If you have a dog who loves sniffing through long grass, picking up toys in the garden, or investigating absolutely everything on a walk, lungworm is something worth knowing about.
Lungworm is a serious parasite that can make dogs very unwell. The tricky part is that the signs are not always obvious at first, and in some dogs, the illness can progress quickly. Dogs can become infected by eating slugs, snails, frogs, or even accidentally swallowing slug or snail slime on grass, toys, water bowls, or outdoor surfaces. Once inside the body, the parasite can affect the lungs, blood vessels and heart, and in some cases, it can also interfere with normal blood clotting.
What causes lungworm in dogs?
The lungworm most commonly discussed in UK dogs is Angiostrongylus vasorum. Dogs usually pick it up when they ingest infected slugs or snails, or contaminated slime. That means infection does not just happen to dogs who actively eat slugs. Curious puppies, dogs who chew grass, play with garden toys, drink from puddles, or scavenge outside can all be at risk.
Because it is not always possible to know whether your dog has had contact with infected slugs or snails, if you are in a high-risk area, prevention is far safer than waiting for symptoms to appear.
What symptoms should owners look out for?
Lungworm can mimic a number of other illnesses, which is one reason it can be difficult to spot without testing. Signs can range from mild to life-threatening. Symptoms may include:
- Coughing.
- Breathing difficulties or getting out of breath more easily.
- Tiring quickly on walks.
- Lethargy or seeming “not quite right”.
- Reduced appetite or weight loss.
- Vomiting or diarrhoea.
- Pale gums.
- Behaviour changes.
- Bleeding problems, such as nosebleeds, bruising, prolonged bleeding from small wounds, or coughing up blood in severe cases.
- Seizures or other neurological signs in severe cases.
Not every dog will show every sign, and sometimes the first symptom owners notice is simply that their dog is quieter than usual. That’s why it is always worth contacting us if something feels off.
Why is lungworm such a concern?
Lungworm is not just a chest problem. Although the parasite affects the lungs and blood vessels, it can have wider effects throughout the body. One of the most important concerns is abnormal bleeding. Some infected dogs develop clotting problems, which can lead to internal bleeding, bleeding from the nose, eye bleeds, coughing blood, or even postoperative haemorrhage. In severe cases, lungworm can be fatal.
This is also why lungworm matters so much before any anaesthetic or surgical procedure.
Why lungworm testing matters before surgery
Before surgery, we want to reduce every possible risk. If a dog has an undiagnosed lungworm infection, the associated clotting abnormalities and effects on the heart and lungs may increase the chance of complications during or after an operation.
A lungworm test can therefore be a very important part of your dog’s pre-operative planning, especially if your dog is not on a current lungworm prevention programme or if there is any concern about exposure. In practical terms, testing helps your vet decide whether it is safe to proceed as planned, whether treatment is needed first, or whether extra precautions should be taken.
How is lungworm diagnosed and treated?
If your vet suspects lungworm, they may recommend diagnostic testing. This can include blood tests and faecal testing, depending on the clinical picture and the stage of infection.
Lungworm is typically treated with prescription anti-parasitic medication, and some dogs may also need supportive care depending on how unwell they are. Early diagnosis makes a huge difference, and many dogs recover well when treatment is started promptly.
Can lungworm be prevented?
In many cases, yes, and prevention is one of the most effective ways to protect your dog.
Regular parasite control is important, but not every routine wormer covers lungworm. That is a detail many owners are surprised to learn. At Happy Tails, we have flea treatment and wormers that prevent lungworm, so we can ensure that your dog is protected. Your dog may be “up to date” with worming in general, but still not be protected against lungworm unless the product specifically includes it – and that it is effective at the frequency you are using (many products require monthly use to prevent development of lungworm larvae, not three-monthly dosing). Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to ensure your dog is protected against lungworm.
Alongside vet-prescribed prevention, practical steps can help reduce exposure:
- Pick up toys from the garden
- Wash outdoor water bowls regularly
- Discourage scavenging where possible
- Avoid leaving food outdoors
- Be extra cautious with dogs who eat grass or investigate slugs and snails
Final thoughts
Lungworm is one of those conditions many owners have heard of, but do not always realise can be so serious. Because symptoms can be vague and the consequences can include breathing problems, bleeding disorders and surgical complications, awareness really matters.
If your dog is showing any suspicious signs or if they are due for a procedure under anaesthetic, contact us about lungworm testing and prevention. A simple conversation now could help avoid a much bigger problem later
