Vets issue urgent warning about potentially deadly parasite your dog could innocently pick while playing in the garden

Vets have warned dog owners of a potentially deadly infection – that your pup could innocently come across while playing outside this summer.

While pooches are encouraged to spend time outdoors, experts have urged people with pets to be mindful of a parasite prevalent in UK gardens, called lungworm.

They live in common critters, such as slugs and snails – and if your dog ingests one, the results could be lethal if left untreated.

Lungworms are short worms that live in the heart chambers of animals, and in the artery that connects the heart to the lungs, according to Vets4Pets.

Dogs can ingest lungworm in several ways, including after consuming a snail or slug, eating grass, or drinking water from puddles or outdoor water bowls.

Lungworms are reproduced by creating eggs, which hatch into larvae. The larvae are coughed up from the dog's lungs and swallowed.

It is then passed out in the dog's faeces and picked up by slugs and snails – hence re-starting the cycle.

An expert told the Daily Record: ‘Not only can these creatures do damage to the vegetation in your garden, but they can also carry lungworm, which is a parasite that lives in the blood vessels of the lungs and heart.

‘If left undiagnosed or untreated, then lungworm can prove to be fatal, so do not hesitate to contact your vet if you suspect your dog has come into contact with a slug or a snail.'

There are several symptoms to look out for should one be concerned that their pet dog has picked up lungworm, including coughing, tiredness, and weight loss.

If a dog shows any of these, vets advise owners to bring their pets in as soon as possible.

Dogs with the parasite can become very sick, and nine per cent of those infected will die, according to Vets4Pets.

However, a blood test is available to check whether a pet has the parasite, in addition to treatment.

While it is difficult to stop a dog from being exposed to lungworm due to the vast number of slugs and snails in British gardens, there are ways to prevent the health issue.

First, pet owners can undertake regular deworming treatments to prevent parasites and remove worms from the system.

Owners should also gather their pet's faeces from the ground as quickly as possible to avoid the spread of lungworm larvae.

It is also recommended to keep dog toys inside when possible and regularly change the water in outdoor bowls to minimise a pet's contact with the parasite. 

It comes after experts at UK-based Soto Gardens and Tails.com compiled a list of four species of spring plants that could cause serious harm to your pooch.

Sean McCormack, head veterinarian at Tails.com, explained that by selecting pet-friendly flora and being aware of potential hazards, gardeners can create a safe and harmonious environment for both their beloved dogs and their prized plants.

While daffodils add a vibrant splash of colour to gardens, all parts of the plant, especially the bulbs, contain toxic alkaloids that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and even cardiac arrhythmias in dogs. 

Azaleas also contain grayanotoxins, which, if ingested, can result in vomiting, respiratory issues – and in extreme cases, your dog may need to be put into an induced coma. 

Sean said: ‘Some signs your dog has ingested this kind of plant include vomiting and constant dribbling. Shaking and very low blood pressure are also key signals.

Despite their enchanting appearance, bluebells contain glycosides that can cause gastrointestinal upset, drooling, and in severe cases, and decreased heart rate in dogs.

Sean said: ‘Bluebells are rich in scillarens, which are known to slow the heart rate down. They also contain poisonous glycosides, which would cause most animals, including humans, to feel extremely unwell.'

Various species of lilies are also highly toxic to all pets, including dogs, and can cause low mood, vomiting, anorexia, and even tumours if ingested. Even small ingestions of pollen or leaves can be harmful.