Are slugs poisonous to dogs? What do I do if my dog ate a slug and what are the symptoms they have? In this article, we’ll fill you in on all of this, including how to prevent any future problems. We’ll also cover other important information you need to know about lungworms in dogs, such as what they look like, and how to treat.

Next, we’ll teach you about how to handle slugs on dogs and what to do if you dog licked a slug. Finally, if you’ve decided you just want the slugs away from your property and pets altogether, we’ll instruct you on how to get rid of slugs permanently. Keep reading for all this and more!

Are Slugs Poisonous to Dogs?

Slugs are not poisonous to dogs themselves, but they are capable of hosting certain parasites which pose a serious health risk to dogs. One is the lungworm, a dangerous parasite that dogs can contract if they happen to consume a slug carrying it. This lungworm disease, while treatable if detected early, can turn fatal if not treated promptly.

Are Slugs Toxic to Dogs?

Slugs are toxic to dogs on their own. However, the potential danger lies in what they might be carrying. Slugs can serve as hosts to a deadly parasite known as Angiostrongylus vasorum or more commonly, the lungworm. This parasite, particularly harmful to dogs, can be ingested if a dog happens to eat a slug infested with it.

The slug carries the lungworm in its larval stage. If a dog happens to eat an infected slug, it can contract the disease. The symptoms of lungworm in dogs can range from coughing, difficulty in breathing, and lethargy to more severe symptoms in the advanced stages of the infection.

If you notice your dog displaying any of these symptoms, particularly after eating a slug, it is very important to contact your veterinarian immediately. Timely detection of lungworm is vital as it can be treated effectively if caught early, but can result in severe consequences if left unattended.

Training a ‘Leave It’ Command

Teaching your dog to follow the ‘leave it’ command can serve as an effective preventive measure against potential hazards, including the eating slugs that could be carrying diseases. Here are a few easy steps to teach your dog the ‘leave it’ command:

1. Start the training session with a treat in each hand. Present one closed fist with the treat inside to your dog and say, “leave it.”
2. Ignore all attempts made by your dog to snatch the treat. Once they withdraw and pull away, verbally acknowledge their good behavior with a “good” or “yes,” and reward them with the treat from your other hand.
3. Repeat this exercise multiple times until your dog starts moving away from the first fist upon hearing the command, “leave it.”
4. Advance to the next level of training where you only reward your dog when they make eye contact with you after hearing the command. This reinforces the importance of them focusing on you and not on the distraction.

The training process should always be a positive and rewarding experience for your dog. Emphasize positive reinforcement and avoid punishments for failure to understand or obey a command. Consistent training in a supportive environment helps your dog learn and also fosters a stronger bond between you and your pet.

But while these steps will get your dog to stop eating slugs, it’s important to remember that the underlying behavioral issues (prey drive, curiosity, overexcitement, etc.) that were causing all of this to begin with will still be present. And until you address those, any positive changes you see are only going to be temporary.

“Well, how do I make these changes last?”

By getting your dog to truly choose to follow your direction, that’s how. I tried many times to write out how you can do that before deciding it made more sense to just link you to the free video series that explains it better than I’d ever be able to.

The series is by a man named Dan who is one of the world’s leading dog obedience trainers. In it, he teaches you how to put an end to things like when your dog eats slugs and all other misbehavior using his fast and easy-to-follow methods.

In the first video, Dan will reveal to you why the two most common methods of dog training only doom you to failure. You can watch the video now by clicking here. Follow the proven system he’ll show you in his series and you’ll never have to spend another second worrying about your dog eating slugs ever again!

Lungworms in Dogs

Lungworm in dogs is a type of parasitic disease caused by a specific kind of roundworm. While lungworm infection can vary from mild to severe, it can be life-threatening if left untreated. The disease can be contracted by dogs if they eat slugs, snails, or frogs infected with the parasite. Notably, lungworm is not as common as other parasitic infections in dogs, but its presence is increasingly being reported in various parts of the world.

Dog Lungworm Symptoms

Symptoms of lungworm in dogs can vary, often depending on the severity of the infection. Common symptoms include:

1. Coughing and difficulty breathing
2. Lethargy or tiredness
3. Loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss
4. Behavioral changes like depression
5. Unusual bleeding, such as nosebleeds or blood in the stool or urine

Remember, these symptoms might not appear until the disease has progressed, making it important to regularly check for signs and seek veterinary assistance promptly if you suspect your pet might have contracted lungworms. Learn to keep your dog away from the by going back to the first section.

What Do Lungworms Look Like?

Lungworms, like other roundworms, are typically slender and thread-like. Adult lungworms are usually white to light brown in color and can reach up to 2-3 cm in length. These worms reside in the heart, arteries, and lungs of infected dogs. They are often not visible to the naked eye in your dog’s stool as they live in the dog’s respiratory tract, not the gastrointestinal tract.

