Where lungworm cases have been reported in Oxfordshire

Lungworm is a type of parasitic worm which affects dogs and foxes and lives in the heart and major blood vessels supplying the lungs.

If left untreated, it can be fatal to dogs.

A total of 639 cases have been reported within a 50-mile radius of Oxford with instances in all parts of the county.

Six of these were in the city and surrounding areas while cases were also noted in Abingdon, Banbury and Chipping Norton.

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Cases of where lungworm has been reported in Oxfordshire. (Image: My Pet&I)

The data has been compiled by the pet health company, Pet and I.

Lungworm is a parasite that can cause serious health problems in your pet and can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated.

Infected dogs and foxes spread the parasite into the environment via lungworm larvae released in their faeces.

Slugs and snails then ingest the larvae while feeding. Other dogs and foxes can become infected with lungworm when they swallow these slugs/snails or potentially slime.

The symptoms of the infection include: coughing, changes in breathing or struggling to breathe, going off food, upset stomach with vomiting and/or diarrhoea, weight loss, tiredness, unexplained or excessive bruising, pale gums and bleeding.

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You can prevent your dog from catching lungworm with regular worming treatments and changing the water in water bowls frequently.

Picking up your dog’s faeces quickly will help prevent the spread of lungworm.

Removing toys and bowls from the garden overnight so they are not exposed to slugs and snails will also help.

Lungworm cannot be transmitted to humans.