How treatment works

Lungworm is treated with anthelmintics — deworming drugs that kill the parasite. Because the worms live in lung tissue and airways, treatment is often given as a course over several days rather than a single dose, and a follow-up test may be used to confirm the infection has cleared.

Dewormers commonly used

Fenbendazole

A benzimidazole that is effective against several lungworm species across dogs, cats, horses and livestock. It’s widely used because it has a strong safety record and a broad spectrum. The dosage calculator on this page is based on published fenbendazole guidance.

Macrocyclic lactones (moxidectin, ivermectin, doramectin)

These are frequently used for the dog lungworm Angiostrongylus vasorum (often as a spot-on with moxidectin) and for lungworm in horses and cattle. Important: products formulated for livestock can be dangerous to dogs and cats — never cross-use without veterinary direction.

Levamisole

Used in cattle and sheep against the large lungworm, often as part of a broader parasite-control plan.

Animal	Typical fenbendazole approach*
Dog (airway lungworm)	~50 mg/kg daily, ~3 days
Cat	~50 mg/kg daily, up to 14 days
Horse	~50 mg/kg, single dose
Cattle	~7.5 mg/kg, single dose
Sheep	~7.5 mg/kg, single dose
Goat	~10 mg/kg, single dose

*General published guidance for orientation only. The right drug, dose and course depend on the exact parasite and your animal. Always confirm with your veterinarian.

Angiostrongylus needs special care

The dog lungworm A. vasorum can affect clotting and may require a longer, vet-supervised course plus supportive care. Don’t treat it as a routine worming job — involve your vet.

Supporting recovery

Complete the full course even if the cough improves early.
Rest your animal during treatment and avoid hard exercise.
Ask about a follow-up faecal test to confirm the worms are gone.
Address reinfection risk — see the prevention guide.

Lungworm Treatment & Dewormers