HAMPSHIRE dog owners are being warned about a deadly disease which is ‘spreading’ across the country.

There have been 439 cases of lungworm reported within a 50 mile radius of Hampshire, including one in Tadley, one in Winchester, five in Alton, four in Bordon, and four in Salisbury, according to figures from My Pet and I.

The online magazine for pet owners said that lungworm has spread throughout much of the country the last few years, putting dogs “at a significant risk of contracting the potentially fatal parasite”.

The disease can cause serious health problems in dogs and can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated.

A lungworm map monitoring cases has been set up for dog owners to check where these have been reported.

What is lungworm?

Lungworm is a particularly nasty parasitic worm that can cause serious health problems and even be fatal to dogs.

Whilst it used to be confined to certain areas, it has now spread throughout much of the UK and new cases are being reported in many different areas of the country.

The adult worms live in the heart and major vessels of infected dogs and their larvae hatch in the lung tissue; where they can cause breathing problems such as coughing.

How do dogs become infected with lungworm?

Slugs and snails can carry lungworm larvae and dogs become infected when they eat these infected molluscs.

Why is lungworm spreading in the UK?

Infected dogs pass lungworm larvae out of their poo. This then infects more slugs and snails and these infected molluscs can then pass lungworm on to other dogs.

Foxes can also become infected with lungworm and play a part in spreading the parasite around the country.

What are the symptoms?

The signs of lungworm can be easily confused with other illnesses making it important to consult a vet immediately if your pet displays any of the following:

-Changes in behaviour – depression, lethargy or seizures

-Breathing problems – coughing or tiring easily

-General sickness – weight loss, poor appetite, vomiting or diarrhoea

-Poor blood clotting – for example excessive bleeding from minor wounds, nose bleeds, bleeding into the eyes or paleness around the eyes and gums indicating possible anaemia

How to prevent your dog catching lungworm

• Regular worming treatments

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

• Removing toys and bowls from the garden overnight so they are not exposed to slugs and snails

• Changing the water in water bowls frequently

Treatment is available if lungworm is caught early enough and most dogs make a full recovery.

Lungworm cannot be transmitted to humans.