WHY WAIT FOR DISASTER TO STRIKE?
Lungworm is caused by a parasitic worm, Angiostrongylus vasorumas. The adult worm infects dogs but the young immature larval stages are carried and spread by slugs and snails. If a dog eats an infected slug or snail they are at risk of infection. The larvae can even survive in the slime trails, so licking is another way to get infected. Foxes can also be infected with this parasite and it is thought to be one of the reasons why it is slowly spreading around the country. Please watch the video at the end of this blog for more information on Lungworm.
Symptoms of Lungworm include lethargy, cough, heart failure and blood clotting disorders. This bleeding can be life-threatening risk to an affected pet.
In the last ten years or so the disease has become much more common throughout the UK and it is now considered that all dogs in the UK are potentially at risk. The number of cases in the north west currently remains low compared to the south of the UK, but numbers are likely to increase with time.
This has been a slowly emerging disease in the UK. We are NOT experiencing an epidemic but we feel it is time to raise awareness locally. Our advice is not to panic but to speak to one of our vets or nurses next time you visit the practice.
Check if Lungworm is in your area where you walk your dog or where you take your dog on holiday by visiting –
https://www.vetcentre.bayer.co.uk/campaigns/be-lungworm-aware/lungworm-map/
80% of dog owners have heard of Lungworm but only 8% use monthly prevention for Lungworm.
Regular treatment of your dog with a product that can kill the worms can help to protect them against infection. Many standard worming treatment do not protect against Lungworm infections. Our vets will be happy to advise you on the risks and the best way to protect your dog.
Did you know worming treatment is available on our Pet Health Plan which provide Lungworm protection? With easy monthly payments it’s the perfect way to protect you pet, not only against Lungworm but other intestinal worms and fleas. For more information on Lungworm or our Pet Health Plan please enquire with our reception team by phoning 01282 863 892.
