--- title: "Lungworm in Dogs UK" description: "Lungworm in UK dogs — spread by slugs and snails, coughing, bleeding, neurological signs, monthly prevention. See when to call your vet." url: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/lungworm-in-dogs-uk" canonical: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/lungworm-in-dogs-uk" date_published: "2026-06-01" date_modified: "2026-07-10" source: "PETHEALTH+" --- # Lungworm in Dogs UK **Lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum) is a serious UK parasite spread by slugs and snails.** Dogs ingest larvae from slime trails on grass, toys, and bowls. Monthly **vet-prescribed prevention** is essential in most UK areas — see our [dog worming schedule](/health/dog-worming-schedule-uk). Bleeding, collapse, or severe breathing difficulty is an emergency — use Vets Now if your practice is closed. ## What is lungworm? **Lungworm** in UK dogs is caused by the parasite **Angiostrongylus vasorum**. Unlike intestinal worms, lungworm lives in the heart and major blood vessels of the lungs, causing bleeding and respiratory disease. The parasite was once considered a **southern England** problem but has spread widely. Cases are now reported across England, Wales, Scotland, and parts of Northern Ireland. Any dog that explores gardens, parks, or countryside can be exposed. Lungworm is **not contagious** between dogs directly. Infection requires ingesting the intermediate hosts — slugs, snails, or their slime — or frogs that have ingested larvae. ## How UK dogs become infected Dogs cannot get lungworm from dry slug pellets — that is a separate poison risk — see [slug pellet poisoning](/health/slug-pellet-poisoning-pets-uk). Lungworm transmission works like this: 1. Slugs and snails carry **lungworm larvae** 2. Dogs eat the mollusc **or lick slime trails** on grass, pavements, toys, or water bowls 3. Larvae migrate through the body to the **heart and pulmonary arteries** 4. Adult worms produce larvae that pass in faeces — slugs eat faeces, continuing the cycle High-risk behaviours: - Eating slugs and snails deliberately - Chewing grass where slugs have crawled - Playing with **outdoor toys and bowls** left in the garden overnight - Drinking from puddles and outdoor water sources - **Puppies** exploring with their mouths Even small slugs and invisible slime trails can carry enough larvae to cause disease. ## Symptoms of lungworm infection Signs vary from mild to life-threatening. Some dogs show **few early symptoms** while worms cause progressive damage. ### Respiratory signs - **Coughing** — persistent or intermittent — see [why is my dog coughing](/health/why-is-my-dog-coughing) - Breathing difficulty and exercise intolerance - Lethargy after walks that used to be easy ### Bleeding disorders Lungworm damages blood clotting. Warning signs include: - **Nosebleeds** or blood from the mouth - Pale gums and weakness — anaemia - Unexplained bruising on skin or gums - Prolonged bleeding from minor wounds - Blood in urine or faeces Bleeding can be sudden and severe — a life-threatening emergency. ### Neurological signs In some cases, larvae migrate to the spinal cord or brain, causing: - Weakness or paralysis of hind legs - Seizures - Head tilt and balance problems - Collapse ### General signs - Weight loss despite good appetite - Vomiting and diarrhoea - Reduced appetite - General failure to thrive in puppies Chronic low-grade infection may mimic other conditions — arthritis, kennel cough, or heart disease — delaying diagnosis. ## Diagnosis and treatment Your vet diagnoses lungworm through: - **History** — slug access, outdoor lifestyle, geographic area - **Clinical signs** — especially bleeding with respiratory signs - **Faecal tests** — larvae detection (may need repeat samples) - **Blood tests** — clotting abnormalities and antibody tests - **X-rays or ultrasound** — lung and heart changes in advanced cases Treatment uses **vet-prescribed antiparasitic medication** — typically fenbendazole or milbemycin-based products at treatment doses. Severe cases need hospital care: - Oxygen therapy for breathing difficulty - Blood transfusions for severe anaemia - IV fluids and supportive care - Cage rest during recovery