Veterinarians have warned dog owners about a potentially deadly infection – their pup could be found innocently playing outside this summer.
While dogs are encouraged to spend time outdoors, experts have urged people with pets to be aware of a parasite prevalent in UK gardens, called lungworm.
They live on common bugs, such as slugs and snails, and if your dog ingests one, the results could be lethal if left untreated.
Lungworms are short worms that live in the heart chambers of animals and in the artery that connects the heart to the lungs, according to Veterinarians4Pets.
Dogs can ingest lungworms in several ways, including after consuming a snail or slug, eating grass, or drinking water from puddles or outdoor water bowls.
Experts have warned pet owners about a deadly parasite in UK gardens – lungworm (file image used)
Lungworms reproduce by creating eggs, which hatch into larvae. The larvae are expelled from the dog’s lungs and swallowed.
It is then expelled with the dog’s feces and slugs and snails collect it, thus restarting the cycle.
An expert told Daily entry: ‘These creatures can not only damage the vegetation in your garden, but they can also carry lungworm, which is a parasite that lives in the blood vessels of the lungs and heart.
“If left undiagnosed and untreated, lungworm can be fatal, so don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has come into contact with a slug or snail.”
There are several symptoms to look out for if you are concerned that your dog has contracted lungworms, including coughing, tiredness, and weight loss.
If a dog displays any of these, veterinarians advise owners to bring their pets in as soon as possible.
Dogs with the parasite can become seriously ill and nine percent of those infected will die, according to Veterinarians4Pets.
However, in addition to treatment, a blood test is available to check if a pet has the parasite.
There are several symptoms of lungworms in dogs, including depression, weight loss and cough (stock image used).
While it is difficult to prevent a dog from being exposed to lungworm due to the large number of slugs and snails in British gardens, there are ways to prevent the health problem.
First, pet owners can perform regular deworming treatments to prevent parasites and eliminate worms from the system.
Owners should also pick up their pet’s feces from the ground as quickly as possible to prevent the spread of lungworm larvae.
It is also recommended to keep dog toys indoors when possible and regularly change the water in outdoor bowls to minimize the pet’s contact with the parasite.
It comes after experts from UK-based Soto Gardens and Tails.com compiled a list of four spring plant species that could cause serious harm to your dog.
Sean McCormack, head veterinarian at Tails.com, explained that when By selecting pet-friendly flora and being aware of potential dangers, gardeners can create a safe and harmonious environment for both their beloved dogs and prized plants.
While daffodils add a splash of vibrant color to gardens, all parts of the plant, especially the bulbs, contain toxic alkaloids that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even cardiac arrhythmias in dogs.
Azaleas also contain grayanotoxins which, if ingested, can cause vomiting, breathing problems, and in extreme cases, your dog may need to be placed in an induced coma.
Sean said: ‘Some signs that your dog has ingested this type of plant include vomiting and constant dripping. Tremors and very low blood pressure are also key signs.
Despite their charming appearance, bellflowers contain glycosides that can cause gastrointestinal upset, drooling, and, in severe cases, decreased heart rate in dogs.
Sean said: ‘Bluebells are rich in scillarens, which are known to reduce heart rate. They also contain poisonous glycosides, which would make most animals, including humans, very sick.’
Several species of lilies are also highly toxic to all pets, including dogs, and can cause moodiness, vomiting, anorexia, and even tumors if ingested. Even small ingestions of pollen or leaves can be harmful.