Lungworm in dogs is a growing problem in the UK but many pet parents are not aware of the condition, or of the risk it carries for their pet. It can be a very serious illness, even proving fatal in the most severe cases. Any dog can potentially develop a lungworm infection but younger dogs, with their increased curiosity, are thought to be at particular risk. Once very uncommon in the UK, lungworm is now widespread across the country (although it is more prevalent in some areas than others), and so all dog owners need to be aware of the dangers presented by lungworm, and take steps to protect their dog against it.

What is Lungworm?

Lungworm is a type of parasite that can infect dogs, as well as foxes. Once it has infected your dog, lungworm will travel around their body via the blood vessels, and can affect the heart, lungs and other parts of the body.

In fact, because it can travel in the bloodstream, lungworm can cause problems almost anywhere in your dog’s body. This might include bleeding in the lungs, liver, intestine, eyes and spinal cord, as well as cardiac and respiratory disease.

Left untreated, it can be fatal, but it is usually treatable.

How Common is Lungworm in Dogs?

Lungworm is what is called an ‘emerging disease’, as it’s gradually becoming more and more common. Certain parts of the UK have been recognised as lungworm ‘hotspots’ in the past, such as the south of England and South Wales. However, lungworm in dogs is becoming increasingly more prevalent, with more and more cases appearing in the north of England and Scotland.

Check out the Lungworm Map to get an idea of how many cases have been reported in your area but bear in mind that this might not always be a fully accurate indication.

How Does Lungworm Spread?

Unlike many other infections, lungworm cannot be spread directly from one dog to another. Instead, it spreads using what’s known as an ‘intermediate host’. These are usually slugs and snails, and sometimes frogs.

In the first lifestage, lungworm grows and develops in slugs and snails, so that when a dog ingests an infected one, they become infected themselves. Dogs then pass larvae in their faeces, which will then go on to infect more slugs and snails, and in turn, more dogs.

Dogs might eat slugs or snails out of curiosity, or more likely, by accident when they’re eating grass, foraging in the undergrowth, drinking from puddles, grooming themselves or playing with toys outdoors.

The slime from infected slugs and snails can also be enough to transmit lungworm, which is even easier for dogs to inadvertently ingest.

Lungworm Symptoms in Dogs

The severity of lungworm infections varies a lot from dog to dog. In mild cases, it might go unnoticed for quite some time, causing no symptoms. As the infection progresses though, adult lungworm will move through your dog’s body to live in their heart and blood vessels. This activity can lead to serious problems and symptoms.

Lungworm symptoms in dogs may include:

• Coughing (sometimes bringing up blood)
• Difficulty breathing (it might sound fast, heavy or noisy)
• Poor blood clotting (if your dog gets a minor cut, it might bleed for a lot longer than normal)
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy or not wanting to exercise
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Seizures

Lungworm Treatment for Dogs

If you spot any of the above symptoms, see your vet as soon as possible.

Because a mild lungworm infection won’t always cause any obvious symptoms, it is a good idea to take your dog for a vet check-up if you think they have eaten or been in close contact with slugs or snails – even if they don’t appear to be unwell. Your vet can check whether an infection is present, despite a lack of symptoms.

If your vet suspects your dog has a lungworm infection, they will prescribe anti-worming medication. Most dogs will make a full recovery once treated, especially if they are diagnosed early.

How to Prevent Lungworm in Dogs

Try to be vigilant when walking your dog, keeping an eye out for slugs and snails and making sure your dog doesn’t eat any. If you do see your dog eating a slug or snail, or they seem unwell after a walk where you know there to be slugs and snails, contact your vet for advice right away.

It’s also a good idea to regularly change the water in outdoor water bowls.

It’s not possible to completely eliminate the risk of lungworm infection, particularly while your dog is out on walks. Instead, the best way to prevent lungworm in dogs is to provide regular worming treatment. Speak to your vet to discuss which treatment would be best for your dog.

Which Wormer Kills Lungworm in Dogs?

Not all worming products are effective against lungworm – some will only cover intestinal worms. If your dog is particularly at risk of lungworm, it’s important to choose one that is effective against it.

Most wormers that are effective against both lungworm and the common types of intestinal worms in dogs will require a prescription from your vet.

You can then ask for a written prescription from your vet and order them online with us to save money and time, with delivery straight to your door.

Lungworm in Cats

Cats can get lungworm too, however the parasite that causes lungworm in cats is different from the one that causes lungworm in dogs.

Lungworm in cats poses a higher risk to kittens and elderly cats, but is not usually life-threatening. It is most commonly passed on when cats hunt infected prey, such as birds and mice, or drink water that has been contaminated with infected slugs and snails.

Symptoms and treatment of lungworm in cats is similar to those of lungworm in dogs.

Can Humans Get Lungworm?

No, the common type of lungworm that affects dogs does not infect humans.

However, there are other types of worms that can be transmitted from pets to humans. Intestinal worms such as roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and whipworms can affect both pets and humans, so for both of you, it’s crucial that you administer worming treatments regularly throughout the year. Read more about intestinal worms in dogs and cats here.

Wrapping Up

Lungworm is a nasty parasite that can have serious health impacts on dogs. Transmitted via infected slugs and snails, it’s all too easy for unsuspecting pups to accidentally ingest one (or its slime) while playing outdoors or on a walk. It’s therefore important to keep toys and water bowls indoors when your dog isn’t using them, and to take your dog to see a vet if you do suspect they have eaten a snail or slug – even if they are not showing any of the symptoms of lungworm. Speak to your vet about the preventative treatment options available if you are concerned that your dog is at risk.