Lungworm is a serious parasite that is being diagnosed more often in dogs across Ireland. Dogs become infected when they accidentally eat slugs, snails or frogs, or encounter their slime. As lungworm can affect several organs and may be fatal if left untreated, awareness and prevention are very important.
The good news is that lungworm is usually preventable and, when caught early, most dogs respond well to treatment.
Lungworm is caused by a parasitic worm (Angiostrongylus vasorum). Despite its name, it doesn’t just affect the lungs. Once inside a dog’s body, the parasite can travel through blood vessels and settle in the heart, lungs and other organs, where it can cause inflammation, bleeding problems and breathing difficulties.
Lungworm can be difficult to recognise because symptoms vary widely and may develop gradually. Some dogs show only mild signs at first, while others become very unwell.
Common symptoms can include:
In severe cases, lungworm can cause internal bleeding, collapse, pneumonia or organ failure.
If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet straight away.
Your vet will usually assess your dog’s symptoms and may recommend a combination of tests, such as:
Treatment depends on how severely affected your dog is. Most dogs recover well if lungworm is diagnosed early.
Treatment may involve:
Dogs with severe infections may need hospital treatment, which can include oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, blood transfusions or medication to control seizures or inflammation.
If left untreated, lungworm can cause lasting damage or, sadly, be fatal, which is why prevention is so important.
Many dogs make a full recovery, especially when treatment is started early. However, dogs that have had severe lungworm infections may have ongoing issues such as breathing difficulties or neurological problems and will need careful monitoring going forward.
No — lungworm is not known to infect humans.
