Thousands of dogs could be carrying and spreading a silent deadly parasite

More than one in three dogs in the UK could be carrying a silent killer, new research reveals.

The assassin on the loose is lungworm. This new research reveals that the number of dogs which show no symptoms of lungworm, but are nonetheless carrying this dangerous parasite, is potentially much higher than vets previously thought.

Lungworm is a serious risk to dogs causing coughing and breathing difficulties – as well as other more general symptoms – and, if left untreated, can be fatal. Seemingly healthy dogs carrying the lungworm infection can become unwell at any time. They will also be spreading the lungworm infection silently into the environment through their faeces.

Lungworm case numbers are increasing. Lungworm infection used to be quite rare in the UK, but it is now widespread across the country, although more common in some places than others. Elanco Animal Health’s are urging paw-rents to ‘Open your eyes to deadly lungworm’.

Ros spoke to TV vet Luke Gamble.

Photo by Berkay Gumustekin on Unsplash