DOG owners are being urged to make sure they are aware of the dangers of the fatal disease lungworm.

After seeing an alarming rise in the number of lungworm cases in and around Wythall, a local veterinary clinic is encouraging dog owners to be extra-vigilant.

YourVets Wythall has seen a worrying 15 per cent increase of lungworm cases in the past month, which can prove to be fatal when left untreated.

Lungworm is spread when dogs unwittingly eat slugs and snails that carry the larvae of a dangerous parasite.

The clinic on Alcester Road is warning owners to look out for the main symptoms which include coughing, reluctance to exercise, bleeding, and breathing problems.

Suzanne Johnstone, from the practice, said: “Lungworm has long been a problem in some areas of England, but we’re potentially dealing with this nasty disease becoming a nationwide threat.

“What’s worrying is that many dogs do not show symptoms of lungworm so it can often go undetected.

“Of course, in an ideal world prevention is better than cure so the best way to avoid lungworm is to keep an eye on your dog when you’re out and about and try not to let them eat slugs or snails, although some slugs are very small and hard to see.

She added: “The only way to thoroughly protect your dog is to ensure they are regularly treated with a specific product to kill the parasite – a simple procedure which could save your dog’s life.”

For more information, visit yourvets.co.uk.