Dogs and slugs ....?

[Farmer_Gyles]

I've got myself a lovely labrador puppy, proper andrex doggy
Apparently he'll eat slugs and snails
That makes me kinda reluctant to use slug pellets ....
So how do i fight the slugs this year? My veggie patch suffers big time from slugs.

I know the best way forward is keeping the veggie patch weed-free as best I can - give the slugs nowhere to hide - but what else can i do?
I use the weed control sheeting to prevent a lot of the weeds - makes life a lot easier and saves a lot of the veggies.
Is there a slug pellet or something that'll be safe with dogs?
Any other ideas?

[samw04]

the slugs taste very nasty i've had pups play with them in the past but as soon as they taste um they stop. if not then they will usally sick it up anyway. but make sure you keep a box of washing soda in so if he does eat anthing he shouldn't chuck a couple of spoons of that down and he'll sick up anything eaten that day. that works well also if they get to a sack of dried food and start blowing up like a ballon! saved a big op to.

[shirlthegirl43]

I use growing success slug pellets. They are hedgehog and bird friendly and safe for cats and dogs too. They cost a bit more but also, the way they work, the slugs go underground and die instead of leaving yukky slimy messes everywhere.

[bluemoon]

OK, Farmer Gyles, this is a Labrador we're talking about, right? No problem then, you'll not have any plants left for the slugs and snails to eat. No need for pellets as they'll die of starvation. Labs also think that plastic plant-pots are the greatest toy ever. And any large 'posh' pots you might have, containing specimen plants that you've had for years? Forget it, these are Labrador step-ladders, used to gain an extra foot or so in order to see over fences and walls - no dangerous postman will sneak up on you now. None of your beds will ever be dug well enough for a Lab, they always have to finish the job off to their own satisfaction - usually when you've just set out a row of cabbages. Got a heap of manure that's rotting down nicely? Your Lab will roll in it......or worse eat it! That little waggy tail? By the time he's one it can be used with the force of a sledge-hammer, I'd put safety glazing in the greenhouse before it's too late. Did the breeder tell you that they're quite bouncy for the first year or two, but then calm down? Lies, all lies!

We've recently lost our beloved Lab after a long illness. Enjoy him (or her) Farmer Gyles, however long you have them it's never long enough - oh and next time, get a black one, the dirt doesn't show.

PS. They're the greatest dog ever really....honest.

[sez]

I had reasonable success with beer traps last year - you can just use a yoghurt pot or something sunk in the soil and filled with beer, i used some from wilkos though for the sake of it having a lid and a handle!

[TPeers]

OK, Farmer Gyles, this is a Labrador we're talking about, right? No problem then, you'll not have any plants left for the slugs and snails to eat. No need for pellets as they'll die of starvation. Labs also think that plastic plant-pots are the greatest toy ever. And any large 'posh' pots you might have, containing specimen plants that you've had for years? Forget it, these are Labrador step-ladders, used to gain an extra foot or so in order to see over fences and walls - no dangerous postman will sneak up on you now. None of your beds will ever be dug well enough for a Lab, they always have to finish the job off to their own satisfaction - usually when you've just set out a row of cabbages. Got a heap of manure that's rotting down nicely? Your Lab will roll in it......or worse eat it! That little waggy tail? By the time he's one it can be used with the force of a sledge-hammer, I'd put safety glazing in the greenhouse before it's too late. Did the breeder tell you that they're quite bouncy for the first year or two, but then calm down? Lies, all lies!

We've recently lost our beloved Lab after a long illness. Enjoy him (or her) Farmer Gyles, however long you have them it's never long enough - oh and next time, get a black one, the dirt doesn't show.

PS. They're the greatest dog ever really....honest.

The feeling and friendship you show is amazing, you lost a well loved friend. Reading your post made me both smile and cry. I hope your dog appreciated you as much as you obviously loved him.

And having known several labs - all guide dogs - I know what you mean about those tails!

[Farmer_Gyles]

PS. They're the greatest dog ever really....honest.

i know - and thats why i chose a lab!
i've got a good one - he's really well behaved, loves his cuddles ..... and i hope the tail keeps on wagging forever!
getting a black one late this year or early next year - easier than getting a girlfriend LOL

good to know there are slug pellets i can use - i'll give them a try - i'm not too worried about disappearing veggies
beer traps prob not a good idea - can imagine having a drunken lab!

[JanieB]

I've always had labs. I intend to have another as soon as the house is sorted. Why are their tails at the ideal height to clear a coffee table at one wag .

[TPeers]

To keep you tidy!

[terrier]

A word of warning if your dog tries to eat slugs. Slugs can cause Lungworm if ingested, they are very nasty parasites and the effect can be very nasty if not always fatal for your dog. Make sure your dog is wormed up to date with a FULL SPECTRUM WORMER as not all wormer preps control lungworm. In the past Lungworm has not been a major problem in this country but in recent years is on the up and up.

[bluemoon]

The feeling and friendship you show is amazing, you lost a well loved friend. Reading your post made me both smile and cry. I hope your dog appreciated you as much as you obviously loved him.

And having known several labs - all guide dogs - I know what you mean about those tails!

He was wonderful, I was just so lucky to be his mum. When I went to look at the litter there were nine other pups, but it was as if someone had shone a spot-light on him. I looked at him, he looked at me and that was it. If I could go back in time to that day, knowing what I know now (that we would have a long battle with an illness which we would eventually lose) then I would still choose him and take him home because there were so many good times too. It was an honour to share his - at times rather mad - life.

Farmer Gyles - they may be easier to find than a girlfriend, but don't for a minute think they'll be cheaper.