Did you know that most puppies and kittens are actually born with roundworms? They can acquire them from their mother whilst she is pregnant or from their mothers’ milk and that is why it’s so important to worm young animals much more frequently. It is in puppies and kittens that worms can cause the most damage, however as your pet grows, they continue to pick up worms.
For their health and yours, a regular worming routine based on your pets’ lifestyle and your family situation will help keep your pet healthy. So, do you worm your pet?
How does my pet get worms?
Dogs and cats do a lot of investigating! Sniffing poo, running around through the undergrowth, checking out sandpits, drinking from puddles, hunting the occasional rodent and getting fleas. All ways that your pet can get worms. Most wormers work on the day of treatment, so it is possible that you could worm your pet one day and they will pick up worms the next day. Treatment routines are based on the risk of your pet getting worms, how long the worms live and grow in the intestines; also your family situation, whether there are children in the household, or many pets in the family.
Do worms hurt my pet?
Worms can cause diarrhoea, vomiting and weakness in cats and dogs. Roundworm such as Toxocara canis can be harmful to both pets and their humans, as these worms can migrate to the eye and cause blindness. Worms are easy to treat and regular worming helps to protect you, your family and your pet from illness.
Can I tell if my pet has worms?
Puppies and kittens may have diarrhoea and vomiting, but adult pets will normally show no symptoms of worm infection. Though they won’t show signs of worms, infected pets will pass worm eggs in their poo which can infect other pets and people.
How often should I worm my pet?
Puppies and kittens require frequent worming. Puppies should be wormed from 2 weeks of age, kittens start their worming at 3 weeks of age then treated every 2 weeks until 2 weeks after weaning. Monthly worming is advised until 6 months of age. Generally, 4 times a year is the recommendation for most adult dogs and cats. However, if you have babies and children in the household, or your pet is a hunter and there may be a possibility of a flea infestation, monthly worming is recommended. If in doubt, speak to your vet about how frequently you should worm your pet, as risk factors may increase the need to worm.
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