About Lungworms
What is a Lungworm?
The lungworm Angiostrongylus vasorum (also known as French Heartworm) is a parasite that infects dogs. The adult of this particular lungworm lives in the heart and major blood vessels supplying the lungs, where it can cause a host of problems. Left untreated, the infection can often be fatal.
The lungworm parasite is carried by slugs and snails. The problem arises when dogs purposefully or accidentally eat these common garden pests when rummaging through undergrowth, eating grass, drinking from puddles or outdoor water bowls, or pick them up from their toys Foxes can also become infected with the lungworm, and have been implicated in the spread of the parasite across the country.
There are two main problems caused by dogs becoming infected with
lungworm:
a) Infection with lungworm can cause serious health problems in dogs, and is often fatal if not diagnosed and treated.
b) Dogs infected with lungworm spread the parasite into the environment, as the larvae of the parasite are expelled in the dog’s faeces. This increases the chances of other dogs becoming infected
Signs of Lungworm infection
Dogs of all ages and breeds can become infected with lungworm. However, younger dogs seem to be more prone to picking up the parasite. Dogs known to eat slugs and snails should also be considered high risk.
Lungworm infections can result in a number of different signs which may easily be confused with other illnesses. If your dog is displaying any of the signs below, consult your veterinary surgeon immediately.
There are some dogs which don’t initially show outward signs of lungworm infection. If you are concerned your veterinary surgeon can perform tests which may help detect if your dog is infected with the lungworm parasite.
Signs:
Breathing problems - coughing and being lethargic
Poor blood clotting - Excessive bleeds from minor cuts, nose bleeds, bleeds in eyes, amaernia (paleness in eys/gums)
General sickness - weight loss, poor appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea
Changes in behaviour - depression, tires easily, seizures and fits
Prevention and Treatment
It is important to recognise that lungworm is not prevented or treated by the conventional use of worming tablets when given every three months, or even every month.
Thankfully, treatment of lungworm infection in dogs is widely available and easy to administer. Once diagnosed and treated, most dogs make a full recovery. The key to successful treatment is taking action early.If you are concerned your dog has picked up, or is at risk from, picking up a lungworm infection, speak to your veterinary surgeon without delay.
Prevention and Treatment of Angiostrongylus vasorum. Your vet can prescribe a specific spot-on solution to treat this parasite, which is applied to the back of the neck.
Applied monthly this product can also prevent the establishment of infection with Angiostrongylus vasorum. Speak to your veterinary surgeon for further advice.
Frequently asked questions
Question. Can humans become infected with the lungworm Angiostrongylus vasorum?
Answer: No. This type of lungworm is not known to infect humans. However, dogs and cats can carry roundworms which
can be passed on to people, so make sure you keep your pet’s parasite protection programme up to date.
Question. Is Angiostrongylus vasorum the only lungworm that can infect my dog?
Answer: No. Other lungworms can infect your dog. If you are concerned in any way that your dog is unwell, seek veterinary advice.
Question. Can my cat become infected with lungworm?
Answer: Cats can become infected with another type of lungworm (Aelurostrongylus abstrusus). However, infections seem to be rare and the outcome tends not to be as severe as in dogs. If you are worried that your cat may be showing
symptoms similar tothose described to the dog (particularly coughing), speak to your vet for advice.
Question. Can one dog infect another dog?
Answer: Not directly, as the parasite is only infective after first developing inside a slug or snail. However if two or more dogs share the same environment and one is found to be infected, the others may be at high risk due to exposure to the same surroundings. NB: It is always advisable to clear up your dog’s faeces.
The lungworm Angiostrongylus vasorum (also known as French Heartworm) is a parasite that infects dogs. The adult of this particular lungworm lives in the heart and major blood vessels supplying the lungs, where it can cause a host of problems. Left untreated, the infection can often be fatal.
The lungworm parasite is carried by slugs and snails. The problem arises when dogs purposefully or accidentally eat these common garden pests when rummaging through undergrowth, eating grass, drinking from puddles or outdoor water bowls, or pick them up from their toys Foxes can also become infected with the lungworm, and have been implicated in the spread of the parasite across the country.
There are two main problems caused by dogs becoming infected with
lungworm:
a) Infection with lungworm can cause serious health problems in dogs, and is often fatal if not diagnosed and treated.
b) Dogs infected with lungworm spread the parasite into the environment, as the larvae of the parasite are expelled in the dog’s faeces. This increases the chances of other dogs becoming infected
Signs of Lungworm infection
Dogs of all ages and breeds can become infected with lungworm. However, younger dogs seem to be more prone to picking up the parasite. Dogs known to eat slugs and snails should also be considered high risk.
Lungworm infections can result in a number of different signs which may easily be confused with other illnesses. If your dog is displaying any of the signs below, consult your veterinary surgeon immediately.
There are some dogs which don’t initially show outward signs of lungworm infection. If you are concerned your veterinary surgeon can perform tests which may help detect if your dog is infected with the lungworm parasite.
Signs:
Breathing problems - coughing and being lethargic
Poor blood clotting - Excessive bleeds from minor cuts, nose bleeds, bleeds in eyes, amaernia (paleness in eys/gums)
General sickness - weight loss, poor appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea
Changes in behaviour - depression, tires easily, seizures and fits
Prevention and Treatment
It is important to recognise that lungworm is not prevented or treated by the conventional use of worming tablets when given every three months, or even every month.
Thankfully, treatment of lungworm infection in dogs is widely available and easy to administer. Once diagnosed and treated, most dogs make a full recovery. The key to successful treatment is taking action early.If you are concerned your dog has picked up, or is at risk from, picking up a lungworm infection, speak to your veterinary surgeon without delay.
Prevention and Treatment of Angiostrongylus vasorum. Your vet can prescribe a specific spot-on solution to treat this parasite, which is applied to the back of the neck.
Applied monthly this product can also prevent the establishment of infection with Angiostrongylus vasorum. Speak to your veterinary surgeon for further advice.
Frequently asked questions
Question. Can humans become infected with the lungworm Angiostrongylus vasorum?
Answer: No. This type of lungworm is not known to infect humans. However, dogs and cats can carry roundworms which
can be passed on to people, so make sure you keep your pet’s parasite protection programme up to date.
Question. Is Angiostrongylus vasorum the only lungworm that can infect my dog?
Answer: No. Other lungworms can infect your dog. If you are concerned in any way that your dog is unwell, seek veterinary advice.
Question. Can my cat become infected with lungworm?
Answer: Cats can become infected with another type of lungworm (Aelurostrongylus abstrusus). However, infections seem to be rare and the outcome tends not to be as severe as in dogs. If you are worried that your cat may be showing
symptoms similar tothose described to the dog (particularly coughing), speak to your vet for advice.
Question. Can one dog infect another dog?
Answer: Not directly, as the parasite is only infective after first developing inside a slug or snail. However if two or more dogs share the same environment and one is found to be infected, the others may be at high risk due to exposure to the same surroundings. NB: It is always advisable to clear up your dog’s faeces.