How to Remove Snails in a Dog's Fur

Dogs may end up with snails in their coats if they roll around in gardens or spend a lot of time outside. Although most snails eat plant matter, they have thousands of tiny teeth, which they may use to attach to your dog's coat. The main concern, however, is not biting, but poisoning, as some snail varieties are toxic to canines. Dogs can ingest snails who've made a home in their fur by nipping at them or eating them when they fall from their coats. Thwart any danger by removing snails as soon as you spot them on your pup.

Things You'll Need

  • Fine-toothed comb
  • Scissors
  • Tweezers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Command your dog to lay down or sit so he's still while you're removing the snails.

    • 2

      Position a fine-toothed comb below the snail and pull up slowly to disentangle the snail from the dog's fur. Keep your other hand or a cup near the comb so you can catch the snail as it comes off the dog.

    • 3

      Cut the fur away if the snail is stuck. Snip the fur close to the root with your scissors, positing the blades parallel to the dog's skin so you don't accidentally cut your pet. Pull out the trimmed tuft of fur to remove the snail from the dog.

    • 4

      Grasp the snail with tweezers if it's stuck or too close to the dog's skin to cut away. Pull up slowly, and use the fine-toothed comb to encourage disentanglement as you pull the snail away from the dog's skin.