I'm looking for advice on using boric acid around my home. Is it safe for dogs and cats, or should I be looking for something else to manage ants without risking my pets' health? Thanks!

Hey there! It’s great that you’re thinking about your pets’ safety while dealing with ants. Boric acid can be a useful tool, but it's also something to be cautious with around dogs and cats. While it’s generally low toxicity, ingestion can still cause issues.

If your pet gets into boric acid, here are some symptoms to watch for:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bloody stools
• Tremors or seizures (less common, but serious)

Most of the time, mild stomach upset isn’t an emergency, but if your pet is constantly vomiting, has severe diarrhea, or you suspect they’ve eaten a significant amount, a vet visit is warranted. Emergencies include tremors, seizures, or if they are very lethargic or unresponsive.

If your pet does get into some boric acid:

• Try to gently rinse their mouth out with water if they’re cooperative.
• Offer plenty of fresh water to help dilute anything they may have ingested.
• Monitor for symptoms and keep a close eye on their behavior and health.

Moving forward, you might explore pet-safe ant control options, such as diatomaceous earth or certain essential oils in low concentrations (though make sure they’re safe for pets). Keeping treated areas inaccessible to your pets is always a good precaution too.

If you're unsure or your pet’s symptoms worsen, it's best to book a call with a vet on Dial A Vet for professional advice.