Description

🐌 Dogs don’t have to eat a slug to be exposed to lungworm, which is why a Lungworm Screen for Dogs is improtant.

Many dog owners believe lungworm infection only occurs when a dog eats a slug or snail.

In reality, dogs may also be exposed through slug or snail slime left in everyday outdoor environments.

Exposure may occur on:

🌿 Grass and vegetation

🥣 Outdoor water bowls

🎾 Toys left in the garden

🐌 Slug and snail slime

🦊 Areas visited by foxes

⚠️ Recognising the signs of lungworm

Lungworm can affect dogs in different ways, and the symptoms aren’t always obvious. Some dogs may appear generally unwell, while others develop more specific signs over time.

Common signs may include:

✔ Persistent cough

✔ Becoming tired more quickly

✔ Changes in breathing

✔ Reduced appetite

✔ Lethargy

✔ Unexplained bleeding (in some cases)

If you’re concerned about your dog’s health, contact your veterinary surgeon promptly.

❓How the Lungworm Screen for Dogs works

The Lungworm Screen for Dogs is a simple laboratory blood test designed to detect Angiostrongylus vasorum, the lungworm species affecting dogs in the UK.

Blood samples are collected by your veterinary practice before being analysed at Dragon Lab using validated laboratory methods.

Vet blood draw required. Most appointments take only a few minutes.

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“Our vet was very impressed with the report and the turnaround was incredibly fast.”

Emma R.

✅ Trusted Veterinary Testing

Dragon Lab uses the Angio Detect® assay, one of the most widely recognised laboratory methods for detecting Angiostrongylus vasorum infection in dogs.

Published studies report a sensitivity of approximately 98%, compared with around 61% reported for a single faecal examination.

This helps provide fast, reliable laboratory results to support clinical decision-making.

✔ Easy-to-use kit
✔ Trusted by veterinary professionals and dog owners
✔ Professional UK laboratory analysis
✔ Fast turnaround times; typically within 24 hours of sample arrival
✔ Clear reports

When Might a Lungworm Screen for Dogs Be Helpful?

✔ Your dog may have been exposed to lungworm
✔ Your dog lives in or has visited a higher-risk area
✔ You want additional information before discussing treatment options with your veterinary surgeon
✔ You’d like fast, reliable laboratory testing

What You Receive

✔ Full postal testing kit
✔ Prepaid return packaging
✔ Professional immunity report
✔ UK laboratory analysis
✔ Results within 24 hours of sample arrival

Learn More

Understanding Lungworm in Dogs

Lungworm Myths & Facts

How the Lungworm Screen for Dogs Works

Why Choose Dragon Lab?

🧪 Proudly Independent UK Laboratory

⏱ Results within 24 hours

📦 Postal test kit

🐾 Professional laboratory report

Testing process

You buy a test
We send you a kit
You send the blood sample back in the prepaid box provided.
We analyse your dog’s blood sample and send you the results.

How to get a blood sample

Contact your vet and ask for a blood draw into a 2mL sample tube.
Sample tube

No time to order a kit?

Your vet can use their own sample tube.

Send to us, double-bagged, don’t forget to include your contact details:

Dragon Lab Animal Health, Synod Ganol, Llandysul, SA44 6JE

Frequently Asked Questions

Question	Quick Answer
Does my dog need to eat a slug?	No. Exposure may also occur via slug or snail slime.
Can puppies get lungworm?	Yes. Dogs of any age can become infected.
How is the sample taken?	A simple blood sample collected by your veterinary practice.
How long do results take?	Usually within 24 hours of sample arrival.
Can I take the sample myself?	No. Samples should be collected by a veterinary professional.
Is the test suitable for all breeds?	Yes. It can be used where lungworm infection is suspected.

🐌 What is lungworm?

Lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum) is a parasite that affects dogs and can cause respiratory disease, bleeding disorders and other serious health problems. Early diagnosis is important.

🌿 How do dogs become exposed?

Dogs do not necessarily have to eat a slug or snail. Exposure may occur through contact with slug or snail slime on grass, toys, water bowls or other outdoor surfaces.

⚠️ What symptoms should I look for?

Persistent coughing
Exercise intolerance
Breathing changes
Reduced appetite
Lethargy
Unexplained bleeding
General illness

🧪 What is the Lungworm Blood Screen?

The Dragon Lab Lungworm Blood Screen is a laboratory blood test that can support your veterinary surgeon when investigating suspected lungworm infection.

💉 Who takes the blood sample?

A qualified veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse should collect the blood sample.

📦 How quickly are results available?

We aim to provide results within 24 hours of the sample arriving at our laboratory.

🐾 My dog is on parasite treatment. Can they still get lungworm?

Some parasite prevention products include lungworm cover, while others do not. Your veterinary surgeon can advise on the most appropriate parasite control programme for your dog.

📋 What happens if my dog’s result is positive?

Your veterinary surgeon will interpret the laboratory result alongside your dog’s clinical examination and advise on any appropriate next steps.

❓Can a negative result rule out lungworm?

No. Diagnostic test results should always be interpreted alongside clinical signs and your veterinary surgeon’s assessment. Additional investigations may be appropriate depending on the circumstances.

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Lungworm Screen for Dogs