Slugs and Snails Are Bad for Dogs: Can They Survive on Pet Artificial Grass in Santa Cruz?

Slugs and snails can be a problem if your dogs tend to eat any critters they encounter. They can make dogs sick, so it’s important to keep them out of your yard. But that can be a tall order if you have a lawn, which tends to stay wet for a long time after it rains, making it a snail and slug haven. The great news is that installing pet artificial grass in Santa Cruz can prevent that and keep your dogs safe from these critters.

Why Are Slugs and Snails Bad for Dogs?

Slugs and snails are not something that dogs find appealing on their own. Most of the time, dogs eat these critters by accident—for example, if they’re digging in the dirt and come across one.

The odd slug or snail is unlikely to cause a lot of problems. But depending on what it ate (grass, leaves, moldy food, etc.), it can cause a stomach ache in dogs.

Unfortunately, some slugs and snails can also carry a dangerous lungworm parasite—and the parasite thrives not only on the critter but also on its slime trail.

How Do Lungworms Infect Dogs?

Lungworms live inside the bodies of slugs and snails, which become carriers after feeding on animal poop that has larvae. If your dog eats an infected slug or snail, it can get lungworm.

Lungworm larvae can also transfer to dogs when they accidentally eat their host or lick an infected slime trail. The larvae will move to the dog’s heart and blood vessels, where they mature and lay eggs. The infected dog can cough up these eggs or poop worm larvae.

Critters that come across the infected feces will become hosts, and the cycle continues.

Symptoms of Lungworm in Dogs

If your dogs have any of the symptoms below, you should call your veterinarian immediately. They might have lungworm.

• Coughing
• Difficulty Breathing
• Excessive Salivation
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Anorexia (refusing to eat)

How Does Artificial Grass Keep Slugs and Snails Away?

Slugs and snails don’t like pet artificial grass in Santa Cruz because it doesn’t offer the conditions that these critters need to survive.

A natural lawn after the rain offers the perfect condition for slugs to move around, feed and reproduce. These critters like to eat moist or decaying plant matter—and they can get that from soggy grass.

But Synthetic grass for dogs in Santa Cruz isn’t made of organic matter. Moreover, its plastic fibers don’t break down easily. That means that if a snail or slug comes across your artificial grass, there’s nothing for it to eat.

Artificial grass also has excellent drainage, thanks to its infill and permeable backing. This means that water doesn’t stagnate on its surface. It also doesn’t absorb water like natural grass. So it dries quickly, leaving no puddles for slugs and snails to enjoy.

Prioritize Your Dogs’ Safety With Artificial Grass Services in Santa Cruz

You’ve considered it, you’ve weighed the pros and cons, and now you’re ready to make the switch. And Santa Cruz Artificial Grass is here to help!

With our pet-friendly artificial grass products, you can give your dogs a safe play place without worrying about them running into snails and slugs. We also offer landscaping solutions and installation services that will beautify and pet-proof your yard.

If you have any questions or would like to set an appointment, just fill out our contact form or call us at 408-723-4954!