As the wetter seasons arrive, so does an influx of slugs and snails. Slugs and snails aren’t poisonous to dogs by themselves, but the danger they pose to your dog is if they are accidentally ingested. This is due to the parasites they can carry and pass on to your dog. Read on to find out why snails and slugs can be dangerous to dogs, and the steps to take if you think your dog has eaten a slug or snail.
How are slugs and snails a danger to dogs?
Slugs and snails are more apparent in the rainier months as the wet conditions of UK spring and summer are perfect for them to come out and explore.
In the curious nature of dogs, many can take too much of an interest or and can even try to eat them. This is where things can become serious.
This is because they have the potential to carry a deadly parasite called Angiostrongylosis, more commonly known as lungworm.
Lungworm can be extremely harmful to dogs, so if you suspect your pooch might have lungworm or has eaten a slug or snail, it’s important to seek a vet’s advice right away.
What does lungworm do to dogs?
If a dog eats a slug or snail carrying the lungworm parasite, the lungworm larvae can pass through the dog’s intestinal wall and migrate to their heart and lungs.
As the larvae become worms, they cluster together in the blood vessels around the heart and lungs, forming dangerous blockages in the dog’s body. This causes extreme discomfort and makes it harder for them to breathe.
Not only does this lead to coughing, lethargy and other detrimental symptoms, it can also disrupt essential functions like blood clotting. If untreated, symptoms can worsen and can even prove fatal.
Signs and symptoms of lungworm in dogs
We can’t have eyes on our pooch at all times, and accidents happen. That said, how can you be vigilant over whether your pooch might have lungworm after accidentally ingesting a slug or snail? Here are the signs and symptoms to look out for. If your dog shows any of the following, get in touch with a vet as a matter of urgency:
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Coughing is one of the biggest signs of lungworm in dogs, especially if they have a persistent, dry cough.
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Breathing problems. Similarly, if your dog is struggling to breathe or wheezing, this can be a sign of lungworm. It can also be a sign of other underlying health conditions, so always take your dog to the vet if they’re struggling to breathe.
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Tiredness or extreme lethargy with no clear reason is something you should look out for, as the change of behaviour can be a symptom of something serious going on.
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Loss of appetite is a clear sign of lungworm, especially if it has led to gradual weight loss in your pooch.
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Unusual bleeding. If your pooch gets a minor injury and it bleeds for a long time, or they get unexpected nose bleeds or frequent bruising, this can be a sign of lungworm.
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Vomiting or diarrhoea shows that your dog’s body is under stress by the parasite, and it’s trying to reject it, especially when grouped with these other symptoms.
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Severe symptoms such as tremors or seizures should be reported to your vet immediately. This could mean that the lungworm is advanced and at the stage where it’s most serious to your dog’s health and recovery.
How long does it take for symptoms of lungworm in dogs to show?
Symptoms of lungworm in dogs can often only show around 4-6 weeks after the parasite has taken hold, which means lungworm can be quite advanced before it’s noticed.
This is why it’s so important to get your dog to a vet quickly if you suspect they have eaten a slug or snail, or at least urgently after the first symptoms start to show.
How is lungworm treated in dogs?
If your pooch is diagnosed with lungworm, the first thing a vet will do is prescribe medication to help kill off the parasite larvae and the worms.
Milbemycin Oxime is a common option (often sold under brand names such as Panacur). Sometimes, Moxidectin is prescribed, which is a similar treatment that kills off the parasite and is also used for prevention.
If the lungworm is more advanced, your pooch might be hospitalised, specifically if they are having problems with breathing and need oxygen to recover fully.
Once your dog has recovered, they will likely need some follow-up care and to be put on a preventative treatment to curb future infections.
Can dogs die from a lungworm infection?
In the most severe cases, if your pooch has a lungworm infection for a long time that hasn’t been detected and/or treated, they can indeed die from lungworm.
When a dog shows severe symptoms such as pale gums which occur alongside seizures, difficulty breathing and coughing, they could lose their life if they don’t get immediate emergency treatment from a vet.
How to prevent dogs from eating slugs and snails
Now that you know the risks of lungworm, you should do all you can to steer your dog away from slugs and snails during the spring and summer months.
