Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog eats snails and slugs. How to prevent lungworm disease?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 5 months and 29 days old

I treat my dog with Advocate spot on flea and worm treatment every month, I noticed he has stated picking snails/slugs up from the garden and I'm worried about lung disease. Is there anything that can prevent this? I try to keep an eye on him in the garden but it's difficult, he's due his next treatment tomorrow. If there is a serious risk of him getting the disease by picking up snails/slugs can it be prevented through medication?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

David Darvishian

Answered By David Darvishian

Veterinarian

Published on August 20th, 2017

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Ziggy loves the snails and slugs huh? Advocate is labeled to treat lungworms outside of the US. We have Advantage Multi and if I'm correct I don't think it's labeled for that here. So it appears that one of the active ingredients (imidacloprid or moxidectin) treats lungworms. Other than being a gross habit hopefully you won't see any problems with his odd taste in treats. It is possible that the medicine doesn't kill 100% of anything that it is labeled for so keep a close eye on him for coughing or other signs related to vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Good luck with Ziggy. Maybe he will grow out of this.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Vet Q & A
Dog near snail: Lungworm risk? Should I switch parasite prevention?
If refused frontline protection has been effective for fleas and ticks, i recommend you add a separate oral worm tablet which covers lungworm such as milbemax. Speak to your vets office to determine if lungworm is present in your area as you may be a very small risk
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My dog ate a slug. Can I use Advocate after recent Fipronil?
I would wait 2 weeks prior to applying advocate which has a month retrospective action on lungworm ingestion. If you wish, you have it exchanged with a tablet for lungworm, I think your vet will probably exchange it for you without any problem. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach !
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My puppy spit out a snail after deworming. Is it lungworm? What now?
What you saw is not a lungworm, you saw a snail/slug that could potentially carry a lungworm. it takes several months for this worm to develop so even if he got infested it can still be treated with Ivermectin or Advocate spot on for example.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My dog has lungworm. How to tell if treatment worked & what caused it?
Dogs can become infected by ingesting infected slugs or snails or by coming in to contact with the saliva or stool of infected dogs. Depending on the severity of the infection, treatment may last as long as 2 months. Repeated doses of the dewormer may be indicated. You will know the infection is resolved after a fecal exam comes back as "negative" or containing no parasites or parasite eggs.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My dog found a slug. Can lungworm survive in its slime trail?
Lungworm larvae do not live in the slime of a slug. Your dog would need to eat the slug to get infected with lungworm (angiostrongylus spp) and the slug would need to be infected as well. I would not worry about it.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
My dog eats snails in the garden. Is it dangerous? How can I stop him?
Most snails are not dangerous, but snails can carry parasites such as lungworms that can infect dogs, and they may cause GI upset such as vomiting and diarrhea so it's best to discourage him from eating them. Puppies explore the world with their mouth so there's no quick and easy way to prevent him from eating them, other than keep him away from where they are (if possible), or simply watch him closely and tell him "no!" and take it away when you see him try to pick one up. It will probably help to have some of his kibbles with you, or small treats, both to encourage him to drop the snail and to reward him for listening when you tell him "no". Good luck!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My puppy chewed a slug, but didn't swallow it. Is a vet visit needed?
Unless you have slug bait down in the vicinity i would not be immediately concerned. Slugs and snails can carry lungworm and monthly prevention should be considered to prevent infection in any dogs which may be exposed in affected areas, your vets office can advise on local infection risks
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Related Searches

Dog Dewormers & Worm MedicinePrescription Dewormer for DogsHeartworm Medicine for DogsDog Health & WellnessDog Medicine and PrescriptionsPrescription Heartworm MedicationAntifungal Medication for DogsDog Asthma MedicationTopical Flea & Tick Treatment for DogsHeartworm Prevention for CatsPrescription Flea & Tick Medicine for DogsFlea & Tick Solutions for DogsPrescription Flea & Tick MedicineDog Flea & Tick Pills & ChewsPrescription Dog Digestive MedicationsDog Stool Eating DeterrentPrescription Dewormer for CatsFlea Bombs & Foggers for DogsDog Thyroid Medication & Hormone CarePrescription Dog Antibiotics
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Share

Styled arrow button