• Call our surgery01905 723361
  • Out of hours01905 780404

Worms

Worming your pet

Worm infestations are very common in dogs and cats, with the two main types that trouble them being roundworms and tapeworms.

Roundworms

Roundworms (Ascarids) are a common intestinal parasitic worm. They are around 3-5 inches long and spaghetti like in appearance. They live in your pet’s intestines and survive by feeding off the intestinal contents.

Puppies and kittens are particularly susceptible to roundworms and are often infected from birth. Roundworms can also be picked up in the environment either through hunting where the cat will eat its prey (which is acting as an intermediate host) or by coming into contact with infected faeces or soil (worm eggs can survive for long periods in the soil).

Tapeworms

Tapeworms are long, flat worms that attach themselves to your pet’s intestines. A tapeworm body consists of multiple parts, or segments, each with its own reproductive organs. Tapeworm infections are usually diagnosed by finding segments - which appear as small white worms that may look like grains of rice or seeds and are often seen on your pet’s bedding or on the carpet.

Fleas play a big part with the tapeworm lifecycle; they are an intermediate host which means that fleas carry tapeworm’s eggs. As your pet grooms themselves, fleas will be ingested and then the tapeworm eggs will be released and are able to hatch inside your pet. Roundworms can cause blindness in children.

Are Humans Affected?

Yes. Many species of worm have zoonotic capabilities, which means they can pass from animal to human if hygiene protocols are not followed. Young children are more susceptible, especially with new puppies and kittens, therefore it is important that your pet’s faecal matter is disposed and disinfected and every child should wash their hands after handling animals.

Prevention

Maintain an effective worm control programme, with pets being wormed from a young age. The medicines we use to treat/prevent worm infestations are used to treat a wide variety of worms. Prevention is available in different formations (tablet, oral pastes/powders, spot-ons and liquid oral solutions) to make administration easy for you as an owner.

Prevent tapeworms by using a flea treatment regularly, as fleas can carry tapeworm eggs.

Disinfect food and water bowls regularly. You should also ensure your pet’s housing is regularly cleaned and disinfected. Only use a disinfectant that is safe for animals.

Wash your hands thoroughly before you eat.

Pregnant animals should only be wormed under the supervision of a vet as some products will not be suitable for them.

Worming Protocol:

Dogs & Cats: Every 3 months.

Puppies and Kittens: Every 2 weeks until they are 12 weeks old, then once a month until 6 months, then every 3 months thereafter.