Dog owners across Suffolk have revealed where their pooches have caught a potentially fatal parasite.
Lungworm is a type of parasitic worm which affects dogs and foxes and lives in the heart and major blood vessels supplying the lungs.
If left untreated, it can be fatal to dogs.
A total of 55 cases have been reported within a 50-mile radius of Ipswich.
There has only be two reported cases in the town, with the area with the most suspected cases being Kentford near Newmarket with eight.
The data has been compiled by pet health company, Pet and I.
What is lungworm?
Lungworm is a parasite that can cause serious health problems in your pet and can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated.
Infected dogs and foxes spread the parasite into the environment via lungworm larvae released in their faeces.
Slugs and snails then ingest the larvae while feeding. Other dogs and foxes can become infected with lungworm when they swallow these slugs/snails or potentially slime.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of the infection include: coughing, changes in breathing or struggling to breathe, going off food, upset stomach with vomiting and/or diarrhoea, weight loss, tiredness, unexplained or excessive bruising, pale gums and bleeding.
How to prevent your dog catching lungworm
- Regular worming treatments
- Picking up your dog’s faeces quickly. This will help prevent the spread of lungworm
- Removing toys and bowls from the garden overnight so they are not exposed to slugs and snails
- Changing the water in water bowls frequently
Lungworm cannot be transmitted to humans.
Share