Hale Independent Issue 173

7 DECEMBER 2024 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk Independent PETS WHILE it’s not the most glamorous topic, it’s important to ensure that your dog is protected from lungworm. Lungworm is a par- asite that can cause coughing and poten- tially life-threatening clotting problems in our canine friends. Dogs can catch lungworm from eat- ing infected slugs and snails, or by coming into contact with their slime. While lung- worm can infect dogs of all ages and breeds, younger dogs may be more susceptible. Symptoms of lung- worm can include unu- sual bruising, changes in sight, weight loss, depression or lethargy, vomiting or diarrhoea, excessive bleeding from minor cuts, wounds or nose bleeds, breathing problems - including coughing and tiring easily- and seizures. If your dog is dis- playing any of these sympt oms , c on- tact your vet prac- tice immediately. It’s worth not- ing that some dogs don’t show signs of a lungworm infection straight away, so if you have reason to believe that your dog has eaten slugs or snails or may be infected, con- tact your vet practice straight away. Lungworm pre- vention can be easily incorporated into your dog’s usual preventa- tive treatment plan, and you can discuss their individual level of risk with your vet- erinary team. For advice on how often to worm your dog and the preven- tive products availa- ble, please contact your local Willows practice. Is your dog protected?