Prevention An effective way to minimize the risk of spreading this disesase is to control the roaming and hunting of cats allowed outdoors. It is very important to administer all veterinary prescribed medication and contact your veterinarian of any problems. Repeat chest X-rays in 2 and 4 weeks after treatment. Also, recheck a fecal sample to monitor for the presence of larvae or ova in 2 to 4 weeks. This will confirm if the parasite is still living inside the respiratory tissue. What else can I do?
Your veterinary surgeon can recommend a parasite control programme that takes into account the risk of your dog becoming infected with lungworm.
If your dog eats slugs or snails, but is not showing any symptoms, arrange a check up with your veterinary surgeon as a precaution.
If your dog has had lungworm your vet may recommend regular check ups to allow early detection if your dog becomes re infected.
If you own a number of dogs and one becomes infected, make your veterinary surgeon aware as he or she may want to examine other dogs which share its environment.
In line with preventing worm infestations in your pets and family (the lungworm
Angiostrongylus vasorum does not infect humans), keep your garden and surrounding areas as free as possible from dog mess.
If you are concerned your dog has picked up, or is at risk from, picking up a lungworm infection, speak to your veterinary surgeon without delay!