We have had a confirmed case of Lungworm in the local area recently, and we would like to remind everyone of the importance of making sure your dogs are adequately protected.
Lungworm is a worm that is carried by slugs, snails or frogs and the slime they leave behind when travelling across surfaces such as grass, pavements, dog toys and anything else they travel over, including water sources. Lungworm is often thought of as an ‘’autumn/winter’’ problem but this is not the case and, with the particularly high prevalence of rainfall in recent summer months, lungworm is a year-round concern.
Your dog doesn’t have to eat a slug or snail to become infected. They just need to come into contact with the larvae that can be carried in the slime.
Once the larvae have been ingested, they grow into worms which then move through the dog’s body. There are very often no symptoms at this stage.
After about a month, the worms start to produce more larvae and this is when serious problems can occur.
If there are symptoms, they can include;
Coughing
Breathing problems
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Not wanting to eat or exercise
They may have clotting problems which is why we ask about parasite control when surgery is planned.
The problem is that there can be many causes for these symptoms.
Fortunately, lungworm infection can be treated if caught early enough and more importantly, can be prevented in the first place by using certain prescription grade parasiticides.
If you are unsure if your dog is protected, contact your vet to ensure the product you are using is adequate against lungworm prevention.
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