Dog owners are being warned after a confirmed case of a potentially fatal parasite in Essex.

Millennium Veterinary Practice has confirmed it has treated a dog for lungworm in Braintree.

The lungworm is a parasite that can cause serious health problems in dogs, and can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated.

Some dogs don’t initially show visible signs of a lungworm infection, but there are a few things to look out for.

These include coughing, changed in behaviour, breathing problems, poor blood clotting, coughing and general ill health.

Slugs and snails carry the larvae of the lungworm parasite and can infect dogs if ingested.

Infection could also potentially occur after swallowing the slime of an infected slug.

If you are concerned, your veterinary surgeon can perform tests which may help detect if your dog is infected with the lungworm parasite.

A statement from the practice said: "Unfortunately not all dogs show clinical signs but any coughing dogs should be checked.

"Lungworm is contracted from slugs and snails but your dog does not need to eat them, it could just be from eating grass.

"It is fatal in some cases so we highly advise treating your dogs to prevent it. No shop brought wormers will cover lungworm.

"If you're concerned about what products you are using then please call the practice or come in for a free nurse consult."

For more information about lungworm, click here.