Dogs Eating Snails: What You Need to Know

Dogs eating snails may seem like a peculiar habit, but it's actually a common phenomenon in some parts of the world.

In fact, some breeds like the French Bulldog and Pug are known to be particularly fond of snails. They're attracted to the slimy texture and mild flavor.

Snails are low in fat and high in calcium, which can be beneficial for dogs with certain health conditions. However, it's essential to note that snails can also be a choking hazard.

If your dog has a snail-eating habit, it's crucial to ensure they're not eating snails that have been contaminated with pesticides or other toxins.

Dogs can eat snails, but it's not always a good idea. Snails are not poisonous to dogs in themselves.

However, snails can pose a risk to your dog's health. They can spread diseases to dogs, such as parasites that can enter the dog's organism through the gastrointestinal system.

It's not usually possible to tell if a snail has parasites just by looking at it. Snails can contain parasites like the Angiostrongylus vasorum, also known as the French heartworm, and the Crenosoma vulpis.

These parasites can transit potentially deadly diseases such as filariasis in dogs. If infected, dogs can remain asymptomatic or develop respiratory and blood issues, including coagulopathies that can be fatal.

It's essential to pay attention to your dog's wellbeing and keep an eye out for specific symptoms after they eat a snail.

If your dog eats a snail or slug, it can contract lungworm parasites, which can cause serious problems such as coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and exercise intolerance.

Lungworms can be fatal if not treated promptly, so it's essential to take preventative measures. Your vet can recommend a preventative medication effective against lungworms if you have a lot of snails and slugs in your yard.

You can reduce the risk of your dog eating snails by keeping their toys indoors at night, not throwing food waste or scraps into the garden, and not keeping their food or water bowls outside.

Slugs and snails are attracted to food waste and can crawl across surfaces, leaving infected trails that your dog may lick and eat off of.

Teach your dog to "leave it" and distract them with an interesting toy to play with if you see them getting too curious about snails.

You should consult your vet for advice if you suspect your dog has eaten a slug, especially if they're not on any form of regular preventative treatment for lungworm.

Symptoms of lungworm infection include excessive drooling or mucus, seizures, coordination problems, and disorientation. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any of these signs.

It's impossible to guarantee your dog will never eat a slug, but you can reduce the risk by implementing a regular parasite treatment that is effective for lungworm. Your veterinary surgeon can advise you on this.

To help protect your dog, consider the following:

You can't always see what's on the ground, but being mindful on walks is key to preventing your dog from eating snails. Keep an eye on the path ahead and pull them away from potential snacks.

Training your dog is essential to making sure they don't accidentally eat something that could endanger their health. Teaching your dog "leave it" can be done using positive reinforcement, where you reward them with a treat to encourage the behavior.

Yelling at your dog doesn't discourage bad behaviors, it only breeds aggression and anxiety. Instead, use positive reinforcement to teach your dog good habits.

If you don't have a lot of free time, you could benefit from having a dog trainer teach your dog "leave it" and other techniques to discourage eating harmful things.

Here are some tips to reduce the risk of your dog eating slugs:

Snail pest control can be a challenge, especially when you have pets around. The most common pesticide for snail bait contains metaldehyde, which is extremely toxic to dogs.

This toxic ingredient makes snail bait a danger to your pup, as they'll likely enjoy the tasty treats meant for slugs. Symptoms of metaldehyde poisoning include vomiting, drooling, and a stiff gait.

Metaldehyde poisoning can be fatal without prompt treatment, so it's essential to be aware of the risks. A safer option is snail bait containing iron phosphate, which takes longer to work than other chemical baits.

Follow the package instructions and safety warnings carefully, and keep an eye out for any signs of poisoning in your dog.