Many dog owners in Great Britain are alarmingly unaware of the rapid spread of a deadly disease that threatens our furry companions: Lungworm. A survey indicates that while slightly over half of UK dog owners are familiar with Lungworm, a staggering 39% are uncertain about its nature, with another 10% completely unaware of its existence.

Previously believed to be restricted to the Southern regions, fresh data now reveals its migration northwards, reaching even Scotland - regions previously thought safe. It's imperative that we amplify this message; every dog owner must be alert and proactive.

Disturbingly, one-third of respondents confessed they haven't been administering preventive treatments against Lungworm for their dogs. The number of reported cases has swelled into the thousands throughout the UK. Shockingly, 19% of dog owners whose pets were diagnosed with Lungworm remained clueless about the disease. Additionally, 5% failed to grasp its implications.

Our mission? Spread awareness and equip dog owners with knowledge to combat this perilous disease.

Prevention is Key:
The most effective shield against Lungworm is monthly preventive treatment, available at your vet's clinic.

Transmission:
Dogs and foxes excrete parasite larvae in their faeces, which are then consumed by slugs and snails. The disease can infect dogs and foxes if they ingest the

mollusks

or even their trails. Direct consumption isn't necessary; mere contact with the larval-infested trail can infect a dog.

Considering an average-sized garden hosts about 15,000 slugs and snails, the exposure risk is enormous. Alarmingly, the larvae can persist in the slime trail long after its creator has moved on, possibly up to two weeks.

Symptoms to Watch:
Typical signs include coughing, laboured breathing, weight loss, nausea, diarrhoea, lethargy, and unusual bleeding. However, many dogs might not display overt symptoms for an extended period, or their manifestations could vary. Any deviation from their usual behaviour should be a red flag, necessitating an immediate vet visit.

Approximately 9% of untreated Lungworm-infected dogs succumb to the disease.

Protection Checklist:

• Ensure regular worming, verifying with your vet that the treatment addresses Lungworm.
• Promptly dispose of your dog's excrement; leaving it attracts nocturnal foxes that may spread the disease.
• Nightly, clear the garden of dog toys and water bowls to deter snails and slugs.
• Regularly refresh water bowls and prevent your dog from drinking from stagnant sources.

By staying vigilant and proactive, we can protect our dogs from this growing threat.