Have you ever seen your dog sniff or try to eat a snail in the garden? If you’ve asked yourself, “can dogs eat snails?”, you’re not alone. Dogs are curious by nature and often taste things they shouldn’t — and snails are no exception.
While a single snail might seem harmless, the risks can be significant. These slimy creatures can carry life-threatening parasites like lungworm, which can cause serious health problems in dogs. From parasite transmission to poisoning and behavioral red flags, it’s crucial to understand the risks and know how to protect your dog.
This guide explores the dangers of dogs eating snails, signs of infection, and what to do if your dog eats one. We’ll also offer preventative tips to keep your pup safe in the yard.
Why Dogs Eat Snails
Dogs are natural scavengers. Their strong sense of smell and curiosity often drive them to explore (and sometimes eat) unusual things. Snails, with their slow movements and unique scent trails, can seem like an irresistible target.
Dogs might eat snails for reasons including:
- Boredom or lack of mental stimulation
- Instinctual prey drive triggered by movement
- Nutritional curiosity, though snails offer little benefit
- Mimicking other dogs or animals in the environment
However, this seemingly harmless act can expose your pet to parasites and toxins.
Are Snails Dangerous to Dogs?
Yes — snails and slugs are dangerous to dogs, primarily because they can carry a parasitic worm called Angiostrongylus vasorum, commonly known as lungworm. This parasite is passed to dogs when they ingest infected snails or slugs — either directly or indirectly by licking contaminated surfaces or drinking snail-tainted water.
Other serious threats include:
- Rat lungworm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis): Can cause neurological issues
- Bacterial infections: From snails crawling in contaminated areas
- Pesticide exposure: Snails may carry toxic substances on their slimy bodies
What Is Lungworm and How Does It Affect Dogs?
Lungworm is a parasitic worm that can infect dogs when they consume infected slugs or snails. The larvae enter the dog’s body, travel through the bloodstream, and can reach the lungs, heart, and blood vessels.
Symptoms of Lungworm in Dogs Include:
- Persistent coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Lethargy and exercise intolerance
- Bleeding issues, such as nosebleeds or bleeding gums
- Weight loss
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Seizures (in severe cases)
Lungworm can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early. Unfortunately, many symptoms mimic other conditions, so diagnosis can be tricky without veterinary testing.
Can Dogs Get Sick From Licking Snails or Their Trails?
Yes. Dogs don’t need to eat the entire snail to be at risk. Simply licking snail slime or water contaminated by snails can expose them to dangerous parasites. This makes common backyard areas like puddles, outdoor water bowls, and plants potential danger zones.
Slime trails can contain:
- Lungworm larvae
- Harmful bacteria
- Pesticide residues, depending on where the snail has traveled
Even indoor dogs who spend time on balconies, patios, or in potted plants could encounter snails.
Are Some Dogs More at Risk?
Yes, certain dogs face a higher risk of complications from eating snails, including:
- Puppies, due to their developing immune systems
- Small breeds, as the parasite load affects them more
- Dogs with weakened immune systems from illness or age
- Breeds with access to gardens, mulch beds, or wet areas
Breeds known for strong prey drives (like terriers or hounds) may also be more likely to seek out and eat small animals like snails.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Snail
If you suspect your dog has eaten a snail, don’t panic — but take action quickly.
1. Observe Your Dog:
Monitor for symptoms over the next 7–14 days. Early signs of lungworm are subtle, such as reduced energy or mild coughing.
2. Contact Your Vet:
Call your veterinarian for advice, especially if you live in a region where lungworm is common (such as parts of Australia, the UK, or Europe). They may recommend diagnostic tests or preventive deworming medication.
3. Avoid Home Remedies:
Do not attempt to induce vomiting or use home treatments without vet guidance. Improper handling can make the situation worse.
4. Note Environmental Factors:
Take note of any snail bait, pesticides, or chemicals in the area. This helps your vet assess potential poisoning risk in addition to parasite exposure.
Lungworm Diagnosis and Treatment
Veterinarians use fecal tests, blood work, and imaging (like chest X-rays) to confirm a lungworm diagnosis.
Treatment may include:
- Prescription antiparasitic medication (e.g., moxidectin, milbemycin)
- Supportive care (oxygen therapy, IV fluids)
- Monitoring and follow-up tests
With early diagnosis, most dogs recover fully. However, delays in treatment can lead to long-term organ damage or death.
Preventing Your Dog from Eating Snails
The best protection is prevention. Here are practical steps to reduce the risk of snail ingestion:
- Supervise outdoor time, especially in damp weather
- Use pet-safe snail repellents instead of toxic pellets
- Remove snails and slugs manually from your yard or garden
- Clean water bowls daily and avoid using outdoor dishes
- Seal compost bins and garbage areas to avoid attracting snails
- Use parasite prevention medication, especially in high-risk areas
- Train your dog to ignore or drop unusual objects on command
These simple steps can go a long way toward keeping your dog safe.
Can You Use Snail Bait in Dog-Friendly Yards?
Be cautious with any type of snail or slug bait. Many common snail control products contain metaldehyde, which is highly toxic to dogs. Ingestion can cause tremors, seizures, and even death.
Opt for dog-safe alternatives such as:
- Iron phosphate baits (less toxic)
- Copper barriers around garden beds
- Beer traps (placed securely out of reach)
- Hand-picking snails and slugs
Always read product labels carefully and consult your vet about safe pest control options for your garden.
Final Thoughts
So, can dogs eat snails? Technically yes — but they absolutely shouldn’t. Snails pose real health risks to your dog due to parasites like lungworm, toxic exposure, and the potential for serious illness. Whether your pup swallowed a snail whole or just licked a slime trail, it’s important to act fast and contact your vet for advice.
Prevention is key. Supervise your dog, treat your yard, and stay up to date with parasite prevention to give your pup the healthiest life possible.
Wondering about other bugs your dog might snack on? Check out our guide: Can Dogs Eat Flies? Safe Insect-Eating Habits Explained to learn what’s harmless, what’s risky, and how to keep your pup safe around flying insects.
Worried About Snail Exposure?
If you think your dog may have eaten a snail or you’re unsure about lungworm symptoms, contact us today for professional veterinary advice and support.
