From environmental controls and supplements, to ozone or deep inhalation therapy, a variety of integrative treatments are effective against lungworm infections in dogs.

Lungworm infections in dogs are more prevalent in specific environments that support the life cycle of the organism. Since this life cycle depends on the snail or slug, moist environments are essential. There are a variety of lungworm species — Oslerus osleri is the most common. They live in the dog’s trachea and are transmitted via saliva or nasal secretions after reaching adulthood. This article looks at how lungworm in dogs can be treated using an integrative approach.

HOW DOGS CONTRACT LUNGWORM

The act of either ingesting a snail or slug, or eating another animal that consumed a snail or slug, can initiate an infection. The organism will move through the dog’s digestive tract and mature the lungworms in various areas of the respiratory tract, depending on their species.

Signs can be incidental and non-specific, and include chronic cough or asthmatic symptoms. The symptoms will be worse in puppies, since their infestations are often passed along by being licked by the mother. Puppies will have a high parasitic load along with an immature immune cycle, which could appear as failure to thrive or any number of respiratory symptoms.

TESTING AND TREATMENT

There are no current blood tests for these parasites. Fecal tests are often unable to detect the presence of the lungworm larvae, which can be passed in feces or saliva and nasal discharges. One special test, called the Baermann test, can detect larvae in the feces. Doing a transtracheal wash may also identify them.

Normal therapy for lungworm involves antiparasitic medications like ivermecin, fenbendazole, milbemycin oxime + praziquantel or moxidectin + imidacloprid. Recovery is considered good in the majority of cases, though reoccurrence can occur depending on environmental controls. There is also some evidence that partial immunity or protection may occur.

INTEGRATIVE APPROACHES SHOULD INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING

1. Environmental controls such as using essential oils in the yard to repel snails. Using Cedrus atlantica, Hyssop officinalis and Pinus sylvestris around plants can repel snails and slugs.¹ Use a 10% solution of one or all of these oils, and mist the yard daily to repel the snails.
2. Use of above mentioned antiparasitic medication, with supportive therapy for any chemical side effects. Supportive therapy should include supplements to help with detoxification, reduce inflammation, and provide neurologic protection.
3. Including high levels of essential fatty acids, green tea extract, turmeric, cat’s claw and Reishi mushroom. Proportional dosing and long-term use are best for supporting the immune system and limiting inflammation.
4. The use of ozone, which when done with proper training is helpful via both IV therapy and inhalation. Ozone inhalation, when done appropriately, will decrease inflammation and selectively damage the parasites. Inhalation is often the best method for coming into contact with the parasites, especially Oslerus osleri. IV ozone therapy, when performed properly, will support the oxidative state of infection. Using products for detoxification during ozone therapy can support the die-off of parasites.
5. Deep inhalation of essential oils, daily for two weeks. This method has been found to be effective against parasites. “The lipophilic nature of essential oils allows them to cross the membranes of parasites.”² This will induce oxidative stress in the parasites. Essential oils that show promise against respiratory parasites by inhalation include:

• Artemisia campestris (use with caution)
• Cymbopogon citrate
• Thymus vulgari
• Kunzea ambigua
• Eucalyptus citriodor
• Curcuma longa

A variety of chemical constituents seem to contribute to heightened effectiveness, including beta-pinene, limonene and thymol. These can be harsh in cats; therefore, this author would use Melissa officinalis.

6. Use of specific Traditional East Asia Medical formulas for parasites in the blood. There is research supporting the use of these formulas for lungworm. The unique nature of these parasites is that they seem to be more resistant due to their unique locations in the body. Formulas that are successful for malaria would be great choices, and include Chai Hu Gui Zhi Gan Jiang Tang, Qing Gu San, and Xiao Chai Hu Tang.

PERFORMING DEEP INHALATION THERAPY WITH ESSENTIAL OILS

Deep inhalation therapy is as simple as putting the dog in a carrier and then tenting the carrier with something like a garbage bag. Once the dog is in an enclosed space that will not allow the essential oils to diffuse into a larger area, place an ultrasonic diffuser inside. Use ointment on the eyes to decrease any discomfort. Make sure you can observe the dog. Place ten drops of one of the above-mentioned Biologically Active Essential Oils™ (oils known to be safe for pets, from reputable companies) into the diffuser water (1/4 cup of water) and run it in the controlled space for ten minutes. This should be done once a day for ten to 14 days.

Ozone inhalation should never be done at the same time as they will cancel each other out. Normally, ozone should be done before the two-week oil therapy, and then again afterwards, as it will help the dog’s body with parasite die-off and lessen the Herxheimer reaction.

Taking an integrative approach that includes conventional medications along with alternative therapies is an effective way to treat lungworm in our canine patients.