Dog owners warned of danger to pets

Thousands of dogs could be at risk from the deadly parasite lungworm, spread by slugs and snails, with many estimated new dog owners walking unprotected pets, vets are warning.

D amp weather in May, experts suggests lug and snail activity will explode – meaning dogs are at greater risk of contracting lungworm in the garden, on walks and even by drinking from water bowls or puddles.

Vets are also worried that thousands of new owners who bought a dog during the pandemic are not aware of the danger.

A survey from El an co AnimalHealth indicates that 42% of dog owners are not aware of what lungworm is or how it can infect dogs – and only 21% had given their dog a lung worm preventative treatment in the past month.

Dogs can be infected with the potentially fatal parasite when they eat slug sands nails in their garden or on walks.

They can also pick up the parasite while rummaging through under growth, eating grass, drinking from puddles or outdoor water bowls.

The slime of slugs and snails can contain the infective lungworm parasite. Elanco's new campaign - Open your eyes to deadly lungworm-warnsowners of the effect parasite can have on their dogs.

Luke Gamble, veterinarian and campaign supporter, said: "I care passionately about this campaign because so many dog owners are unaware of the dangers of lungworm.

"The key thing is understandingthat over-the-counter medications can' t protect dogs against lungworm.

"So it's vital owners speak to their vet to make sure their dog is continuously protected."