How Do I Know If My Dog Has Lungworm? Signs Every Pet Parent Should Watch For

As a dog owner, I’m always worried about my furry friend’s health One of the scariest parasites that’s been getting more attention lately is lungworm When my neighbor’s dog got diagnosed with it last year, I realized I knew almost nothing about this dangerous parasite. If you’re wondering “how do I know if my dog has lungworm?” – you’re in the right place. I’ve done tons of research and consulted with vets to bring you this comprehensive guide.

What Exactly Is Lungworm in Dogs?

Lungworm isn’t just one parasite – it’s actually several different species of parasitic worms that can infect your dog’s airways and lung tissue These nasty parasites include both roundworms (nematodes) and flukes (trematodes)

In North America, the main parasitic lungworms that affect dogs include:

• Eucoleus aerophilus (formerly known as Capillaria aerophilus)
• Oslerus osleri (formerly called Filaroides osleri)
• Crenostoma vulpis (fox lungworm)
• Eucoleus boehmi
• Filaroides hirthi
• Angiostrongylus vasorum (French heartworm)

While some lungworms are found worldwide, others are more region-specific. For example, Paragonimus kellicotti (a lung fluke) is mainly found around the Great Lakes, Midwest, and Southern United States.

How Dogs Get Infected With Lungworm

Your dog can become infected with lungworm in several ways, depending on the specific parasite:

1. Eating slugs or snails – Some lungworm species use these as intermediate hosts When your dog eats an infected slug or snail (sometimes accidentally when chewing grass or toys left outside), they can become infected.

2. Eating other infected animals – Dogs can get infected by eating animals that have eaten slugs or snails, like frogs, lizards, mice, or birds.

3. Contact with infected dog’s saliva – Some lungworms (like Oslerus osleri) can be transmitted through saliva, commonly from mother to puppies during grooming.

4. Contaminated water or food – Your dog might consume food or water contaminated with infectious forms of the parasite.

5. Fecal-oral transmission – Coming into contact with feces from infected dogs.

12 Warning Signs Your Dog Might Have Lungworm

The tricky thing about lungworm is that symptoms can vary widely based on the number of parasites, which lungworm species is involved, and your dog’s immune status. Puppies tend to be more severely affected than adult dogs.

Here are the most common signs to watch for:

1. Persistent cough – Often non-productive (doesn’t produce mucus)
2. Breathing difficulties – You might notice wheezing or labored breathing
3. Exercise intolerance – Your dog gets tired easily or struggles to keep up on walks
4. Increased breathing rate – Even when resting
5. Weight loss – Despite normal appetite
6. Lethargy – Unusual tiredness or lack of energy
7. Bleeding problems – Unexplained bruising, bleeding from the nose, or taking longer to stop bleeding from cuts
8. Coughing up blood – In more severe cases
9. Vomiting – Sometimes containing blood
10. Diarrhea – May also contain blood
11. Seizures – In serious cases if larvae migrate to the brain
12. No symptoms at all – Some dogs have subclinical infections with no visible signs

What’s really worrying is that some dogs show no symptoms until the infection is quite advanced. That’s why regular vet check-ups are so important!

How Vets Diagnose Lungworm in Dogs

If you’re suspicious your dog might have lungworm, your vet will likely use several methods to make a diagnosis:

1. Physical Examination and History

Your vet will perform a thorough examination and ask about your dog’s symptoms, lifestyle, and potential exposure to lungworm. Be sure to mention if your dog:

• Has been around known infected dogs
• Likes to eat slugs or snails
• Has recently traveled to areas where lungworm is common

2. Chest X-rays

X-rays can reveal signs of lungworm infection such as:

• Small spots of inflammation in lung tissue
• Larger areas of inflammation with possible pneumonia
• Thickening of the trachea wall
• Abnormal trachea growths (nodules)
• In severe cases, pneumothorax (air leaking into the chest)

However, x-rays alone can’t confirm lungworm – they just help your vet suspect it.

3. Fecal Tests

Your vet will analyze your dog’s poop to look for lungworm eggs and larvae. They might ask for multiple samples collected on different days since the parasites aren’t continuously shed in feces.

Common fecal tests include:

• Routine fecal flotation
• Baermann test (special technique for detecting lungworm larvae)

4. Airway Wash Procedures

If other tests aren’t conclusive, your vet might recommend:

• Transtracheal wash (TTW)
• Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)

These procedures, done under anesthesia, collect fluid from your dog’s airways that can be examined for lungworm eggs, larvae, and inflammatory cells.

