Dr Chris Brown’s important health alert for pets
Bondi Vet’s much loved veterinarian, Dr Chris Brownexplains how a common bug found in most gardens around the country could be posing a serious health risk to your pet.
The recent wet weather has seen a sudden increase in a disease as serious as it is mysterious. And a tiny creature found in most backyards is to blame. Here’s how you can avoid it.
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 including paralysis. It can even be fatal.
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.
How you can avoid it
- 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.
- 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 where you can.
And in case you're wondering, cats don’t seem to be at risk of rat lungworm. Horses as well as native wildlife are susceptible though.
For more tips on your pets, follow Dr Chris Brown on Facebook here.
Related links:
The secret to dealing with pet allergies
6 reasons your dog’s health is just as important as your own