Lungworm in Pets

Posted by Tony slack on May 14th, 2021

Lungworms aren’t quite as common as other kinds of worm infestations. But they certainly happen. Here, your vet clinic Scottsdale, AZ tells you more about lungworm infestations and what you can do to help your pet stay safe. 

Transmission

Pets get lungworms when they eat prey animals or drink water that’s been infested with the larval stage of the worm. The larvae then migrate through the bloodstream toward the lungs, where they start developing into adults.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a lungworm infestation include things like lethargy, coughing fits, and respiratory difficulty. Since these symptoms mirror a lot of other health concerns, you’ll want to seek out your veterinarian’s help as soon as you notice something isn’t right. That way, treatment can begin as soon as possible so your pet can get back to normal.

Treatment

Your vet will use blood tests and perhaps X-ray scans to diagnose lungworms before giving an anti-parasitic medication to kill off the worms. Most pets recover quickly. Those pets most at risk are those with compromised immune systems.

Prevent lungworm infestations by restricting your pet from eating roadkill or prey animals, and from drinking water outdoors. Call your animal hospital Scottsdale, AZ for more tips.