Thousands of dogs could be at risk from deadly parasite

The warning from vets is all down to the wet weather in May

Author: Chris MaskeryPublished 18th Jun 2021

Thousands of dogs bought over lockdown are at risk from a deadly parasite because of the damp weather we had in May.

The parasite called lungworm is spread by slugs and snails and experts are warning that we're likely to see a big increase in slug and snail activity because of wet weather across the UK in May.

That activity means dogs are at greater risk of contracting lungworm in the garden, on walks and even by drinking from water bowls or puddles and it's thought many pets are not protected.

42% of dog owners don't know what lungworm is

A YouGov survey for Elanco Animal Health indicates that 42% of dog owners are not aware of what lungworm is or how it can infect dogs.

Data from animal welfare charities suggests there was a recent surge in people buying pets as they looked for company during lockdown.

But vets are more concerned at the number of dogs that are not adequately protected.

The poll revealed that only 21% of dog owners surveyed had given their dog a lungworm preventative treatment in the past month.

How do dogs get lungworm?

Dogs can be infected with the potentially fatal parasite when they eat common slugs and snails in their garden or on walks.

They can also pick up lungworm while rummaging through undergrowth, eating grass, drinking from puddles or outdoor water bowls, or picking it up from their toys.

The slime from snails and slugs can contain the parasite

Dr Bryony Tolhurst, a behavioural ecologist at the University of Brighton, said: “The slime of slugs and snails can contain the infective lungworm parasite that can cause disease in dogs.

“With the unusually damp weather the UK has been experiencing this year, slugs and snails are more active, and lungworm larvae can survive for up to two weeks in their slime, potentially exposing dogs to the parasite.”

"We had never heard of lungworm"

Bailey, a five-month-old retriever puppy, was diagnosed with lungworm in May after only being with his new family for a few months.

They were unaware of the need to prevent against lungworm.

Bailey’s owner Rachel Morris, from Surrey, said: “We had waited for a puppy for many years and lockdown has meant this was actually possible. We had never heard of lungworm.

“Bailey was always playing out in the garden, and we had never seen him eat any slugs or snails, but he did like to chew grass and unfortunately we now know that lungworm can even come from licking a snail’s trail from grass, toys and or bowls left outside.”

Anne Nelson, the senior veterinary surgeon who treated the puppy, said: “When Bailey came into the practice on Friday May 14, he was not presenting with the usual clinical signs we associate with lungworm, such as coughing, weight loss or a change in behaviour.

“Bailey was rushed back to us the following day, when we diagnosed lungworm and referred him to a specialist for vital care.

“Despite our best efforts, Bailey sadly passed away the next day as the lungworm infection had become too significant for his body to recover from.”

Vets are warning that the signs of lungworm are not always obvious, and puppies can be especially likely to eat slugs and snails, due to their inquisitive nature.

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