Canine Lungworm in Dogs: Risks, Symptoms and Prevention
If you own a dog, understanding canine lungworm is essential as this parasite is becoming more common and can be fatal without treatment. This guide explains what lungworm is, how it affects dogs, and practical steps you can take to keep your pet safe.
What is Canine Lungworm?
Lungworm is a parasitic worm called Angiostrongylus vasorum that infects the blood vessels around the heart and passes through the lungs during its lifecycle. Despite the name, the adult worms don’t live in the lungs but can cause coughing and respiratory issues as larvae migrate through lung tissue.
The lifecycle involves eggs hatching into larvae, which are coughed up, swallowed, and passed in your dog’s faeces. These larvae then develop inside slugs and snails, which are indirect hosts. Dogs become infected by eating these molluscs, licking infected slime, or consuming other animals that have eaten slugs or snails. The entire cycle takes about four weeks to complete from ingestion to adult worms in the heart vessels.
Is Lungworm a Risk to My Dog?
The distribution of lungworm in the UK has expanded beyond traditionally warmer, wetter areas such as parts of southern England and Wales. Cases have now been reported as far north as Scotland. Dogs less than two years old and those that accidentally eat slugs, snails, or contaminated objects outdoors are at a higher risk.
Dogs with free outdoor access, especially those spending time off lead in damp environments where slugs and snails thrive, are more vulnerable. Young dogs' curious nature increases their chances of ingesting infective larvae.
What Symptoms Might My Dog Show If Infected?
Symptoms of lungworm can be subtle and nonspecific, making diagnosis tricky. Common signs include coughing, difficulty or increased effort breathing, lethargy, and bleeding tendencies due to clotting disorders. Advanced cases may produce fluid in the abdomen, seizures, or collapse.
It’s essential to consult your vet if your dog appears unwell, especially with respiratory symptoms or unexplained bleeding. Early detection greatly improves treatment success.
How Will My Vet Diagnose Lungworm?
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of tests: repeated faecal samples using techniques to identify larvae, chest X-rays, blood tests, and sometimes direct airway examination with a scope. Newer blood tests can detect lungworm infection with over 98% accuracy in 15 minutes using small blood samples, though they mostly identify the most common lungworm species.
What Treatment is Available?
Treatment requires prescription antiparasitic medications, such as milbemycin or moxidectin-based products, often given monthly. Severe infections may need hospitalisation for oxygen therapy, steroids, antibiotics, or blood transfusions. The prognosis is much better with early intervention.
How Can I Prevent Lungworm?
- Use monthly preventative medications: Administer licensed worming products containing milbemycin or moxidectin every four weeks for effective prevention.
- Limit contact with slugs and snails: Keep your dog’s toys inside and clean outdoor water bowls regularly to reduce slug slime contact.
- Promptly clean up faeces: Removing dog waste reduces environmental larvae and interrupts the parasite lifecycle.
- Avoid damp, slug-prone areas: Be cautious of wet gardens and woods, especially in high-risk regions.
- Regular veterinary check-ups: Discuss with your vet about lungworm risk and testing during routine visits.
- Stay informed about local outbreak areas: Awareness helps you take timely preventive actions during peak risk periods.
If you suspect your dog could be at risk or showing symptoms, contact your veterinarian promptly for advice and possible testing. With simple, consistent prevention, you can protect your dog from this serious but treatable disease.
For those considering a new dog, always seek reputable breeders or consider adoption through trusted rehoming centres to ensure your new family member starts life with good health and responsible care.
