Dogs get lungworm by eating larvae found in infected snails, slugs or frogs. They can pick up lungworm larvae buy using anything that a snail or slug may have touched (dog bowls, outdoor toys).
The lungworm larvae then grow inside the dog and adult lungworms move through their body to live in their heart, lungs and blood vessels.
This can cause heart problems, breathing problems and pneumonia but in mild cases infection can remain unnoticed by owners.
After about 28 days the worms start to produce their own larvae which can lead to serious problems.
It can cause haemorrhages in the lungs, liver, intestine, eyes and spinal cord but also pretty much anywhere in the body. If left untreated, it can lead to death.
Diagnosing lungworm can be difficult because symptoms vary but they can include:
Prevention is better than cure!
Regular treatment every 4-6 weeks with Advocate will prevent this life threatening illness
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