Lungworm is a potentially lethal parasite that can spread rapidly in the area and can infect dogs and cats. Unfortunately, it is becoming quite prevalent in the country with many reported cases in the UK this year.
How can Lungworm infect my dog?
Dogs can become infected by Lungworm by ingesting the larvae, or immature forms of the parasite. These larvae are most spread by slugs, snails, frogs, and foxes.
Once eaten, the larvae travels through the liver into the dog’s heart and blood vessels in their lungs where it can cause serious life-threatening problems if not diagnosed and treated immediately.
Lungworm can cause:
Lungworm is not easy to diagnose, as the symptoms are hard to spot and in some early stage cases, there are no symptoms at all. Thus, preventative medication is the most efficient way to ensure a Lungworm free pet! Nevertheless, here are the most usual healthcare problems that Lungworm can cause:
- Coughing, Pneumonia
- Lack of energy
- Vomiting, Diarrhoea
- Blood clotting problems
- Coma
- And even death
Could your dog be at risk?
Does your pet eat slugs and snails? Do you have foxes in your garden? Does your pet go outside? If you answered yes to any of the above, your pet is at high risk of being infected with Lungworm.
However, every area in the country has a different level of risk. Search for confirmed cases in your area, here.
How can I prevent Lungworm?
The good news is that Lungworm is usually, easily prevented. Stopping your pets from eating things in their environment can be challenging, but luckily, there are several preventative treatments that will prevent cats and dogs from picking up Lungworm by killing the immature larvae before they can infect your pet. Some measures that can minimize the risk of infection, is to clean up after your dog and avoid leaving toys, water bowls or food outside.
The most effective solution is medication that can be prescribed only from your vets. It is important to note that for the Lungworm prevention to be effective, the treatment must be given monthly.
The great news is that there is a large range of Lungworm treatments on our website available for your pets! Regular Lungworm treatment can ensure a happy and worm-free friend!