Though snails and slugs themselves aren’t the danger, the risk of potential lungworm is too high to leave them to roam in your garden and hope for the best. Here are our top recommendations for keeping your dog safe from snails and slugs.
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Use a preventative lungworm treatment. As well as flea protection, many dogs take regular medication to protect them from lungworm; usually spot-on treatments or tablets that need to be given monthly. Not all worming treatments cover lungworm, so it’s important to speak to your vet and make sure your dog is protected.
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Check your garden each morning. Slugs and snails love the cool, damp conditions of early morning. Have a quick scout around and remove any you find before your dog heads outside.
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Remove slugs or snails from garden objects, dog toys, and dog bowls. These are all prime hiding spots for these slimy creatures. Give them a quick once-over before your dog starts playing or sniffing around. We'd also advise not leaving water and food bowls outside, especially over night.
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Clean away slug or snail trails. Those translucent trails might seem harmless, but they can contain lungworm larvae. Wipe them down from paths, toys, and any surfaces your dog might sniff or lick.
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Deter your dog from eating plants and grass. Those slimy trails can be on shrubs, too, but are much harder to spot. It’s best to deter your dog from eating grass and plants to keep them extra safe. Try distracting them with a toy or a healthy dog treat.
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Be aware on dog walks. Outside of your garden, be aware of slugs and snails in parks, woodland paths and even pavements.
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Train your dog with treats. Distraction and reward are the best way to prevent curiosity over slugs and snails. Train your pooch with the ‘No’, ‘Leave it’ and call-back commands, and reward them each time they leave snails and slugs alone with grain-free dog treats.
FAQs
What if my dog licks a snail or slug?
Even just licking a slug or snail can pose a risk to your pooch, especially if that slug or snail is carrying a lungworm parasite. The chance of infection is lower than from eating one, but it can still enter the dog’s system through the critter’s slime. If it’s a one-off and your dog seems fine, there’s no need to panic - but it’s a good idea to watch for symptoms and chat to your vet about preventative treatment (if your dog isn’t already on one).
What if my dog eats a snail or slug?
Swallowing a whole snail or slug is risky for a dog, as the slug or snail could be carrying a lungworm parasite. If you see your pooch eating or swallowing a slug or snail, it’s best to let your vet know. You won’t see symptoms for weeks if they do become infected with lungworm, so getting veterinary advice on potential treatment should be your first port of call. If they’re already on a preventative lungworm medication, they should be fine, but always check to make sure.
Can my dog die from eating a snail or slug?
Indirectly, yes they can. It’s not slugs or snails alone that are dangerous to a dog, but the potential that they carry a lungworm parasite. Lungworm, when untreated, can become deadly as it messes with blood clotting, and can cause seizures, tremors or collapse. If your pooch receives treatment straight away, or is already on a preventative medication that protects them from lungworm, they have a better chance of recovery.
Is it dangerous to my dog for there to be snails and slugs in my garden?
In some ways, yes. Your pooch should know not to go near slugs or snails, and definitely not to lick them or eat them, as they could be infected with the lungworm parasite. Your dog can learn that slugs and snails are a no-go through training and being rewarded with a healthy treat each time they ignore them. You can also inspect the garden and your dog’s toys and food bowls to ensure slugs or snails aren’t stuck to them.
Luckily, slugs and snails aren’t very tasty for a dog, so they shouldn’t be too tempted; however, dogs with a higher energy or curiosity level (including puppies) are more at risk of ‘having a taste’.
Can dogs get lungworm without eating a slug or snail?
Your pooch can get lungworm in other ways, such as:
- Drinking infected water (from puddles, stagnant ponds etc.)
- Licking and chewing dog toys that have been left outside overnight
- Eating faeces left from foxes or other dogs
- Eating infected rodents like rats and mice
If you have a dog that is particularly energetic, adventurous or hard to control, it’s recommended to get them on a lungworm preventative treatment to keep them safe.
For delicious, grain-free dog treats that will keep your pooch distracted from slugs and snails, check out our natural treats for dogs. They’re stuffed with tasty, wholesome ingredients dogs love, as well as gut-friendly goodness such as probiotics.
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