Wormopedia - Lungworms

These specific parasites only affect dogs and are carried by slugs and snails. If eaten by pets the infection can enter their bloodstream, infect the dog and in some cases the condition can prove fatal.

- AT RISK -

Lungworm is considered to be an ‘emerging’ disease in the UK and may be linked to climatic changes.

Symptoms

Lungworm is a type of parasite that can affect the respiratory tract. Once inside your pet, they gradually damage the airways so you may notice a cough and/or breathing difficulties.
You may notice some of the following in your dog if he has picked up lungworm:

• weight loss
• poor appetite
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• bleeding – from the nose, eye or more than usual from a minor cut or wound
• anaemia (paleness around the eyes and gums)
• tiring easily

Lifecycle...

Larvae mature into adults in the pulmonary arteries and the right heart

Larvae move to intestine via tracheal migration

Intermediate host ingested by dog (final host)

Larvae ingested by intermediate host (slugs and snails)

Larvae passed in faeces

Infection stages

Depending on the type of lungworm picked up, it can take from a few weeks to several months for a dog to exhibit signs of infection.

Risk to humans

Luckily for us, lungworm is not transferable to humans, but it can be deadly for our dogs.

Spread in Europe

Lungworm first emerged in France but has since spread right across Europe.

How to get rid of them

Prevention is definitely better than a cure with only vet strength wormers able to prevent the parasite from damaging your dog’s health. If you have concerns that your pet may have picked up lungworm, consult your vet as soon as you can. Most pets with lungworm make a full recovery if they are treated quickly. If left however, more complicated secondary infections can occur such as pneumonia. In areas where lungworm is present your vet will recommend using a vet strength wormer monthly to prevent lungworm causing disease in your pet.