The Lungworm Risk: How to Stop Your Dog Eating Slugs

So, what is this invisible threat hiding inside such a slow-moving creature? Lungworm, or Angiostrongylus vasorum, is a type of parasitic worm that, despite its name, sets up camp in the heart and major blood vessels connected to the lungs of infected animals, including dogs and foxes.

The lifecycle of this parasite is what makes slugs and snails the villains of the story:

1. The Beginning: An infected animal, like a fox or another dog, poops out lungworm larvae.
2. The Intermediate Host: Slugs and snails then feed on this waste, becoming infected with the larvae themselves.
3. The Danger to Dogs: Your dog becomes infected by eating one of these infected slugs or snails. It’s also believed that the slime trails can contain larvae, so even licking a surface where a slug has been could potentially pose a risk.

Once inside your dog, the larvae travel through their body, eventually developing into adult worms in the heart and pulmonary arteries. These worms can cause serious, and sometimes fatal, health problems. That’s why preventing your dog from eating slugs is about so much more than just avoiding the ‘ick’ factor.

One of the trickiest things about lungworm is that the symptoms can be vague and easily mistaken for other, less serious conditions. Some dogs may not show any signs at all in the early stages. However, as the infection progresses, you might notice some red flags. Being aware of these can help you seek veterinary help sooner.

Common Signs of a Lungworm Infection:

• Breathing Problems: This is a classic sign. You might notice a persistent cough, wheezing, or your dog getting out of breath more easily than usual.
• Behavioral Changes: A dog that’s usually full of energy might become lethargic, tired, or depressed.
• Poor Blood Clotting: This is a particularly dangerous symptom. It can manifest as nosebleeds, excessive bleeding from a minor cut, pale gums, or unexplained bruising.
• General Sickness: Weight loss, a poor appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea can also be signs of lungworm.
• Neurological Issues: In severe cases, the parasite can affect the nervous system, leading to weakness, back pain, or even seizures.

If you notice any of these symptoms, especially a combination of them, it’s crucial to contact your veterinarian right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference.

Before you even begin training, you can dramatically reduce the risk by making your garden less inviting for slugs and snails. Think of it as your first line of defense. A tidy yard is a less tempting yard!

Tips for a Dog-Safe, Slug-Free Garden:

• Clean Up Regularly: Slugs love hiding in damp, dark places. Regularly rake up leaves, clear away fallen wood, and keep your grass trimmed to reduce their hiding spots.
• Manage Dog Toys and Bowls: Slugs are most active at night. Get into the habit of bringing your dog’s water bowls and toys inside every evening so slugs don’t have a chance to crawl over them.
• Pick Up Poop Promptly: This is a must! Cleaning up your dog’s waste immediately helps break the parasite lifecycle and keeps your garden hygienic.
• Use Pet-Safe Deterrents: NEVER use traditional slug pellets containing metaldehyde, as they are extremely toxic to dogs. Instead, look for pet-safe options. You can also try natural barriers like copper tape around raised beds and pots or diatomaceous earth in dry areas (use with caution so your dog doesn’t inhale it).

By making your garden a less hospitable place for slugs, you reduce your dog’s chances of even encountering one.

Environmental management is great, but you can’t control every space your dog explores. That’s why teaching a rock-solid ‘Leave It’ command is one of the most important skills your dog can learn. It’s not just for slugs; it’s for dropped pills, dangerous foods, and anything else they shouldn’t put in their mouth.

A Step-by-Step Guide to ‘Leave It’:

1. Start with Two Treats: In a quiet room, hold a boring, low-value treat (like a piece of their regular kibble) in a closed fist. Let your dog sniff your hand. They’ll likely nudge and lick at it. The moment they pull their head away, even for a second, say ‘Yes!’ and give them a super exciting, high-value treat (like a piece of chicken or cheese) from your other hand.
2. Introduce the Cue: Once your dog is reliably pulling their head away, start adding the verbal cue. As you present your closed fist, say ‘Leave It’. When they pull away, praise them and reward them from your other hand.
3. Make it Harder: Now, place the boring treat on the floor and cover it with your hand. Say ‘Leave It’. When they stop trying to get the treat under your hand, reward them. The goal is for them to look at you for the reward, not the forbidden item.
4. Uncover the Treat: The next step is to place the boring treat on the floor, but don’t cover it. Have your hand ready to snatch it up if they lunge. Say ‘Leave It’. The moment they hesitate or look at you, shower them with praise and the high-value reward.
5. Practice in the Real World: Once they’ve mastered the command indoors, start practicing on walks and in the garden on a leash. Use various objects before ever trying it near an actual slug. The key is consistent, positive reinforcement!

Training and a tidy garden are powerful tools, but the final piece of the puzzle is proactive management and professional veterinary care. Combining all three gives your dog the best possible protection.

Supervision is Non-Negotiable

Be extra vigilant when your dog is in the garden, especially during wet weather or at dawn and dusk when slugs are most active. A quick scan of the yard before letting your dog out can help you spot and remove any slugs. When you’re out on walks, especially in wooded or damp areas, keeping your dog on a leash can prevent them from snacking on something they shouldn’t.

Talk to Your Vet About Prevention

This is perhaps the most important step. Not all standard dog worming treatments are effective against lungworm. It’s essential to have a conversation with your vet about your dog’s lifestyle and risk factors. They can prescribe a regular, preventative treatment—often a monthly spot-on or tablet—that specifically targets and protects against lungworm.

Remember: Consistent, year-round parasite prevention recommended by your vet is the most reliable way to protect your dog from lungworm and other dangerous parasites.