A parasite which can cause fatal illness in dogs has been found in Scotland for the first time, scientists said today.

A parasite which can cause fatal illness in dogs has been found in Scotland for the first time, scientists said today.

Experts said that the parasite Angiostronglyus vasorum, also known as the 'French heartworm', could be moving north because of climate change.

It is carried by slugs and snails which have increased in number in Scotland thanks to warmer temperatures.

Signs that a dog is infected by the parasite include coughing, breathing difficulties and unexplained bleeding problems, including spontaneous bruising and bleeding into the eye.

The University of Glasgow Vet School recently treated a one-year-old Weimeraner from Glasgow which had the parasite.

It is thought it became ill after swallowing a slug infected with the organism or eating grass with a fresh slug trail on it.

The parasite is normally found in south west England, but scientists said it could be moving northwards because of increasing temperatures.

Professor John Gilleard from the University's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine said: "We found the larvae in the faeces and after running some specialised PCR tests confirmed it was the French heartworm parasite.

"The dog had never left Glasgow so it had to have come into contact with the parasite here "

Staff urged dog owners to be alert to the symptoms of infection, as dogs can make a full recovery if given the correct treatment.

Small Animal Hospital Vet Jenny Helm, who treated the animal, said: "Dog owners and veterinary surgeons should be aware that the parasite has arrived in Scotland.

"This parasite can cause serious diseases and death is not unknown.

"If owners suspect their dog may be infected with the parasite they should contact their local vet immediately."