Vet Clinic

Does my pet have worms?

Dogs and cats are one of the main hosts to two major types of worms.

Roundworms – These are spaghetti like in appearance and live in the small intestines. They shed thousands of tiny eggs, which are then passed out in the faeces and infect the environment.

As well as re-infecting our pets, the eggs if swallowed can also pose a serious risk to children.

Tapeworms – These are long and flat and have a segmented body. When the segments breakdown
(releasing eggs), they are then passed into the faeces, these look like pieces of rice. An intermediate
host can then ingest the eggs – these include fleas and mice. Both dogs and cats swallow fleas when grooming, and in doing so, re-infect themselves. Cats also hunt mice and usually eat them, therefore re-infecting themselves. Humans can also get tapeworm.

How do pets pass worms onto humans?
This is mainly through contact. We all stroke and cuddle our animals, washing our hands after touching any animal should always be done, children are less scrupulous about hygiene, putting them at a greater risk.
Humans can also get infected indirectly via the environment (animal faeces), especially children. This is why it is important that you clean up after you pets.

Worm eggs can be transferred into the mouth of humans and cause illness and in rare case’s blindness.
 
What can I do?
Start a regular worming routine and stick to it. Puppies need to be wormed from 2 weeks old and Kittens from 6 weeks old. They need to be wormed every month, for 6 months.

Adult dogs and cats need to be wormed every 3-4 months, more if the are scavengers or hunters. More is always better especially if you have small children.

Don’t forget to also treat your pet for fleas on a regular basis, they also play a big role in the lifecycle of the worm.

Always wash your hands after handling any animals and ensure all children do.

Pick-up after your dogs, when you go walking and don’t forget your garden!