The last time I took my dogs to the vet, I found the surgery had invested in an annoying TV which pumped adverts at those waiting.

And the advert which seemed to be on a loop was the one warning dog owners about lungworm.

This is a relatively new ailment, which can be fatal if not treated, but can be kept at bay, along with fleas, tapeworm and roundworm, by using a preventative.

Most dog-owners, certainly at this surgery, have already been advised to change to a spot-on medication which stops lungworm along with other nasties. Of course, the treatment is a little more expensive than the flea-only stuff and a lot more expensive than the flea-only stuff you can buy in the supermarket – but a lot more effective too.

Scared by the thought of my dogs suffering, I and many others, have put my hands a little deeper into my pockets to protect them.

So, as I waited, I watched the heartbreaking images of families and their pets being parted by death because of this parasite – which is picked up by dogs eating an infected slug or snail – smug in the knowledge my dogs wouldn’t be caught out, despite my garden being monopod central. But I also noticed the reported incidents of this problem seemed very rare.

I began to question what appeared to be scare tactics by the large pharmaceutical company that makes the medication.

However, last weekend I met up with some dog-owning chums for a jolly in Sussex. One dog was noticeable by her absence. Word travelled round the group like wildfire – Peaches, a beautiful red and white basset hound, had lungworm. Peaches, with the gentle eyes and the softest spirit was at home suffering and was not well enough to come and join in the fun.

Knowing her owner is an animal professional, I was most surprised Peaches was sick. Surely, she would have been on the preventative medication?

The owner was there with her other dog (her husband was at home caring for Peaches). Yes, she assured me, Peaches had been on the preventative, but she had still become ill.

Luckily, she knew the symptoms – coughing, lethargy and poor blood clotting – and had got Peaches to the vet as soon as they started. Because of this, Peaches had no damage to her heart or lungs and is expected to make a full recovery.

So, lungworm is on the increase and even if your dog is on preventative medication, they may still become infected.

I am now watching mine carefully for signs of tiredness, no interest in their walks, wheezes, coughs, or little cuts which bleed heavily.

Believe me, they would be at the vet immediately. The alternative is not worth considering.

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