Head vet issues warning about the dangers of this common garden pest for dogs this autumn

With the summer coming to a close, it's time to prepare for the wet weather and damp air. And although our gardens will be glad for the much-needed moisture, the rain also brings some unwanted visitors that can pose a threat to your pets.

If you've noticed your garden is suddenly full of slugs and snails, it's probably because of the rain we've been experiencing recently. And whilst that helps our gardens recover from a heatwave, it also encourages some slimy, unwelcome visitors to our outdoor spaces that can be an issue for more than just our plant life.

When the wet weather arrives, our gardens can quickly become filled with slugs and snails, and whilst that's definitely an issue for plants and vegetables we're growing, it's also a risk for our pets.

Vets warning for autumn garden pest

If you have already tried to attract birds to your garden to help with a slug or snail problem, then you may be aware of how dangerous the molluscs are if you have a dog because of the potential lungworm they can carry.

"Lungworm is a type of parasitic worm that is found in slugs and snails and can infect dogs and travel around their body through blood vessels," begins Dr Sean McCormack, Head Vet at dog food subscription brand Tails.com.

"Once they have entered the body and migrated through the tissues, they can cause serious harm to your canine’s heart and lungs, as well as damage to other areas of the body," he adds.

"This is because the larvae release a chemical that stops the blood from clotting when they enter your dog's blood vessels, leaving them at risk of internal bleeding that, if left untreated or undiagnosed, could prove to be fatal," Dr McCormack says.

In the same way, you need to be careful with certain plants that flower nonstop and grow in your garden that can be toxic to pets; these pests can easily be eaten or licked by your dogs.

"Our dogs are curious creatures, and often love to sniff and explore when it comes to wildlife, whether that be in the garden or when out on a walk, meaning that they can become infected with the lungworm parasite if they come into contact with slugs and snails when rooting around in shrubbery," explains Dr McCormack.

"Though slugs and snails are usually a lot more prominent during the spring, due to warmer temperatures and rainfall, we’ve seen a spike in searches for lungworm in dogs over the past few weeks, due to long periods of wet and humid weather that the UK has been experiencing, which has encouraged the creatures to hang around in gardens, parks and the countryside," he continues.

"While the greatest risk of lungworm comes from your dog directly eating slugs and snails, whether that's accidentally or on purpose, even your canine coming into contact with the slime trails that they leave behind can be dangerous. It is therefore important to be vigilant for slugs and snails over the coming weeks, especially if you have a puppy who is more likely to investigate the garden creatures," Dr McCormack points out.

Dr McCormack says various signs indicate your dog has lungworm, from lethargic behaviour to poor appetite. It's important to keep an eye on your pet and consider getting lungworm medication, which can completely prevent your pet from ever getting the disease.

Whenever you're sorting your garden out, be sure to keep an eye on any spots where snails or slugs could be attracted and remove them to keep your furry family member safe this autumn.

If you are participating in the rewilding trend, then your garden might be more susceptible to slugs and snails, so be extra vigilant when letting your pets outside this coming season.