A Growing Danger To Pets.
Hi,
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So we have finally reached the weekend, and it is totally warm and sunny here, just as promised by the weather forecasters.
Excellent, this time they got it right.
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I expect that many of you will be walking your dogs this weekend and letting them do a little exploring, or just letting them play in the garden and enjoy themselves having a good root about in the sunshine.
Unfortunately there are now worries about a growing problem which can badly affect, or even cause the death, of your special furry friend.
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Most dogs are not too particular, and will eat the snails and slugs which they can discover all over the place.
Unfortunately there are accelerating numbers of dogs becoming ill after contracting the Lungworm parasite which can be found in these creatures.
Bad infestations of Lungworm have the potential to kill an animal.
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At one time the infective larvae were mainly to be found around the area of Wales, but now the problem is spreading all over the UK.
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Gardens should be kept clear of detritus because snails love the wet and warm conditions provided by our usual British summertime conditions.
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The lungs are the place where these parasites choose to settle, when ingested by a cat host.
In a dog host they infest the blood vessels that lead towards the lungs, which can be manifested by the animal having impaired circulation and coughing bouts.
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It would seem to be a good idea not to leave pet toys outside, where slugs and snails can attach to them.
Also a good idea to keep animals properly wormed .
Pet insurance is a wonderful thing as long as it is bought from a respected provider.
Keep dog poo cleared away to prevent further infection by that method.
Perhaps if you print out information about the symptoms of Lungworm infection, and keep it to hand, you could also check that list again when your animal is ailing, just in case it could be the dreaded Angiostrongylus Vasorum creeping into the picture under it’s posh name!
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There are various sites below which you could look at if you want to know more about this threat to your beloved furry-faces.
At least they will start you off on your search for further information!
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This is a link to a site, it tells the story of a dog owner in Sevenoaks, Kent, who had to face the consequences of the family pet being infected by Lungworm.
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Hope you have a worm free day today….unless you intending to go coarse fishing, of course!
J,x.
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