Treatment Options for Lungworm

If your dog is diagnosed with lungworm, don’t panic! With proper treatment, most dogs recover completely. The typical treatment plan includes:

1. Deworming Medications

Your vet will prescribe specific antiparasitic drugs to kill the lungworms. Common options include:

• Ivermectin
• Fenbendazole (Panacur™)
• Moxidectin + imidacloprid (Advantage Multi®)
• Milbemycin + afoxolaner (Nexgard Spectra®)
• Milbemycin oxime + praziquantel (Interceptor Plus™)

These are typically given orally for about 14 days, though treatment length varies based on the severity and type of infection.

2. Anti-inflammatory Medications

As the parasites die, they can cause inflammation in your dog’s lungs. Your vet might prescribe corticosteroids to reduce this inflammation and ease symptoms.

3. Supportive Care

In severe cases, your dog might need:

• Oxygen therapy
• Hospitalization
• Chest tube placement (if pneumothorax occurs)
• Rarely, surgery to repair damaged lung tissue

It’s important to know that dogs sometimes appear to get worse when first starting treatment. This happens because as the worms die, they can cause temporary increased inflammation. Always contact your vet if you’re concerned about how your dog is responding to treatment.

Recovery and Long-term Outlook

Most dogs with lungworm respond well to treatment without needing surgery. Your vet will want to monitor your dog’s progress with:

• Follow-up fecal tests to confirm the parasites are gone
• Repeat chest x-rays to check how the lungs are healing

Complete recovery time varies:

• For medical treatment alone: 2-4 weeks
• For dogs requiring surgery: 4-6 weeks or longer

Some dogs may develop scarring in their airways, which could lead to chronic coughing or asthma-like symptoms that need ongoing management.

Preventing Lungworm Infection

As always, prevention is better than cure! Here’s how to protect your dog:

1. Regular deworming – Ask your vet about a deworming schedule appropriate for your dog and region.

2. Limit exposure to slugs and snails – Watch your dog during walks and don’t let them eat these potential hosts.

3. Clean up after your dog – Promptly remove feces to prevent spreading the parasite.

4. Clean water and food bowls – Don’t leave them outside where they might attract slugs and snails.

5. Regular vet check-ups – Annual or bi-annual examinations can catch infections early.

FAQs About Lungworm in Dogs

Can I see lungworms in my dog’s poop?

No, you can’t see lungworm eggs or larvae with the naked eye. Your vet needs to examine the fecal sample under a microscope.

Can humans get lungworm from dogs?

Good news! The lungworm species that affect dogs don’t infect humans. However, it’s still important to keep your dog regularly dewormed as some other canine parasites can affect people.

Are certain dogs more at risk for lungworm?

Young dogs, outdoor dogs, and hunting dogs typically have higher risk due to increased exposure to intermediate hosts like slugs and snails.

Is lungworm fatal?

It can be if left untreated, especially in severe cases that lead to significant lung damage or bleeding disorders. With proper treatment, most dogs recover completely.

How common is lungworm?

The prevalence varies by region. Some areas have seen increasing cases in recent years, particularly where Angiostrongylus vasorum (French heartworm) is spreading.

When to Call Your Vet

If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait – contact your veterinarian right away:

• Persistent coughing, especially if it lasts more than a few days
• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• Unusual tiredness or exercise intolerance
• Any bleeding that seems abnormal
• Coughing up blood

Early diagnosis and treatment give your dog the best chance for a full recovery!

My Personal Experience

Last year, my friend’s Border Collie, Max, was diagnosed with lungworm after weeks of a mysterious cough. Initially, they thought it was just kennel cough, but when the symptoms persisted and he started getting winded during their usual game of fetch, they knew something was wrong.

The vet did x-rays and a special fecal test, which confirmed lungworm. After 3 weeks of treatment, Max was back to his energetic self! This experience taught me how important it is to be aware of the signs and not dismiss a persistent cough as “just a cold.”

Remember, you know your dog better than anyone. If something seems off, trust your instincts and consult your vet. When it comes to lungworm, early detection can make all the difference!

Have you had any experiences with lungworm in your dog? Or do you have other questions about this parasite? Leave a comment below – I’d love to hear from you!