WORCESTER dog owners are being warned about a deadly condition which is 'spreading fast' across the country.

There have been four cases of lungworm reported across Worcester, and a further 16 cases around Worcestershire.

Lungworm can be fatal to dogs and is spreading throughout the UK and Ireland

Cases have been reported in Lower Wick, Northwick, Warndon and the city centre.

Elsewhere in South Worcestershire, Barnards Green in Malvern, Upton-upon-Severn, Pershore and Droitwich Spa all have confirmed cases.

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What is lungworm?

Lungworm is a parasite that can cause serious health problems in your pet and can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated.

Infected dogs and foxes spread the parasite into the environment via lungworm larvae released in their faeces.

Slugs and snails then ingest the larvae while feeding. Other dogs and foxes can become infected with lungworm when they swallow these slugs/snails or potentially slime.

What are the symptoms of lungworm?

The symptoms of the infection include:

  • Coughing
  • Changes in breathing or struggling to breathe
  • Going off food
  • Upset stomach with vomiting and/or diarrhoea
  • Weight loss
  • Tiredness
  • Unexplained or excessive bruising
  • Pale gums and bleeding.

How can you prevent your dog from catching lungworm?

To prevent your dog from catching the condition, you can:

  • Regular worming treatments
  • Picking up your dog’s faeces quickly. This will help prevent the spread of lungworm
  • Removing toys and bowls from the garden overnight so they are not exposed to slugs and snails
  • Changing the water in water bowls frequently

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Lungworm prevention medication must be given monthly and can only be prescribed by your vet. It cannot be transmitted to humans.

A lungworm map monitoring cases has been set up for dog owners to check where cases are reported.

The overall prevalence of lungworm in the fox population is now at 18.3 per cent.

The map can be accessed by visiting https://mypetandi.elanco.com/en_gb/lungworm-map.