What happens if a dog eats 1080 bait?

If you suspect your dog has eaten 1080 bait, go to a vet immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.

1080 acts quickly. Once symptoms appear, the window for effective treatment is very narrow. The absence of symptoms in the first 30 minutes does not mean your dog is safe — onset can be delayed depending on the amount ingested and the dog's size.

What to do right now

1. Get to a vet — call ahead so they are ready when you arrive
2. Tell them you suspect 1080 — treatment is supportive (there is no antidote), but the vet needs to know the cause to manage it correctly
3. Do not induce vomiting yourself — this can be counterproductive depending on timing; let the vet decide
4. Note the time — tell the vet when your dog may have ingested the bait and where you were

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms typically begin within 30 minutes to 2 hours:

• Vomiting
• Extreme restlessness or anxiety
• Staggering or loss of coordination
• Muscle tremors escalating to seizures
• Collapse and respiratory failure

Progression can be rapid. Do not wait to see if symptoms resolve.

Is there an antidote?

No. There is no registered antidote for 1080 in dogs in New Zealand. Veterinary treatment is supportive — managing seizures, maintaining breathing, and keeping the dog stable. Survival rates are low once clinical signs develop, which is why immediate action before symptoms appear gives the best chance.

After the incident

If your dog survives, report the incident to DOC and note the location. If your dog does not survive, a post-mortem can confirm 1080 as the cause — this matters for ongoing monitoring of operational safety.

Set up a 1080Alert so you know before you go next time.