Lungworm in Dogs

What is Lungworm and How Does it Affect Dogs?

Lungworm is a serious condition in dogs caused by a parasitic worm. Once inside the body, the parasite can travel through the bloodstream and affect key organs, including the heart and lungs, as well as other vital systems. If left untreated, lungworm can lead to severe illness, so early recognition and treatment are essential.

Symptoms of Lungworm in Dogs

The signs of lungworm can vary, but common symptoms include:

• Persistent coughing

• Difficulty breathing

• Reluctance to exercise

• Weight loss

• Loss of appetite

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Prolonged bleeding from small cuts or injuries

If your dog is showing any of these signs, it’s important to contact our vets at Blythwood as soon as possible.

How Do Dogs Catch Lungworm?

Dogs usually become infected by accidentally ingesting larvae found in slugs, snails, or frogs. This can happen while out on walks, in the garden, or even through contact with toys or bowls that have come into contact with slugs or snails.

Once swallowed, the larvae develop inside the dog and adult lungworms eventually travel through the bloodstream to the heart and blood vessels. Milder infections may go unnoticed, but around four weeks after infection the worms begin releasing larvae, which can cause significant health complications.

Lungworm can also spread indirectly between dogs. When infected dogs pass larvae in their faeces, these are picked up by slugs and snails. If another dog then eats one of these infected creatures, the cycle continues.

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Preventing Lungworm in Dogs

The best way to protect your dog from lungworm is through regular preventative treatment. Just as you routinely protect your pet against fleas, worming treatments prescribed by your vet can also help protect against lungworm. There are a variety of effective products available on prescription, and our vets can recommend the most appropriate option and dosing schedule for your dog.

Treating Lungworm in Dogs

With prompt diagnosis and treatment, most dogs with lungworm will make a full recovery. The exact medication used will depend on the severity of the infection, but treatment is usually straightforward.

If lungworm is left untreated, however, it can cause far more serious health problems, including inflammation, internal bleeding, and even damage to vital organs. Diagnosis is typically confirmed by testing a sample of your dog’s faeces for the presence of lungworm larvae.

Contact us at your local Blythwood Vets

Lungworm in Dogs FAQs

Can Dogs Get Lungworm in the UK?

Yes – dogs in the UK can and do get lungworm. In fact, cases have increased in recent years, with certain regions, such as southern England and South Wales, reporting a higher number of infections.

How Common is Lungworm in Dogs?

The prevalence of lungworm varies depending on where you live. While it isn’t widespread across every part of the UK, it is considered an increasing threat. Dogs in high-risk regions are more likely to be affected, which is why awareness and prevention are so important.

Can You Prevent Lungworm in Dogs?

Yes – there are several effective steps you can take to reduce the risk of your dog contracting lungworm:

• Regular Preventative Treatment
  Your vet can prescribe worming medications that protect against lungworm. Consistent use is the most reliable way to prevent infection.

• Avoiding Slugs, Snails, and Frogs
  These creatures are the primary carriers of lungworm larvae, so discourage your dog from eating or playing with them.

• Outdoor Water Bowls
  Refresh any outdoor water sources frequently to reduce the chance of contamination.

• Extra Care in High-Risk Areas
  If you live in or walk your dog in areas with a high population of slugs and snails, be especially cautious.

Can You See Lungworm in Dog Poo?

No – adult lungworms are not visible in faeces. However, infected dogs do shed microscopic larvae in their stools. These larvae cannot be seen with the naked eye and can only be detected through veterinary laboratory testing of faecal samples.

Can Humans Get Lungworm?

The type of lungworm that affects dogs in the UK (Angiostrongylus vasorum) does not typically infect humans, so the risk to people is extremely low.