I often warn in these articles about substances that are worryingly poisonous to our pets but today at least, I get to write some good news as one particular poison has finally been taken off the market.

Metaldehyde slug baits have been widely used for years in gardens and on commercial farms and every now and then we will see a slug bait poisoning in dogs (these dogs can be seriously ill with neurological signs).

However, after much campaigning from conservation groups about the affect these poisons have on wild birds and mammals, these products have finally been banned. The ban itself was announced in September 2020 but was phased in slowly over 18 months to give growers a chance to switch to other products.

So, from April 1, this year it will be illegal to sell and use metaldehyde products. I am delighted by this news as I have seen some nasty slug bait poisonings over the years.

To replace metaldehyde slug baits there are now pesticides containing ferric oxide that are authorised for use commercially and in gardens. These baits do not pose risk to wildlife and much less risk to our pets. If a very large amount of this new slug bait is eaten (particularly by a small dog or cat) it may produce gastrointestinal signs (an upset tummy) but nothing like the neurological signs we used to see with metaldehyde poisoning.

Any product like this should be used with caution in the garden if you have pets but the risk is undoubtedly less with the new generation of slug baits.

n Alice Moore is a vet at Castle Veterinary Clinic, Dorchester and

Weymouth. Phone 01305 267083