How do I know if my dog has Lungworm?

1. Weight loss.
2. Breathing difficulties.
3. Coughing (especially bringing up blood)
4. Lethargy.
5. Poor blood clotting/persistent bleeding.
6. General sickness.
7. Circling.
8. Stomach and back pain.

Angiostrongylus Vasorum, a type of parasitic worm that causes lungworm, can infect dogs, foxes, and badgers. It resides in the lungs’ blood vessels and the heart.

Lungworm is referred to as an “emerging” disease, which indicates that it is progressively spreading. Lungworm had previously only been found in certain “hot spots” in the south of England, but in recent years, it has been found in dogs throughout the majority of the UK. Although the exact reason for the spread of lungworm and other parasites like ticks is unknown, it is believed that increased pet travel and increased wildlife contact with urban areas have contributed to the problem. Worried your dog has lungworm?.

Are there areas where these infections are more common?

It appears that Eucoleus aerophilus can be found anywhere there are dogs or cats. Although Eucoleus boehmi’s prevalence is unknown, it appears to have a global distribution. Filaroides hirthi occasionally manifests itself in some kennels or in specific dogs. Oslerus osleri tends to occur sporadically and in certain regions. It is a fairly common coyote parasite in Nova Scotia, according to a study done in 2012. Worldwide, Crenostoma vulpis is prevalent in the fox population, and consequently, in dogs living in the same environment. In Canada, it originated in Atlantic Canada and has since spread to other provinces like Quebec and Ontario.

By looking for evidence of eggs and larvae in your dog’s feces under a microscope, your veterinarian can check for the disease. If the parasitic worms aren’t found in your dog’s feces, they may also perform blood tests, chest X-rays, and a bronchoscopy (a procedure that involves using a camera to look down your dog’s windpipe).

One of the more typical lungworm symptoms is a chronic cough, which is brought on by worms in the dog’s lungs. They may even lead pets to cough up blood. Never disregard or mistake a cough like this for a more typical respiratory infection, like kennel cough.

Visit our lungworm map to see if any cases have been noted nearby.

Lungworm, which was once uncommon in the UK, has spread to new regions, endangering dogs of all breeds and ages.

Although lungworm was once only found in the southern part of the UK and Ireland, cases are now being reported there as well.

Once the condition has been identified, your veterinarian can treat your dog for lungworms, which will frequently lead to a full recovery.

Lungworm cases have been reported in the Atlantic provinces, Ontario, and Quebec, but it is anticipated that it will spread to other areas. Find out if you live in a high-risk area. If you reside in an area where foxes are present and where lungworm has been reported, or if your dog has a taste for slugs and snails, you should take precautions to protect your dog from lungworm.

It’s critical that you get your dog to a veterinarian right away if you notice any lungworm symptoms.

By looking for evidence of eggs and larvae in your dog’s feces under a microscope, your veterinarian can check for the dog lungworm disease. If the parasitic worms aren’t found in your dog’s stool, they may also perform blood tests, chest X-rays, and a bronchoscopy (a procedure that involves using a camera to look down your dog’s windpipe).

Adult lungworms live in the blood vessels of a dog’s lungs, unlike intestinal worms like tapeworm and roundworm. It can result in breathing problems and other respiratory conditions if left untreated.

FAQ

What are the signs of lungworm in dogs?

• Excessive bleeding.
• Unexplained or excessive bruising.
• Coughing.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Loss of appetite.
• Vomiting and/or diarrhoea.
• Weight loss.
• Tiredness and depression.

How do you test for lungworm in dogs?

Finding parasite stages in an infected animal’s feces usually yields a conclusive diagnosis of lungworm infection. Regular fecal flotation tests, saliva or nasal discharge examinations, and fecal flotation tests may all be used to find the eggs of Eucoleus aerophilus and Eucoleus boehmi.

How long does it take for a dog to show symptoms of lungworm?

In mild cases, infection can remain unnoticed by owners. The worms begin to produce their own larvae after about 28 days, which can cause serious issues. It can cause hemorrhages virtually anywhere in the body, including the lungs, liver, intestine, eyes, and spinal cord.

How do you get rid of lungworm in dogs?

Your vet will kill the lungworm with a deworming product. We’ll keep a close eye on your dog throughout this process because killing a lot of worms at once can result in an allergic reaction that could be fatal.