Regular worming of your pets is not only important for their health – but also for the rest of the family. Humans can also catch roundworms, hookworms and hydatids from their pets and these are capable of causing serious health problems, especially in young children. These problems can be avoided by following basic hygiene techniques eg. by washing hands after playing or patting pets, and also by worming your pets regularly with an all-wormer.
Worming treatments only kill worms at the time of dosing and do not act like a vaccine so it is vital to keep up a regular worming routine. Young pups and kittens are particularly prone to the effect of worms and need to be wormed more frequently than adult pets. Your Vet can advise you on the best product and worming routine for your pet.
There are 4 main types of intestinal worms seen in dogs and cats: roundworm, hookworm, tapeworm and whipworm (dogs only). The effects of these worms are more severe in very young or debilitated animals.
Roundworm: diarrhoea, poor hair coat, enteritis, pot bellied appearance. Immature worms can pass through the placenta and milk as well. Can spread to humans and is particularly dangerous to children.
Hookworm: anaemia, diarrhoea, weight loss, potentially fatal. Can spread to humans, especially children.
Tapeworm: weight loss, poor condition, white segments around the anus and in faeces. Hydatid tapeworms pose a serious health risk to humans.
Whipworm: diarrhoea with blood, abdominal pain.Reduce the risk of infection in your pet by worming every 3 months with an all-wormer.
