Lungworm is a serious infection that can be fatal to your dog if left untreated and medical advice must always be sought if your dog becomes ill.
What is Lungworm?
Lungworm is a parasite that lives in slugs and snails. Your dog ingests the slug or snail either on purpose or inadvertently and the larvae migrate from the dogs gut to the pulmonary artery near the lungs via the blood stream. Here the larvae matures into the adult lungworm and begins producing eggs and larvae. These form modules in the lungs causing most of the symptoms. They are coughed up by the dog and then swallowed and passed out in the faeces to find another host snail and so the infection spreads.
What can it Cause in my Dog?
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Breathing problems.
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Heart problems.
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Haemorrhage of the spinal cord, eyes, lungs, liver, intestines.
Symptoms of Infection
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Breathing difficulties.
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Pneumonia.
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Coughing.
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Persistent bleeding.
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Reluctance to exercise.
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Weight loss.
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Paralysis.
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Fits.
What can I do?
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Take extra care if you notice slugs and snails where you usually walk your dog.
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Always pick up your dogs faeces.
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Take your dog to the vet at first signs of illness.
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Regularly worm your dog with a wormer that will kill lungworm such as Advocate.
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And most importantly talk to your VET ABOUT TREATMENT AND PREVENTION of lungworm.
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Areas covered in UK: Worcestershire and surrounding counties.
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