Dogs and cats and certain other pets can be infected by heartworms and intestinal worms.
Intestinal Worms
Worming should be started when puppies and kittens are small as these infant pets as very susceptible and have a greater risk to their health from the worms. The worms can range from tiny to large (up to 18cm) and have detrimental effects on your pets and can even prove fatal if left untreated. Animals such as horses, rabbits, dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and fish can all be infected with worms. Humans can also contract intestinal worms.
The most common intestinal worms found in Australian animals include: Roundworm, tapeworm, whipworm and hookworm. Worms can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and even low red blood cell counts (anaemia). Extended worm infestations cause animals to lose weight and results in poor overall condition. If they are not treated, worms can cause fatalities especially in vulnerable pets.
The lifecycles of the different worms can be complicated. They can exist is a variety of forms outside of the host animal as well. Treatment and prevention needs to take their lifecycle in to account. Worms that have a partial lifecycle inside fleas require that your pet uses a flea preventative to break the cycle. Make sure that your pets are wormed regularly to prevent and control the incidence of worms. Speak to your vet about the best medications for your pet. These can include pastes, spot treatments and tablets. Pets can easily be re-infected in an environment that is contaminated. Where possible worm all your pets at the same time and ensure control measures are in place to break the cycle. This will also help prevent your family being infected by worms.
Preventing re-infestation may require you to clean up the environment and remove pet faeces as soon as possible. Keep the pet’s environment clean. Prevent children from playing in soil that may be contaminated. Ensure hands are washed regularly, especially after playing with pets or in the dirt. If you are out in public such as a park, make sure you clean up after your pet.
We are available to discuss the best worming treatment for your pet.