How Do I Protect My Dog Against Lungworm?

Keeping your dog protected against parasites is important for their health and wellbeing. Lungworm is a particularly problematic species, that can lead to serious concerns for dogs who are infected.

Understanding this parasite is essential to being prepared and keeping dogs healthy.

What is Lungworm?

Lungworm is a species of roundworm that affects dogs. The larvae travel through the blood vessels and start to develop in the body. Adult lungworms reside in the heart, which can if left untreated lead to heart complications, breathing difficulties and even pneumonia.

Lungworm can sometimes at first be unnoticed by owners, however once larvae start being produced at around 28 days post-infection, symptoms will start to worsen. The destructive larvae that are making their way through the body lead to damage and bleeding in the lungs, intestines, eyes and even spinal cord.

Lungworm can be fatal IF left untreated.Luckily this parasite infection is typically very treatable.

How Does My Dog Contract Lungworm?

This parasite is spread through an intermediate host.

 Slugs, snails, and frogs act as hosts for the lungworm. The trail that slugs and snails leave behind can also be an infection risk.

When your dog either accidentally or purposefully ingests these species, they become infected with the immature lungworm.

Although dogs cannot spread this lungworm directly to each other, they do spread the lungworm larvae in their faeces. This in turn is ingested by slugs and snails, which are eaten by other dogs. The more infected slugs and snails that are eaten, the more dogs that are at risk.

One way to reduce the risk of all worm infections is to ensure you always pick up your dog’s waste. Read our blog on Responsible Dog Walking.

When your dog rummages through the undergrowth, drinks from outside water sources and plays outside there is a risk of accidental infection.

How Common is Lungworm?

This parasite is less common than other worms, e.g. roundworm, however, this parasite has spread beyond its more traditional habitat over the years.

Lungworm is found across the UK, however, there are typically more cases across Southern England and South Wales.

Symptoms of Lungworm

Symptoms of an infection can be vague or like other illnesses.

Here are some things to look out for:

• Coughing
• Breathing Difficulties
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Diarrhoea
• Persistent Bleeding
• Bloating
• Stomach Pain
•  Seizures

If you notice your dog exhibiting unusual symptoms, take them to the vet as soon as possible. Giving your dog regular preventative treatment will ensure they are better protected from this parasite.

How Can I Protect My Dog Against Lungworm?

Discuss regular lungworm treatment options with your vet. Find your closest Pet Practice.

There are other preventative measures you can take to reduce the risk of lungworm infection:

1. Clean and change outside water bowls regularly- dogs can accidentally ingest slugs and snails that find their way into these bowls.
2. Don’t leave toys outside – when picking up these toys, dogs can swallow snails and slugs.
3. Keep a close eye on your dog - if your garden or local park is prone to slugs and snails watch your dog closely and try to remove any that might be tempting.

Watch our Protecting Pets Against Worms video for more information on other internal parasites.