LUNGWORM hotspots in Wiltshire have been revealed after vets warn thousands of dogs are at risk from the deadly parasite.

Cases have been reported in Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge and areas around Swindon.

There have been 283 cases reported within a 50 mile radius of Devizes with the majority in the Bath area.

The damp weather in May is expected to cause slug and snail activity to explode, meaning dogs are at greater risk of contracting lungworm in the garden, on walks and even by drinking from water bowls or puddles.

Dogs can be infected with the potentially fatal parasite when they eat common slugs and snails in their garden or on walks.

They can also pick up lungworm while rummaging through undergrowth, eating grass, drinking from puddles or outdoor water bowls, or picking it up from toys.

The slime of slugs and snails can contain the infective lungworm parasite that can cause disease in dogs.

A survey from Elanco Animal Health says 42 per cent of dog owners are not aware of what lungworm is or how it can infect dogs.The poll said only 21 per cent of dog owners surveyed had given their dog preventative treatment in the past month.