After infection, lungworm usually causes progressively worsening signs of cardiac and respiratory disease, such as coughing (often at 'extremes' of exercise); as well as causing bleeding in the lungs, liver, intestine, eyes, and spinal cord, but also pretty much anywhere in the body.
How do you know if your dog has lungworm?
Dogs will often cough due to the physical presence of the worms in their lung area. Problems associated with bleeding, such as blood in urine, vomiting blood and petechial haemorrhage (pink blood spots on the gums) may be signs of lungworm. Owners may also notice a severe reddening around the eye – scleral haemorrhage.
Do I need to treat my dog for lungworm?
Lungworm requires special monthly medication to both treat and prevent infection, unlike regular dog wormers, which are often given every three months. Ask your vet to recommend a regular lungworm preventative alongside your usual anti-parasite prevention treatments.
How long does it take for a dog to show symptoms of lungworm?
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.
What treatment kills lungworm in dogs?
The most commonly used treatment is a spot-on medication containing two drugs called moxidectin and imidacloprid that kill the worms at all stages of development.
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