The slimy backyard danger you might not know about

When you have a lick it, eat it approach to life, anything is possible. And that includes slugs and snails. Especially if they find themselves in their food bowl or boredom strikes. 

But eating that slimy creature isn't just gross, it can be catastrophic to their health...

Enter Rat Lungworm Disease. Never heard of it? You're not alone. But in the vet hospital, I see a couple of cases of this every year. And now, is a high risk time...

So here's your pet health alert on Rat Lungworm Disease. 

While the sight of slugs and snails might disgust us, for dogs it’s a different story. Sometimes the temptation for a taste just becomes too much. And unfortunately this ‘slime-time’ can have serious consequences.

That’s because a tiny worm (called rat lungworm) that’s living inside some snails and slugs can be transferred to dogs, causing serious signs ranging from paralysis to back pain to breathing problems. It can even be fatal.

Just remember, not every slug or snail carries the disease. So it's not guaranteed one gulp will cause problems.  

So who’s at risk?

While any dog can be infected, those most at risk are:

• Puppies
• ‘Experimental’ eaters
• In backyards with snails/slugs…and rats. The worm comes from them originally.
  
  
  
  
  

  So what can you do?

• Slugs and snails love making a meal out of pet food left lying around. It’s also a common way dogs mistakenly swallow them. So take bowls away between meals.
• Supervise outdoor excursions especially with puppies and after heavy rain.
• At this time of year, fallen leaves provide food and shelter to slugs and snails. Rake them up...
  
  TIP: Don’t use snail bait. It’s not just highly toxic, it’s also highly attractive to dogs. Instead, physically remove and slugs and snails you find from your yard.
  Old coffee grounds scattered around your garden can be a natural alternative…

What about other pets? 

Importantly, cats don’t seem to be at risk of rat lungworm. Horse as well as native wildlife do seem to be susceptible though.

Written and researched by veterinarian, Dr Chris Brown BVSc (Hons)

References:

1. "Climate a factor driving increased cases of rat lungworm disease in eastern Australia" by Professor Jan Šlapeta, University of Sydney, June 2025
2. "Further studies of neuroangiostrongyliasis (rat lungworm disease) in Australian dogs: 92 new cases (2010–2020) and results for a novel, highly sensitive qPCR assay" by R. Lee et all, Journal of Parasitology, 2020.
3. "Rat Lungworm in Companion Animals" by H. Walden https://www.cliniciansbrief.com/article/rat-lungworm-disease-dogs

Diagram via the University of Sydney.