Research has found that the larvae of some lungworms can be released into the slime produced by slugs1 . This means your pet doesn't need to eat an entire slug or snail to be at risk of contracting lungworm. Your dog may become infected simply by ingesting the slime.
Can dogs get lungworm from licking slugs?
The dangers of dogs eating slugs Dogs can contract lungworm just by licking an infected snail. What's more, humans can also catch this disease. Thankfully, lungworm is very easy to treat if caught early. Treatment of the early stages of lungworm just requires an anti-parasitic.
Can a dog get lungworm from licking a snail?
Unlike many diseases, lungworm is not actually passed directly from dog to dog. The worm needs slug and snail hosts in order to grow and develop, and it's from eating these that infection may occur.
How does a dog get lungworm?
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.
Do all slugs have lungworm?
Not all snails and slugs carry the lungworm parasite. But, if you live in an area where cases of lungworm in dogs have been reported and you suspect your dog has eaten a slug or a snail, you should contact your vet right away.
