Quick Summary
Garden snails and slugs are common garden pests that can be toxic if ingested by dogs. The slime and mucus covering the bodies of snails and slugs contain toxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and other symptoms if large quantities are eaten. While a lick or brief ingestion may only cause minor drooling or teeth chattering, consuming a large number of snails or slugs can lead to more serious poisoning. Prevent access to snails, thoroughly wash plants and produce, and contact a vet if poisoning is suspected.
What are the risks from ingesting snails and slugs?
Garden snails and slugs have a protective mucus layer on their skin that contains toxins meant to deter predators. For dogs that mouth or eat snails or slugs, the slime and mucus can contain toxins that cause drooling, teeth chattering, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, muscle tremors, and elevated heart rate. The toxins are essentially a defense mechanism for the snail or slug when faced with a predator like a dog.
The specific toxins contained in snail and slug slime have not been definitively identified but are thought to be neurotoxic. The toxins are not necessarily deadly, even in small dogs, but can cause discomfort, pain, and illness. The severity of symptoms depends on how many snails or slugs were ingested – a single lick may cause only minor drooling, whereas ingesting a large number can be serious enough to warrant emergency veterinary treatment.
What types of snails and slugs are most toxic?
Garden snails like the common garden snail Cornu aspersum and garden slugs in the Limacidae family tend to be most problematic for dogs. Both snails and slugs can carry the toxin, though slug slime tends to be more irritating and toxic than garden snail slime.
In particular, slugs from the Arionidae family can contain higher toxin levels and pose greater risk to dog health. Avoid access to:
- Black keeled slugs (Milax gagates)
- Red slugs (Arion rufus)
- Yellow slugs (Limax flavus)
- Leopard slugs (Limax maximus)
These slug species tend to frequent gardens and produce toxic mucus that can more readily cause muscle tremors, seizures, and other acute symptoms if ingested by dogs.
What are the symptoms of snail or slug poisoning in dogs?
If a dog ingests a toxic snail or slug, they may show these signs and symptoms:
- Pawing at the mouth
- Excessive drooling
- Lip smacking
- Repeated swallowing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
- Muscle tremors or seizures
- Elevated heart rate and rapid breathing
- Collapse in severe cases
Symptoms typically start within a few minutes to a few hours after ingestion, depending on how much toxin was consumed. Quick treatment can help resolve symptoms, though in rare cases organ damage or secondary issues like dehydration can become life-threatening without veterinary treatment.
How much is dangerous?
The amount of snail or slug slime that can be dangerous to dogs depends on the size and health status of the dog. Small quantities of slime or one or two casual licks are unlikely to cause more than minor mouth irritation. The smaller the dog though, the more cautiously snail and slug ingestion should be treated.
Consuming several slugs or snails at once or repeated ingestion increases the risk of toxicity. Any evidence of more than mild symptoms warrants immediate veterinary assessment. Severe poisoning, muscle tremors, seizure activity, bloody diarrhea, collapse, or other concerning signs are medical emergencies.
How is snail and slug poisoning treated?
If snail or slug toxin ingestion is suspected, the first step is to contact your veterinarian or emergency vet clinic. They can advise you on safe home monitoring or whether you need to bring your dog in for examination and supportive care.
Treatment is focused on relieving symptoms and preventing secondary issues. Steps may include:
- Inducing vomiting if recently ingested
- Gastric decontamination and activated charcoal to absorb toxins
- IV fluids for hydration support
- Anticonvulsant medication for muscle tremors or seizures
- Medications to control nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Monitoring of heart rate, respiration, temperature, and blood pressure
- Observation period to watch for delayed symptoms
With timely veterinary treatment, outcomes are generally very good and full recovery is expected. However, severe poisoning can potentially lead to muscle damage, kidney or liver issues, secondary infection, blood clotting disorders, and other problems in rare cases.
How can snail and slug poisoning be prevented?
The best way to protect dogs from snail and slug poisoning is through prevention:
- Use fencing or supervision to keep dogs away from known snail or slug areas
- Remove snails, slugs, and eggs from the yard regularly
- Avoid snail and slug bait products if dogs may have access
- Keep dogs leashed on walks
- Pick up and discard any snails or slugs you find
- Thoroughly rinse off any vegetation before feeding it
- Inspect dog toys left outdoors for hidden slugs or snails
- Teach dogs a “leave it” command if interested in slugs and snails
- Contact your vet if you suspect poisoning
With proactive slug and snail control, dogs can enjoy your garden safely. Supervise dogs outdoors, clean up these pests, and take extra steps to remove slime, mucus, eggs, and trail markings whenever found.
Conclusion
While slugs and snails can pose a risk to dogs through their toxic mucus and slime, cases of serious poisoning are relatively uncommon. Minor drooling or teeth chattering after mouthing a snail or slug is not unusual and can generally be managed at home.
More concerning symptoms involving vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, or other signs warrant an immediate call to your veterinarian. They can provide tailored recommendations for inducing vomiting, decontamination, medications, and continued monitoring.
Take steps to limit slug and snail populations in your garden and always supervise dogs closely outdoors. Prompt veterinary treatment greatly improves the likelihood of a full recovery if more severe toxicity occurs. With proper slug and snail control and first aid when needed, the risk to dogs can be well managed.
| Symptom | Severity | Emergency Care Needed? |
| Drooling | Mild | No, can monitor at home |
| Vomiting | Moderate | Call vet for guidance |
| Bloody diarrhea | Severe | Yes, seek immediate vet care |
| Muscle tremors | Severe | Yes, seek immediate vet care |
| Seizures | Severe | Yes, seek immediate vet care |