Barking Up The Wrong Tree

Keep your dog away from slugs

Slugs and snails are common in the UK thanks to our unfortunately climate, but not only are these pests a garden nightmare they can also cause a potentially fatal disease for your dog.

If your dogs eats slugs or snails, either deliberately or accidentally, then you should be careful.  They can carry a lungworm infection that leads to angiostrongylosis, the potentially fatal disease.

A vet in Southend, Mr Richardson, said:

“It is something that is more of an emerging condition.  We are seeing more of it than we used to. It has become a bigger problem in the South East because the climate here is a bit warmer which helps the slugs and snails do well.”

Symptoms are varied but all quite serious, such as weakness, vomit, bleeding, coughing, depression or just a reluctance to go on usual walks so be on the watch out this year.