The short version
Lungworm infections in dogs are usually caused by the tracheal worm Oslerus osleri. They have been found in the United States, South Africa, New Zealand, India, Great Britain, France, and Australia. Adult lungworms live in nodules in the trachea of dogs, and larvated eggs laid by adults hatch there. Pups become infected from the feces or saliva of an infected dog (for example, when an infected mother licks her pups). Infection is infrequent in dogs.
Signs of lungworm infection range from moderate, dry coughing with slightly increased respiratory rates to severe, persistent coughing and respiratory distress or even failure. Infections with no visible signs can also occur. Death is relatively uncommon in dogs infected with these lungworms. However, some nematodes that inhabit the right ventricle of the heart, such as Angiostrongylus vasorum and Dirofilaria immitis (see Heartworm), both found in dogs in certain areas of the world, may be associated with lung disease. Signs relating to a heart or a lung syndrome, or to a combination of both, may occur.
Other Lungworms
Capillaria aerophila are parasites that are usually found in the frontal sinuses, trachea, bronchi, and nasal cavities of foxes, but they can also be found in dogs and other carnivores. Female worms produce eggs in the lungs that are coughed up and swallowed, and then passed in the feces. Dogs become infected by eating food or drinking water that is contaminated with larvated eggs. After being eaten, the eggs hatch in the intestine and then travel to the lungs through the circulatory system. Larvae mature about 40 days after infection. Clinical signs include coughing, persistent sneezing, and nasal discharge. Treatment with appropriate antiparasitic drugs is usually effective.
Other lungworms that can infect dogs include Crenosoma vulpis, Eucoleus aerophilus, and Filaroides hirthi. F hirthi is similar to Oslerus osleri except that the worms live within the lung tissue.
Frequently asked questions
Lungworm infection dog?
The Merck Veterinary Manual covers this in the article linked on this page. Lungworm infections in dogs are usually caused by the tracheal worm Oslerus osleri. They have been found in the United States, South Africa, New Zeal… If your dog is unwell, contact your veterinarian — this page is educational, not a diagnosis.
Lungworm symptoms dogs?
The Merck Veterinary Manual covers this in the article linked on this page. Lungworm infections in dogs are usually caused by the tracheal worm Oslerus osleri. They have been found in the United States, South Africa, New Zeal… If your dog is unwell, contact your veterinarian — this page is educational, not a diagnosis.
Can dogs survive lungworm?
The Merck Veterinary Manual covers this in the article linked on this page. Lungworm infections in dogs are usually caused by the tracheal worm Oslerus osleri. They have been found in the United States, South Africa, New Zeal… If your dog is unwell, contact your veterinarian — this page is educational, not a diagnosis.