Lungworm in Dog Poop

Lungworms themselves are usually not found in a dog’s feces. This is because lungworms reside in the dog’s lungs and not in the gastrointestinal tract, where most other parasites are found. However, the larvae of the lungworm can sometimes be detected in the dog’s stool through a fecal test conducted by a vet.

How Do Dogs Get Lungworm?

Dogs can contract lungworm by ingesting infected slugs, snails, or frogs. The lungworm larvae live in these small animals, and when a dog eats them, the larvae mature into adult worms in the dog’s body. Dogs can also get infected if they drink from puddles, eat grass, or lick outdoor surfaces that have been contaminated with the slime trails of infected slugs and snails.

How Common Is Lungworm in Dogs?

The incidence of lungworm in dogs varies significantly by geographical location. While lungworm is not as common as other types of parasitic infections in dogs, it has been on the rise, particularly in certain regions of the UK and Europe. Climate, the local slug and snail population, and the behavior of dogs in a particular area all contribute to the prevalence of lungworm.

How to Treat Lungworm in Dogs

Lungworm in dogs is typically treated with antiparasitic medication prescribed by a vet. This medication is designed to kill the lungworms, allowing the dog’s body to safely eliminate them. In severe cases, additional treatment, such as supportive care for lung damage or treatment for secondary infections, may also be necessary.

Learn how to keep your dog away from slugs by going back to the first section.

My Dog Ate a Slug

If your dog ate a slug, it’s not a cause for panic. While not a natural part of their natural diet, a dog eating a slug typically doesn’t cause serious harm. However, some slugs carry a type of lungworm that can cause health issues in dogs. It’s important to watch your dog for any signs of illness and contact your vet if you notice any unusual behavior or symptoms.

Can Dogs Eat Slugs?

While dogs may be naturally curious and inclined to eat a variety of things they find in their environment, slugs should not be a part of their diet. Slugs are not toxic or harmful per se, but they can be carriers of a parasitic worm known as lungworm.

This parasite can cause serious health issues in dogs, including respiratory problems, general weakness, and abnormal bleeding. The likelihood of a slug being infected with lungworm varies depending on your geographical location.

Dog Ate Slug

If your dog has eaten a slug, the first step is to stay calm. Not every slug is infected with lungworm, and even if it is, not every dog that eats an infected slug will develop lungworm disease. However, it’s crucial to monitor your dog closely for any signs of infection.

In the event that your dog frequently eats slugs or other garden creatures, consider speaking to your vet about a regular preventative treatment for lungworm. Also, try to discourage this behavior as much as possible by supervising your pet while outside and providing engaging toys that can distract them from eating non-food items.

Learn the command you’ll need by going back to the first section.

Do Slugs Carry Diseases?

Slugs do carry diseases, some of which are potentially harmful to dogs. The most concerning among these is the lungworm disease. A dog can become a host to this disease if it consumes a slug carrying the lungworm parasite. The lungworm disease, if not diagnosed and treated timely, can lead to serious health complications in dogs and can even prove fatal.

Aside from lungworm, slugs can potentially harbor other diseases and parasites that could be harmful to dogs. However, among all the diseases associated with dogs consuming slugs, lungworm is considered the most common and the most detrimental.

Symptoms of Dog Eating Slugs

The symptoms of lungworm infection can take a few weeks to appear after a dog has eaten a slug. Here are the most common signs to watch out for:

1. Coughing or difficulty breathing
2. Change in behavior, such as lethargy or depression
3. Loss of appetite and weight loss
4. Unusual bleeding, such as nosebleeds or blood in the stool or urine
5. General weakness

If your dog eats a slug and then shows any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately. Early detection and treatment of lungworm are vital for a good prognosis. Even though lungworm can be a serious disease, it’s also completely preventable and treatable if caught early. Learn to stop the behavior in the first section.

It’s important that you get the behavior taken care of now, as it will also keep your dog safe during other potential encounters. You then won’t have to worry about questions like are snails poisonous to dogs, are dragonflies toxic to dogs, are salamanders toxic to dogs, are millipedes toxic to dogs, are Japanese beetles poisonous to dogs, or are centipedes toxic to dogs which will make your pet much safer and better off.

Slugs on Dogs

Slugs on dogs physically are generally not harmful. They may not be the most pleasant of creatures to have on your pet due to their slimy nature, but they do not bite, sting, or cause any immediate physical harm to dogs. However, they can be a bit of a nuisance and may cause mild discomfort or curiosity for your pet.

