit the vet or the animal hospital, take the packaging with you so the doctor can reference any information listed.
- Try to Rinse Your Dog As Much As Possible: If your canine was snacking on a liquid ant bait, he might still have some sticky residue around his mouth or fur. Look for traces of the liquid bait on him and wash it off thoroughly so that he can’t lick it and ingest more of it.
- Try to Observe the Symptoms of Your Dog: If you’re waiting for a response from your vet or the animal hospital, spend that time observing your dog. Please take note of any symptoms he exhibits, especially the ones listed above. Write down any changes so you can give the vet the most information possible when you talk to them.
- Don’t Panic and Do Anything You Wouldn’t Normally Do Unless the Vet Tells You to: You might see various pieces of advice on the internet, particularly about inducing your dog to vomit. Do not try any of the methods listed unless you have talked to your vet and instructed you to do so. Inducing vomit can be dangerous, and some methods can have other harmful effects.
If your vet does give you specific actions to take, write down everything they say and follow their instructions carefully. Be sure to ask clarifying questions as needed. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
More Dog-Related Guides: Is Maltodextrin Safe For Dogs?
What Do I Do If My Dog Ate the Plastic Container?
In most cases, dog owners are concerned about the ingredients in a Terro Ant Bait, such as borax. There’s a good chance your dog will be okay, considering the small amount of borax in the trap, and may only suffer mild symptoms.
However, if your dog also consumed the plastic bait station that housed the bait, he may still be in danger. Dogs should never swallow anything other than food, water, treats, and prescribed medications.
Ingesting plastic pieces can lead to internal perforations and obstruction of the digestive tract, both of which can be lethal and require immediate medical attention. If you think your dog may have eaten the plastic bait station, call your vet and let them know.
Keep an eye out for the following symptoms:
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Bloody stools
- Irregular bowel activity
- Coughing up blood
- Sudden weakness or collapse
These signs could indicate a blockage or internal bleeding. In an emergency, take your dog straight to the animal hospital.
More Dog-Related Guides: Is Food Coloring Safe For Dogs?
Safe Alternatives to Terro Ant Killer
In most cases, your dog consuming Terro Ant Killer will not result in a serious or deadly situation. However, your dog may become sick after interacting with one of these products – especially if it contains borax.
For your dog’s safety and peace of mind, you might consider using a safer alternative to attack an ant problem in your home. Do-it-yourself methods are ideal because you know exactly what is in your product.
Here are some dog-approved ant killers:
1. Diatomaceous Earth
As odd as it may sound, diatomaceous earth is an incredibly useful product made from the fossilized shells of microscopic water creatures. Diatomaceous earth can be found in a powder substance, which gets made by grinding up the sediment.
This all-natural product is excellent for killing insects, including cockroaches, fleas, bedbugs, earwigs, and ants. It works by sticking to the insect’s exoskeleton and breaking it down from the outside, dehydrating the bug until it dies.
Diatomaceous earth is also considered safe for pets. Your dog would have to inhale a lot to cause any problems. Even so, it would only cause some minor lung irritation.
2. Phenethyl Propionate
Phenethyl propionate is alcohol and acid found in plants, plant products, and other consumables like peanuts, beer, cheese, and guava. While it’s frequently included as a fragrance in some products and food flavoring in others, it also works well as an insecticide.
Phenethyl propionate may be difficult to use for DIY purposes, but it’s often the main ingredient in pet-safe insect killers. Look for it in ant killers and know it’s safe to use around your dog.
3. Essential Oils
There is a long list of essential oils that people have used for decades to eliminate and deter insects like ants. Many of these same oils are safe to use around your dog and don’t seriously threaten their health.
A few natural essential oils you can use to kill or deter ants include:
- Orange oil
- Clove
- Peppermint
- Cinnamon
- Thyme
- Wintergreen
- Cedarwood oil
Your dog can suffer from minor and temporary irritation if he gets one of these oils in his eyes, and concentrated formulas may also cause some slight skin irritation. But generally, these are safe to use around your dog. They work very well for do-it-yourself sprays in and around the home. Plus, many of them smell much better than the average ant spray.
4. Vinegar
A quick and easy DIY ant killer is nothing more than vinegar. Both apple cider and white vinegar work well as an instant ant killer. These everyday household ingredients kill ants – among other insects – and will also erase the chemical trail ants leave for their colony.
Vinegar is safe to use around pets. Even if your dog gets near it, it doesn’t have an alluring smell. Your dog will likely turn his nose to the scent and leave it alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about Terro ant traps? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions.
Can I use Terro ant bait if I have pets in my home?
You can, but we recommend that you put the traps out of reach. Terro products are designed to work when placed in corners of your cabinets, counters, and other hard-to-reach places. Consider tucking the traps well out of the way of your pets should you feel it’s necessary to use them in your home.
What are pet-friendly alternatives to Terro ant killer?
The FDA has approved diatomaceous earth for use around pets. It kills a variety of insects, and won’t harm your pets! You can pick up a bag to keep handy from online retailers like Amazon, or from your local feed and grain store.
What do I do if my dog was bitten by ants?
Your poor baby is probably very scared, itchy, and uncomfortable! Start by applying a cold compress to the area in which he was bit. Then, watch for signs of swelling. A cold water bath is fine for extremities so long as you don’t expose your dog to colder temperatures for prolonged periods of time.
The swelling, itching, and redness on your pup should subside. If not, please call your vet for instructions. Alternatively, call a pet helpline such as the one at PetIQ – 1-800-775-4519.
Conclusion For “Is Terro Ant Killer Poisonous to Dogs”
So, is Terro Ant Killer poisonous to dogs? The answer to this question is most likely no. It won’t kill your dog. But how toxic is Terro ant bait? It all depends on how much your dog manages to consume.
Consuming the contents of one liquid ant bait will not kill your dog. It may not even result in significant symptoms. But it can cause your dog to get sick. Your dog might experience uncomfortable and dangerous symptoms like vomiting, dehydration, seizures, and diarrhea.
Whenever your dog eats something he shouldn’t, it’s always best to contact professionals for reliable help. Your vet can help you determine the severity of the situation and will give you sound advice on what to do about Terro ant bait dogs get into.
Regarding our furry friends, the best motto is better safe than sorry. Be sure to read the ingredients label on all products you use around your home and research what’s safe and what’s not. Your puppy pal will thank you for it.
If you find this guide, “Is Terro Ant Killer Poisonous to Dogs,” helpful, you can check out these other dog-related questions from our team at We Love Doodles:
- Does Alcohol Kill Fleas?
- Why Does My Dog’s Ear Make a Crackling Noise?
- How to Get Rid of Fleas on Dogs Naturally
You can learn more about alternatives by watching “Best Pet Safe Ant Killers For Home and Kitchen” down below:
Dr. Sabrina Kong graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in England in 2016 and has been working at a small animal clinic in Northern California since then. She grew up in the Bay Area and got her bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She also became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through a program at the University of Tennessee.
When she isn’t in the clinic taking care of her four-legged patients, she enjoys traveling and trying new foods with her friends and her three-legged dog, Apollo. She adopted Apollo from her clinic when he was a puppy with numerous health issues. Dr. Kong truly cares about taking care of animals.