1080 & Possum-Bait Season: How to Keep Your Dog Safe on Kiwi Tracks

New Zealand’s beautiful trails and backcountry are a haven for hikers and their dogs. But during 1080 drops and pest-control operations, they can become dangerously unsafe for our four-legged friends, sometimes with fatal consequences.

As possum-baiting ramps up seasonally, many Kiwi pet parents are wondering:

“How can I keep my dog safe from 1080 poison in New Zealand?”

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, including when and where 1080 is used, what signs to watch for, how to prepare for safe tramping, and what to do in an emergency.

What Is 1080 Poison and Why Is It Used in New Zealand?

1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) is a biodegradable poison used widely across New Zealand to control possums, rats, and stoats, pests that threaten native birds like kiwi and kākā.

• It is typically distributed by air or in bait stations during pest-control operations.
• While effective for conservation, 1080 is extremely toxic to dogs, even in tiny amounts.

Just 1–2 grams of 1080-laced bait can kill a medium-sized dog within hours.

When Is 1080 Dropped in New Zealand?

There is no single national “1080 season”, but operations typically occur between March and November, depending on region, pest density, and weather.

How to check before your walk:

• OSPRI poison drop map: ospri.co.nz
• Department of Conservation (DOC) 1080 alerts: doc.govt.nz
• Check local council signage at tracks and parks

Can Dogs Get Sick From Sniffing or Licking 1080?

Yes. Dogs are especially vulnerable to 1080 poisoning because:

• They’re naturally drawn to meat-based bait (often dyed green)
• They might scavenge poisoned carcasses left behind after drops
• They can ingest poison by licking paws, eating grass, or drinking contaminated water

There is no antidote for 1080 poisoning. Prevention is critical.

What Are the Symptoms of 1080 Poisoning in Dogs?

Signs can appear within 30 minutes to 2 hours of ingestion.

• Vomiting or extreme drooling
• Restlessness, anxiety, or pacing
• Muscle tremors or seizures
• Laboured breathing or yelping
• Sudden collapse

If you suspect your dog has ingested 1080, seek emergency vet care immediately. Don’t wait.

How Can I Keep My Dog Safe While Tramping During 1080 Drops?

Before the walk:

• Check for active 1080 zones on doc.govt.nz or ospri.co.nz
• Choose on-lead areas or pest-free tracks
• Avoid zones with green-dyed pellets or carcass warnings

During the walk:

• Keep your dog on a short lead at all times
• Don’t let them scavenge, eat grass, or sniff dead animals
• Bring your own water, don’t let them drink from puddles or creeks

Recommended gear:

• Use a strong, escape-proof front-clip harness to maintain full control
• Bring a collapsible water bowl and fresh water
• Consider a dog backpack to carry gear and reduce off-lead temptation

What Should I Do If I Think My Dog Ate 1080?

1. Call your nearest emergency vet clinic immediately
2. Try to describe what they may have eaten and when
3. Transport them safely but quickly, seizures may follow

Pro tip: Save your local 24/7 emergency vet number in your phone before you head into remote areas.

What Should I Pack for Dog Safety on NZ Tracks?

• Water + portable bowl
• Lead + harness
• Pet-safe bug spray
• Tick remover or tweezers
• Bandages or paw balm
• Vet contact card

You can also build your own trail bag using our dog travel collection.

Should I Avoid 1080 Areas Entirely?

If you’re unsure about timing or terrain, it’s safest to avoid baited areas altogether, especially in:

• Backcountry DOC reserves
• Remote tramping tracks
• Conservation parks in pest-heavy zones (Coromandel, West Coast, Taranaki)

Instead, try dog-friendly beaches, fenced reserves, or urban bushwalks.

TL;DR - How to Protect Your Dog from 1080

• Check DOC and OSPRI maps before walking
• Keep your dog leashed and under control
• Avoid bait zones, scavenging, and stream water
• Carry clean water, first-aid, and emergency contacts
• If exposed, call your vet immediately

Petdirect’s Take

New Zealand’s pest-control programme is vital for native wildlife, but it doesn’t come without risks. At Petdirect, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between exploring the outdoors and keeping your dog safe.

That’s why we’re proud to offer travel gear, harnesses, and hydration tools that make safe tramping with pets easier than ever. Shop our dog travel collection or first-aid essentials to stay prepared, wherever the trail leads.

Stay safe, explore smart, and give your dog the freedom to adventure, without the risk.