1. Physical Contact: Slugs are slow-moving creatures that can find their way onto a dog’s body, especially if your pet tends to sleep, rest, or play on the ground in damp areas. These damp areas are prime environments for slugs. Slugs don’t purposefully seek out dogs to bother them; they’ve merely stumbled upon a warm, mobile surface in their slow-paced travels.
2. Slug Removal: Removing a slug from your dog is a straightforward process. It’s recommended to use gloves or a towel to pick the slug off to avoid direct contact with its slime, which can be tricky to clean off. The slug can then be relocated outdoors, preferably away from your pet’s favorite outdoor spots. It’s crucial to remember that you should avoid using salt to remove the slug, as this can cause discomfort to the slug and potentially harm your dog’s skin.
3. Prevention: Keeping slugs from crawling onto your dog can be achieved by preventing your pet from lying on the ground in damp, shaded areas where slugs are common. This might mean encouraging your dog to rest in designated, slug-free areas, especially during damp weather conditions. Additionally, it’s a good practice to regularly check your dog’s coat during and after walks through areas with dense vegetation, or following rainy weather.
4. Hygiene: After the slug’s removal, it’s a good idea to clean the area where the slug was found. A gentle pet-friendly soap can help remove any remaining traces of the slug’s slime. Although generally harmless, some dogs may have a mild reaction to slug slime, causing minor skin irritation such as itchiness or redness. If you notice any discomfort in your dog, a quick wash can help alleviate this.

While slugs on dogs may not be a serious threat, they can be an ugly nuisance. They do not bite or sting dogs, but their slimy presence can be a bit of an unpleasant experience. Through regular checks, grooming, and encouraging your dog to rest in slug-free zones, you can easily manage and prevent these unwanted hitchhikers. Learn to keep your dog away in the first section.

My Dog Licked a Slug

If your dog licked a slug, there’s typically no immediate cause for alarm. Though it’s generally unadvisable for dogs to interact with slugs due to potential health risks, simply licking a slug isn’t guaranteed to cause illness.

Nonetheless, slugs can carry lungworm larvae, which could lead to health issues if ingested. It’s important to keep an eye on your dog for any signs of illness and consult with your vet if you notice anything unusual.

What to Do if My Dog Has Licked a Slug

If your dog has licked a slug, the first step is to not panic. While it’s true that some slugs can carry lungworm, not every slug is infected, and lungworm isn’t guaranteed to affect every dog that comes into contact with it. The most important thing you can do is monitor your dog closely for signs of illness.

Here are steps you can follow:

1. Observe your dog: Keep a close eye on your dog’s behavior and physical condition for a few weeks. If your dog displays any unusual signs such as coughing, loss of appetite, weight loss, or abnormal bleeding, it’s crucial to seek veterinary care.
2. Prevent further contact: If possible, discourage your dog from interacting with slugs in the future. This can involve supervision during outdoor time, providing engaging toys, and training a command to leave them alone (learn how to do this command in the first section).
3. Regular vet check-ups: Regular vet check-ups can help detect any potential issues early. During your next appointment, inform your vet about the slug-licking incident and ask about preventive treatments for lungworm.

Remember, although lungworm can be a serious disease, it is preventable and usually treatable if caught early. It’s always advisable to maintain regular communication with your vet about your dog’s health and any potential risks.

How to Get Rid of Slugs Permanently

Getting rid of slugs permanently requires a combination of direct removal methods, environmental alterations, and preventative measures. Essentially, the goal is to create an environment that’s less appealing to slugs and to eliminate any present slugs.

1. Direct Removal: The most immediate solution to a slug issue is direct removal. Simply pick up the slug with gloves or a plastic bag and relocate it far from your property. If you are squeamish about handling slugs, consider using a humane slug trap, which lures slugs in, allowing you to collect and relocate them en masse.
2. Environment Alterations: Slugs thrive in damp, shady areas. You can make your garden less attractive to slugs by reducing these conditions. Remove piles of leaves and debris, keep your grass trimmed, and limit watering to the early morning hours so the sunlight can dry your garden during the day. Well-drained, dry landscapes are less inviting to slugs.
3. Barrier Methods: Slugs have a hard time moving over rough or sharp materials. Use this to your advantage and create barriers around areas you wish to protect, like your garden or your pet’s outdoor area. Crushed eggshells, diatomaceous earth, or copper tape can be effective natural slug deterrents.
4. Attract Natural Predators: Birds, frogs, and some insects are natural predators of slugs. By making your garden attractive to these creatures, you may help control the slug population. Install a bird feeder or a small pond to attract birds and frogs, respectively.
5. Use of Slug Pellets: Slug pellets can be an effective last resort for slug control. It’s important to use these products as directed and ensure they’re kept out of reach of children and pets. Consider using organic, iron phosphate-based slug pellets, which are safer for wildlife and pets than traditional metaldehyde-based pellets.

Permanently getting rid of slugs involves a combination of direct removal, environment alteration, barrier methods, encouraging natural predators, and cautious use of slug pellets if needed. Always remember to balance slug control with the wellbeing of your pets and the local ecosystem. Learn to teach your dog to stay away from slugs in the first section.

I’m sure you’re looking forward to not worrying about your dog eating slugs anymore, so I’ll let you get started on this. Good luck, and thanks for reading our article “Are Slugs Poisonous to Dogs? My Dog Ate a Slug!”