Lungworm in Dogs: What Every York Dog Owner Should Know

Lungworm is one of those parasites that catches owners off guard, because a dog can pick it up doing the most ordinary thing in the world: nosing around the garden. The short version is this: dogs catch lungworm mainly by swallowing infected slugs and snails, often by accident, and the early signs can be frustratingly vague. The good news is that it is largely preventable with the right routine worming from your vet, so it is well worth being aware of.

I am a groomer rather than a vet, so this is general guidance to help you recognise when something might be off. If anything here rings a bell for your own dog, your vet is the person to speak to.

How dogs catch lungworm

Dogs pick up lungworm by swallowing slugs, snails or their slime trails, which carry the larvae. This happens more easily than you might think:

• Eating slugs or snails on purpose (some dogs are oddly keen)
• Swallowing tiny ones by accident while sniffing grass or eating dropped food
• Drinking from or nosing around puddles and outdoor water bowls
• Chewing sticks, toys or chews left outside overnight where slugs have travelled

That last one surprises people. A ball or chew toy left on the lawn can pick up slime trails, so bringing toys and water bowls in overnight is a small, sensible habit.

The signs to look out for

Lungworm can be sneaky because the signs vary a lot and can be mild at first. Contact your vet if you notice:

• Coughing or laboured, faster breathing
• Tiring quickly or being less keen on exercise
• Unusual bleeding, for example from a small cut that will not stop, or bruising
• Poor appetite, weight loss or an upset tummy
• Being generally off-colour, low or not themselves

Worth knowing: There is no single tell-tale sign of lungworm, which is exactly why prevention matters so much. If your dog seems unwell, is coughing, or bruises or bleeds oddly, mention lungworm to your vet so they can consider it.

Why prevention beats treatment

Lungworm can become serious if it is left, so most vets will tell you that keeping it at bay is far easier than dealing with an established infection. Prevention runs through routine parasite control:

• Ask your vet for a worming product that specifically covers lungworm, as not all wormers do
• Keep to the schedule your vet recommends, usually year-round in the UK rather than seasonally
• Pick up dog mess promptly, which helps break the parasite's cycle
• Bring toys and water bowls indoors overnight and rinse muddy toys before your dog chews them

The key point is that ordinary shop-bought treatments do not all protect against lungworm, so this is a conversation to have with your vet rather than a guess at the pet aisle.

Is lungworm a risk in Yorkshire?

Lungworm was once thought of as a southern problem, but it has spread across much of the UK, including the North, so it is not something York owners can assume does not apply. Slugs and snails thrive in our damp gardens and green spaces, and that is all it takes. Treat it as a nationwide risk and let your vet tailor prevention to where you live and how your dog behaves.

Frequently asked questions

What are the first signs of lungworm in dogs? Early signs are often vague: a cough, tiring easily, being off-colour, or unusual bleeding or bruising. Because there is no single clear symptom, mention any of these to your vet so they can consider lungworm.

How do dogs get lungworm? Mainly by swallowing infected slugs and snails, or their slime, often by accident while sniffing grass, eating dropped food, or chewing toys and sticks left outside. Puddles and outdoor bowls can be a route too.

Can I prevent lungworm? Largely, yes. Your vet can recommend a worming product that specifically covers lungworm and a year-round schedule. Picking up dog mess and bringing toys and bowls in overnight also helps.

Do normal wormers cover lungworm? Not all of them do. Many standard or shop-bought wormers do not protect against lungworm, so ask your vet for one that specifically includes it and follow their recommended routine.

This isn't veterinary advice

We're professional dog groomers, not vets, so please treat this as friendly general guidance. If you're worried about your dog, or before acting on anything here, speak to your local vet. In an emergency, contact your vet or nearest out-of-hours clinic.

Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. Grooming is a lovely moment to spot lumps, ticks and anything out of the ordinary while your dog is being cared for. Book your dog in with us.