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Survey data shows dog owners don’t know the risks of lungworm

A survey by Elanco has revealed that almost 10 percent of UK dog owners are unaware that worming treatment should be given monthly to make sure their pets are protected against lungworm

A national survey of UK dog owners and veterinary surgeons shows the worrying trend that many UK dog owners can’t spot the risks of lungworm – a parasite that can cause severe illness and even death if left untreated (Elanco Animal Health market research 2023) .

The survey, shared by Elanco as part of April’s National Pet Month, highlights that 87 percent of vets in the UK have now seen a local case of lungworm.

The UK-wide survey sought opinions from 500 pet owners and 100 veterinary surgeons in March 2023.

Results show that:

  • Only 25 percent of pet owners worry about lungworm in their area in contrast with 50 percent of vets, who note this as a particular local concern
  • Only one in three dog owners are aware that lungworm can be potentially found across the UK, a startling fact given the rise in staycations and people travelling across the UK with their pets

Lungworm is spreading

The survey highlights that although a third of veterinary surgeons have seen at least one lungworm related death in dogs in the last five years, 77 percent of pet owners don’t know if their dog is protected against the disease.

Lungworm used to be found only in certain “hotspots” in the UK, mainly in the South of England and Wales.

However, study data shows that lungworm is spreading throughout much of the UK, and it is now also endemic in Central England, with an increasing number of cases being reported in Northern England and Scotland too.

Regional case numbers can be checked on the Elanco website, and these continue to rise, despite it being preventable with treatment.

The survey data shows that 99 percent of vets in the UK report being asked by pet owners about lungworm.

However, only 35 percent of pet owners state that they have spoken to someone at their veterinary practice about the parasite.

Almost 80 percent of dog owners are unaware that worming treatment should be given monthly, to
make sure their pets are protected against lungworm.

There are three simple things you can do to make sure your client’s dogs are protected:

  • Ask – do the pets I treat have appropriate parasite cover for their lifestyle, including lungworm?
  • Act – visit MyElanco to find out more, or speak to your Elanco Territory Business Manager
  • Advocate – Educate your clients on lungworm and offer lungworm prevention

For more information about how to act against lungworm speak to your Elanco Territory Business
Manager and visit the website.

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