The two pillars of prevention

Effective prevention combines reducing exposure to the parasite with a routine worming plan appropriate to your animal and region. Neither alone is foolproof; together they’re very effective.

For dogs and cats

Pick up toys, chews and water bowls overnight, when slugs and snails are most active.
Discourage eating grass, drinking from puddles, and playing with or eating slugs and snails.
For cats, reducing hunting (or the prey they eat) lowers exposure to transport hosts.
Clean up faeces promptly to interrupt the cycle in your own garden.
Follow a worming schedule that includes lungworm cover — your vet can recommend one based on local risk.

Not every routine wormer covers lungworm

Some over-the-counter products target intestinal worms only. If lungworm is a concern in your area, ask specifically for a product or plan that covers it.

For horses

Manage mixed grazing carefully — donkeys are the usual hidden reservoir, so include them in any plan.
Quarantine and treat new arrivals before turning them out with the herd.
Practise good pasture hygiene and avoid overstocking.

For cattle, sheep and goats

Plan grazing so susceptible young stock aren’t turned onto heavily contaminated pasture.
Consider the lungworm vaccine for cattle where available, to build immunity before turnout.
Use faecal testing to target worming rather than blanket-dosing, which helps slow resistance.
Work with your vet on a herd or flock health plan suited to your land and climate.

Wormer resistance is real

Overusing dewormers can drive resistance, especially in sheep and goats. A targeted, test-led approach protects both your animals and the long-term effectiveness of treatment.

Preventing Lungworm