Early treatment improves outcomes. Delayed diagnosis — especially when bleeding is advanced — carries higher mortality. ## Monthly prevention in the UK **Prevention is far safer than treatment**. Not all wormers cover lungworm — many supermarket products only treat roundworm and tapeworm. Effective prevention requires **monthly vet-prescribed products** containing milbemycin oxime, moxidectin, or similar agents licensed for lungworm. Your vet selects products based on: - Local endemic risk - Your dog's weight and age - Other parasites needing cover (fleas, ticks, intestinal worms) - Health status and concurrent medications See our complete guide: [dog worming schedule UK](/health/dog-worming-schedule-uk). Puppies can start lungworm prevention from the first worming visits — coordinate with [puppy care UK](/health/puppy-care-uk) schedules. ### Prevention beyond medication - **Bring toys and bowls indoors** overnight — slugs crawl on them in darkness - **Wash outdoor bowls** before refilling - **Supervise puppies** in gardens — slugs hide under leaves and pots - **Avoid slug pellets** — metaldehyde poisoning kills dogs; use pet-safe slug control - Check [parasite prevention for pets UK](/health/parasite-prevention-pets-uk) for integrated flea, tick, and worm plans You cannot eliminate every slug from a UK garden. Monthly prevention is the reliable strategy. ## Lungworm vs kennel cough and heart disease | Feature | Lungworm | Kennel cough | Heart disease | |---------|----------|--------------|---------------| | Cough | Yes | Yes — harsh | Yes — especially at night | | Bleeding | **Characteristic** | No | No | | Slug exposure | **Risk factor** | Crowded dogs | Age-related | | Prevention | Monthly wormer | Vaccination | Depends on cause | If your dog coughs **with bleeding or bruising**, mention lungworm specifically to your vet. ## Zoonotic risk Angiostrongylus vasorum affects dogs and foxes — not humans. However, other slugs and snails carry **French heartworm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis)** rarely in the UK context. The main human message is pet protection, not owner infection from dog lungworm. Roundworm from dogs **is zoonotic** — another reason for regular worming — see [dog worming schedule UK](/health/dog-worming-schedule-uk). ## When to see your vet Book an appointment if: - Persistent cough for more than a few days - Nosebleeds or unexplained bruising - Weakness, collapse, or seizures - Weight loss with outdoor slug access Seek **emergency care now** if: - Active bleeding from nose or mouth - Pale gums and collapse - Severe breathing difficulty - Sudden paralysis or seizures Out of hours: [Vets Now emergency clinic finder](https://www.vets-now.com/find-an-emergency-vet/). ## FAQs ### How do dogs get lungworm in the UK? Dogs ingest lungworm larvae by eating slugs, snails, or their slime trails — on grass, toys, or outdoor bowls. Frogs can also carry larvae. Puppies and scavenging dogs are highest risk. ### What are symptoms of lungworm in dogs? Coughing, breathing difficulty, bleeding (nosebleeds, pale gums, bruising), weight loss, seizures, and collapse. Some dogs show few signs early — chronic infection damages lungs and blood vessels. ### Is lungworm in the UK increasing? Yes. Angiostrongylus vasorum has spread from traditional hotspots across much of England, Wales, and Scotland. Vets now recommend lungworm prevention for most UK dogs — ask your vet about local risk. ### How do I prevent lungworm in my dog? Monthly vet-prescribed worming products that cover lungworm — not all wormers do. Avoid leaving toys and bowls outside where slugs crawl. Regular prevention is more reliable than avoiding slugs entirely. ## Sources - [BVA — Parasite treatments](https://www.bva.co.uk) - [PDSA — Lungworm in dogs](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub) - [Blue Cross — Lungworm](https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice) - [Dogs Trust — Worming advice](https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice) - [Vets Now — Find an emergency vet](https://www.vets-now.com/find-an-emergency-vet/) Canonical HTML: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/lungworm-in-dogs-uk Last modified: 2026-07-10