Dogs across south London and Kent are at risk from potentially fatal lungworm parasites, vets have warned.

Cooler nights and shorter days means dogs are likely to come into contact with the creepy crawlies, which are the most common hosts of the lungworm parasite.

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But even keeping pets from accidentally or deliberately eating the molluscs might not help in the fight against the spread of the disease, Dr Huw Stacey, director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, warns.

He said: “Lungworm is a parasite and has a life-cycle which starts and ends with snails and slugs.

"The lungworm larvae are found in dogs’ faeces, and are eaten by molluscs, which then infect other dogs that either eat these slugs and snails or come into contact with their slime.

“Symptoms of lungworm can include changes to breathing, such as coughing or running out of breath easily, weight loss and a reduced appetite. In advanced cases it can cause life threatening bleeding disorders.

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“None of these signs are a guarantee of the presence of lungworm, so further tests would need to be carried out by a vet to diagnose the infection.

"Lungworm is a condition that can be treated successfully by vets, if diagnosed in time."

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Tips to prevent the disease include stopping your dog putting snails or slugs in their mouth, bringing your dog’s toys in from the garden at night and not throwing your dog sticks.

For more information visit: vets4pets.com/lungworm