LUNGWORM hotspots across the four coastal counties have been revealed after vets warn thousands of dogs are at risk from the deadly parasite.
Damp or humid weather causes slug and snail activity to explode, meaning dogs are at greater risk of contracting lungworm when outdoors.
Dogs can be infected with the potentially fatal parasite when they eat common slugs and snails in their garden or on walks, and can also pick up lungworm while rummaging through undergrowth, eating grass, drinking from puddles or outdoor water bowls, or picking it up from their toys.
The slime of slugs and snails can contain the infective lungworm parasite that can cause disease in dogs.
MORE: Six overlooked rabbits need a home
Ten cases have been found across the four coastal counties, with six in Anglesey, two in Gwynedd and one in both Conwy and Denbighshire.
In Anglesey, the map shows one case in Amlwch, one near Gadfa, one near Capel Gwyn, one in Llangefni, one in Gaerwen and one in Menai Bridge.
Meanwhile, cases have been reported in Gwynedd in Caernarfon and Y Ffôr.
The one case in Conwy is in Colwyn Bay, while Denbighshire’s sole case is in Rhyl.
What are the symptoms?
The common symptoms include the following:
- Coughing
- Breathing problems (fast, heavy, noisy)
- Weight loss
- Unexplained bruising and bleeding
- Seizures
- Collapse and shock
- Blindness
MORE: Gwynedd among Wales’ most pet-friendly holiday destinations, study finds
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here