Dogs can become infected with Crenostoma vulpis by eating slugs or snails, or by eating another animal, such as a frog, mouse or bird that has eaten a slug or snail. The life cycle of other parasitic lungworms that infect dogs are more direct. Adult female worms lay their eggs in the tissues of an infected animal.
Can slugs give dogs worms?
Dogs get lungworm by eating larvae found in infected snails, slugs or frogs. They can also accidentally eat infected tiny slugs if they are on a toy or their fur.
What happens if my dog eats a slug?
The dangers of dogs eating slugs Besides an upset tummy, eating slugs can cause dogs to contract lungworm, a potentially deadly condition if left untreated. Lungworm is a parasite that attacks the blood vessels in the heart and lungs.
Should I be worried if my dog eats a slug?
What happens if a dog eats a slug? Eating slugs can hurt your dog for two reasons; Whilst not toxic, the slug and slime will react badly with your dog's digestive system leading to vomiting and possible diarrhoea. In worst case scenarios your dog could develop lungworm, and could even die due to the infection.
What are the signs of lungworm in dogs?
The most common symptoms of lungworm infection are:Coughing.Changes in breathing or struggling to breathe.Going off food.Upset tummy with vomiting and/or diarrhoea.Loss of weight.Tiredness and depression.Unexplained or excessive bruising.Pale gums.Lungworm And Your Dog - Vets4Pets
