Dogs can become infected with Crenostoma vulpis by eating slugs or snails, or by eating another animal, such as a frog, mouse or bird that has eaten a slug or snail. The life cycle of other parasitic lungworms that infect dogs are more direct. Adult female worms lay their eggs in the tissues of an infected animal.
How did my dog get lungworm?
Dogs typically become infected by drinking water or eating food that's been contaminated with the worms' eggs. These eggs typically hatch in the infected dog's intestine before the larvae make their way into the lungs, causing coughing, persistent sneezing, and nasal discharge.
How do I prevent my dog getting lungworm?
There are lots of ways you can act to reduce the risk, preventing your dog from getting lungworm as far as possible.1Regularly use a lungworm anti-parasite treatment. Your vet can prescribe a simple, monthly treatment to prevent and treat lungworm that you can give to them. ... 2Avoid lungworm 'hotspots' ... 3Be vigilant.
Do dogs have to eat slugs to get lungworm?
Research has found that the lungworm larvae can be released into the slime produced by slugs1. It means that your dog may become infected simply by ingesting the slime – your pet doesn't need to eat an entire slug or snail to be at risk of lungworm.
Can dogs get lungworm from eating grass?
Slugs and snails carry the lungworm larvae and dogs generally become infected when they play with and consume them. They can also come into contact by eating grass, drinking from puddles, outdoor water bowls or toys that have been left outside in grass as the larvae can be left in the slugs and snails slime trail.
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