LUNGWORM.
As we’ve had very wet weather for most of last year and it continues, slugs and snails are more active, which increases the risk of them passing on the lungworm parasite to our pugs. There are many slugs and snails around so be extra vigilant when out walking your dog and always pick up and safely dispose of your dog’s faeces.
Signs of lungworm infection include:
- Breathing difficulties
- Coughing (especially bringing up blood)
- Lethargy
- Poor blood clotting/persistent bleeding
- General sickness
- Circling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach and back pain
- Poor appetite
- Weight loss
- Seizures
- Behaviour changes (depression)
Consult your vet as soon as possible if your dog becomes unwell. Remember, not every snail or slug carries the disease and lungworm’s geographical limitations means infection is relatively uncommon, but when it does appear, it is potentially extremely serious, often a chronic disease, lasting months, even years.
Killing lungworm is relatively simple, ensuring your routine (monthly), preventative anti-parasite treatments administered to your pug are appropriate.
Once diagnosed and treated, most dogs make a full recovery and, like all diseases, the key to successful treatment is taking action early.
For more information about lungworm & its treatment, please see:
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/lungworm-in-dogs
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For other seasonal or all-year potential health hazards for our precious pugs, please see:
Seasonal Hazards for Pugs | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association
