Learn How To Keep Your Fur Kids Safe From Lungworms

If you have a fur kid at home, you have to know what lungworms are and how vets want you to be aware of the increased threat of lungworm.

It is during autumn that lungworms really do possess threat to fur kids because in autumn, the nights are cooler and daylight decreases which often leads to pups coming in contact with snails and slugs – the most common hosts of the lungworm parasites.

But according to Dr Huw Stacey, director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, keeping your fur kids from accidentally or intentionally eating mollusks may not help fight against lungworms.

See What Dr. Stacey Had To Say About Lungworms Here

Dr. Stacey “Lungworm is a parasite and has a life-cycle which starts and ends with snails and slugs. The lungworm larvae are found in dogs’ faeces, and are eaten by molluscs, which then infect other dogs that either eat these slugs and snails or come into contact with their slime.”

“Symptoms of lungworm can include changes to breathing, such as coughing or running out of breath easily, weight loss and a reduced appetite. In advanced cases it can cause life threatening bleeding disorders. None of these signs are a guarantee of the presence of lungworm, so further tests would need to be carried out by a vet to diagnose the infection.”

Based on what the doctor said, if vets are able to diagnose lungworms in time, they can be treated. The doctor also added that before trying prevention measures, pet parents should always consult their vets because not all worming products are effective against lungworms.

Lastly Dr. Stacey gave a few lungworm prevention tips, and “these include stopping your dog putting snails or slugs in their mouth, bringing your dog’s toys in from the garden at night and not throwing your dog sticks; because as well as the risk of causing injury a stick can harbour lungworm larvae if a snail or slug has been on it.”

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Feature Image Source: www.yourdog.co.uk