Slugs are animals belonging to the mollusk phylum, specifically to the gastropod class. The classification of these invertebrates has not been a simple task. It takes years of revision and changes in the taxonomic aspects that define them. In any case, in general, the term slug is used to refer to molluscs that have lost their shell or that have a very scarce, almost imperceptible one, which may even be internal.
There are both terrestrial and aquatic slugs. We will deal with the former in this article on our site, as they can cause serious problems in crops, as well as important he alth complications for both people and animals. But, Are slugs poisonous? We answer the question below.
Slug Overview
The term slug is used to refer to various molluscs that are included in different taxonomic groups, but that share a common characteristic, which is to have lost their shellor have a very small one. Therefore, the word slug is used to refer to an anatomical characteristic of a group of animals, rather than their taxonomic relationships.
Slugs are characterized by having on their heads a mouth and two pairs of tentacles, which are sensory organs for perceiving light and the smells. They also have a structure known as mantle, which is located on the body, although there may be variations in its arrangement depending on the species. Associated with the mantle are the anus, reproductive and respiratory systems.
In addition, they have the foot, under the body and where the pediosa gland, which secretes a gelatinous substance known asmoco on which the slugs move by means of rhythmic movements. This substance also protects them from possible damage that could be caused by the substrate where they move.
The body is soft and is made up of a large amount of water. Lacking a protective shell, they are very prone to desiccation. To counteract this, in addition to the mucus they produce to move around, they also secrete mucus that surrounds the body. This keeps them moist in non-extreme conditions. Additionally, they try to stay sheltered under trunks and among the vegetation and carry out their activity especially at night, when temperatures are lower.
Do slugs have poison?
The idea that slugs are toxic or poisonous has become widespread. However, really is not the case, although they can cause significant he alth problems, since they are carriers of parasites such as Angiostrongylus cantonensis, a nematode native to Asia that, at present, has spread to regions of America, Africa and Australia. This parasite is capable of causing meningitis in humans, causing significant brain damage.
In any case, the disease is not due to direct contact with the slug, but to consuming it voluntarily or accidentally In the In the first case, it has been reported that young people challenge each other to eat these animals alive in a kind of game with unfortunate consequences. Accidental consumption occurs when poorly washed vegetables are eaten, such as lettuce, which is a plant in which this slug can live.
On the other hand, several species are considered pests, since they can cause massive damage to plantations of interest to humans. In this sense, different types of biological and chemical controls have been developed to minimize the agricultural impact of these animals.
Are slugs poisonous to dogs?
Dogs are usually very curious and can eat everything they find on their way, that's why sometimes they even consume a slug or a snail, which can cause important complications for their he alth, not because slugs are poisonous, but because, just like people, they transmit parasites that can make them sick.
Among these parasites we find Angiostrongylus vasorum, commonly called French heartworm, although it is a lungworm, or Crenosoma vulpis. The first is the cause of heart conditions, obstructs arteries, produces thrombosis due to the formation of clots, respiratory insufficiencies, hemorrhages, neurological problems and even the death of the animal.
Crenosoma vulpis is a nematode responsible for respiratory problems, specifically in the bronchi, bronchioles and trachea. When this occurs, dogs experience shortness of breath, coughing and difficulty exercising.
Are slugs poisonous to cats?
Just like people and dogs, cat slugs are not poisonous on contact, but if ingest one, they can transmit parasites, such as Aelurostrongylus abstrusus or Troglostrongylus spp., which will mainly affect your respiratory system by lodging in your lungs.
In addition, people, and especially farmers, use chemicals to control slugs, leaving them impregnated with toxins. If a cat or dog consumes one of them, it is possible that the animal results poisoned Nervous system involvement, seizures or excessive salivation are signs that should put us on alert. Immediate veterinary attention is necessary.
What happens if you touch a slug?
As we have seen, slugs produce mucus that they use for various purposes. In addition to those mentioned, it also serves to protect the eggs, keeping them moist and away from predators, thanks to a repellent substance known as "miriamin". But there are no reports that it causes any toxicity in humans just from touching a slug.
