Slugs are everywhere and we’ve had a dog come in recently with slight breathing difficulties, he’s not in good condition either and seems generally unwell. Could he be suffering from lungworm? The vet will confirm whether this is the case. Diagnosis isn’t always easy though. Dogs don’t catch lungworm from other dogs – it’s only by eating slugs, snails, frogs and lungworm larvae that the parasite can get into the body. The worms live in the heart and blood vessels and make the dog seriously ill. Haemorrages in eyes and , intestines and liver, even the spinal cord, are likely.
The problem is that there are so many slugs around in the present almost tropical climate. It’s best to feed your dog indoors and not leave any food outside. It’s a magnet for slugs and then if your dog eats it when it’s been slimed by a slug, he will be in trouble.
Your vet will have treatment for lungworm that is ninety per cent effective, but the condition is always serious and if a dog is severely infected the heart may be so damaged that the ‘cure’ may kill. Talk to your vet if you think your dog may be at risk – discard any food immediately that has slug trails on it and wash dishes thoroughly. Prevention is definitely better than cure where lungworm is concerned – your vet will recommend a wormer that is effective. Whilst it’s common in dogs, humans are not at risk from lungworm infection.