The name lungworm is given to a number of different parasites in Canada. Broadly, these worms live in the lungs of dogs and cats. Generally, these worms live in the lungs and airways, leading to irritation, inflammation and coughing. This can look like other conditions that cause coughing, including canine cough (“kennel cough”) and feline asthma. Some lungworms can also cause a wider variety of clinical signs including neurologic, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and bleeding disorders and can even be fatal for infected dogs.

Two of the lungworms seen in dogs are fox lungworm (Crenosoma vulpis) and French heartworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum). Foxes can carry these parasites and pass larvae in their feces. Dogs get infected from eating the larvae from the feces of infected foxes. This happens when the dog eats slugs, snails or frogs. Dogs can even get infected simply by licking slime from toys or water bowls that slugs and snails have climbed on. In areas with slugs/snails and foxes, pet owners should talk to their veterinarian about preventive options for their pet. If your dog is already coughing, your veterinarian can discuss options for testing and treatment.

Cats can get infected in much the same ways and can also be infected when eating prey like mice and birds that have eaten infected snails and slugs. They have their own varieties of lungworms, including the cat lungworm (Aelurostrongylus abstrusus). If your cat has access to the outdoors, or has been coughing, your veterinarian can help you with the best options for your pet.

Just like in human medicine, health risks and solutions continue to change for canines and felines. Ensuring regular visits with your veterinary health-care team is the best way to protect your pet.

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Rabies is one of the most well-known diseases as it is fatal in animals and humans. It is caused by a virus that infects the nervous system and can lead to increased salivation, aggression and death. Rabies virus is transmitted through animal bites, and is found in wildlife such as bats, raccoons, foxes, and skunks.

Canine distemper virus attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems and can be fatal. Dogs that survive may have lifelong complications. Wildlife such as coyotes, raccoons, skunks, and foxes may also be infected.

Canine parvovirus can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea (often bloody), and can lead to sudden death in unvaccinated puppies. It is one of the most lethal infections of dogs and is transmitted through contact with an infected animal stool.

Canine adenovirus causes coughing, sneezing and infectious canine hepatitis (ICH). Clinical signs can range from mild fever to death; it is rare because of effective vaccination programs for dogs. Current vaccines for canine adenovirus protect against both diseases.

Feline parvovirus, also known as panleukopenia, is a highly fatal virus particularly in kittens and causes diarrhea and decreases in white blood cells. The virus is very contagious and can be spread directly from infected feces and fluids.

Feline herpesvirus causes a disease of the upper respiratory tract, also known as viral rhinotracheitis. Kittens and cats may have runny noses and eye infections leading to pneumonia, and cats can be carriers for life. The disease can be fatal, particularly in combination with other viruses or bacteria, and is spread from infected oral, nasal, and ocular fluids.

Feline calicivirus causes clinical signs similar to feline rhinotracheitis; cats may present with mouth sores or lameness.

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