Vet’s snail warning

Dog owners have been warned to look out for signs of a nasty infection in their beloved pets.

Pooches can suffer terribly if they eat snails and contract a potentially-fatal lungworm parasite.

Beverley Naismith, a vet at Paisley’s Abbey Veterinary Group, said in some cases only a blood test, swab and X-ray will help with diagnosis.

Slugs and snails carry the lungworm larvae and dogs can become infected when they accidentally or deliberately ingest these common garden pests while rummaging through undergrowth, eating grass, drinking from puddles or outdoor water bowls or they can simply pick them up from licking their toys.

And, once inside the dog’s system, the parasite travels through the body, eventually ending up in the heart and the blood vessels that supply the lungs.

But the symptoms are often vague and easily confused with other conditions.

And, if the infection is left untreated, the dog’s health can rapidly deteriorate.

In Scotland, 41 per cent of vets believe cases of lungworm have increased in the last five years, with 32 per cent of vets hearing of a case reported in the area.

To help raise awareness of the parasite, dog owners and vets are supporting the national Act Against Lungworm campaign.

Dog owners can find out more information by searching their postcode at www.lungworm.co.uk/map