How to Groom a Pet Snail

Regularly bathing a snail helps them thrive in their habitats and protects them from disease and illness. The process of bathing a snail is as simple as the snail itself. If you have water, a shallow dish and a clean toothbrush, your snail’s bath time can begin and end in the blink of an eye.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Soft-bristled toothbrush
• Shallow receptacle
• Pourable container

1. Find a clean, shallow, heavy receptacle, a small, pourable container and a new, soft-bristled toothbrush.
2. Fill the receptacle and the container with tepid water.
3. Retrieve your snail from its habitat. Refrain from forcing the snail off a surface; instead, coax it off with wet fingers.
4. Place the snail in the shallow, water-filled receptacle. Avoid fully submerging your snail in the water, as accidental drowning may occur.
5. Slowly and gently pour the water from the small container over the snail.
6. Run your finger over the snail’s body and shell to gently massage loose dirt off your snail.
7. Moisten the toothbrush with water. Gently massage the toothbrush over the snail’s shell to combat heavier stains and tougher dirt particles on the snail. Pour more water over the shell as you do this, making sure to keep the surface moistened.
8. Remove your snail from the receptacle.
9. Replace the snail in its habitat.

Tips & Warnings

• Regularly bathing your snails and keeping them clean, increases your snails' chances for survival and keeps them free of pests and disease.
• Do not use soaps, detergents or other chemical agents while cleaning your snail, as they are poisonous to snails.
• Do not harshly scrub your snail’s body or shell, as it may cause your snail harm.
• Use water that is room temperature. Using water that is too hot or cold can shock your snail and cause it injury.