Table of Contents
What Are Worms?
Different Types of Worms
What Causes Worms?
Do All Dogs and Cats Need Worming?
How to Treat Worms
How to Prevent Worms
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What are worms in pets?
- By Deanne
-
- September 26, 2024
- 3 MIN READ
Worms are sadly a common concern for pet owners. These parasites can infest our furry companions, leading to discomfort and potential health issues. Here we'll unravel the world of worms in pets, addressing what they are, what causes them, whether all dogs and cats need worming, how to treat worm infestations, and most importantly, how to prevent them. By the end, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to keep your pets super healthy and worm-free.
What Are Worms?
Worms, in the context of pets, refer to various types of internal parasites that can infest the digestive or respiratory tracts. These parasites can range from roundworms and tapeworms to hookworms and whipworms. Different types of worms can affect different parts of the body, causing a range of symptoms and health issues.
Different Types of Worms
There are a few types of worm that are very common in cats and dogs in the UK, they are:
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Roundworm - Toxocara roundworms are really common intestinal parasites for both dogs and cats. They ‘worm’ their way in when your pet accidentally eats worm eggs or larvae. The really gross part? It’s usually because another animal which had worms living in their gut has already pooped them out!
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Tapeworm - Taenia tapeworms are the largest (often several metres long) tapeworms, with slow-moving segments passed in poo. Dogs are infected through eating raw meat or offal, and cats through hunting small animals.
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Lungworm - Lungworm can be picked up by your pets if they eat things like snails, slugs and frogs. It is less common in the UK than roundworm and tapeworm but can still pose a risk to your pets.
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Hookworm - Hookworm is also less common but can be passed on to your pets from their mother, or caught themselves from ingesting hookworm larvae in soil.
What Causes Worms?
Worm infestations in pets can occur due to various factors. Some common causes include:
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Ingesting Contaminated Substances - Your pets can ingest worm eggs or larvae from contaminated water, soil, or food.
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Flea Infestations - If fleas weren’t bad enough… they can carry tapeworm larvae, which are then ingested when pets groom themselves.
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Mother-to-Offspring Transmission - Many puppies and kittens can be born with worm infestations if their mother is infected or pick it up via their mum’s milk shortly after birth.
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Eating Infected Prey - Hunting or scavenging can expose pets to worm-infested prey.
Do All Dogs and Cats Need Worming?
Yes, most dogs and cats need regular worming to prevent and treat infestations. Even those indoors loving pets can be at risk due to the various ways worms can be transmitted. Puppies and kittens, in particular, are susceptible due to their developing immune systems and potential exposure from their mother.
How to Treat Worms
The best treatment of worms in pets is a vet approved worming treatment like Itch Wormer for dogs and Itch Wormer for cats. The specific treatment and dosage will depend on the type of worms and the pet's age, weight, and health condition. It's crucial to follow the treatment recommendations and administer the medication as directed.
How to Prevent Worms
Preventing worm infestations is just as important as treating them. Here are some preventive measures to consider:
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Regular Deworming - Follow a regular deworming treatment schedule (using Itch's Wormer subscription). Puppies and kittens often require more frequent deworming due to their susceptibility and developing immune systems.
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Flea Control - Keep your pets protected from fleas, as they can transmit tapeworms. Using a regular spot-on flea treatment like Itch Flea Treatment for dogs and Itch Flea Treatment for cats will keep your pets safe against those pesky fleas too!
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Hygiene - Practise good hygiene by cleaning up pet waste promptly and washing your hands after handling pets.
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Clean Living Environment - Keep your home and garden clean to reduce the risk of exposure to worm eggs and larvae.
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Regular Vet Visits - Regular check-ups allow your vet to monitor your pet's health and detect worm infestations early.
Worms in pets are a reality that all pet owners should be aware of. Understanding what worms are, how they are caused, and the importance of regular worming is essential for your pet's health. By treating and preventing worm infestations, you can ensure that your furry companions enjoy a comfortable and healthy life. Regular vet care, proper hygiene, flea control, and a vigilant approach to prevention are all key components of effective worm management. By taking proactive measures and staying informed, you can provide your pets with the best possible protection against these pesky parasites.
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Worming
Identification
How to Know If Your Pet Needs Worming
Worming is a crucial aspect of pet care which ensures that our furry companions stay healthy and free from the discomfort of worm infestations. As responsible pet owners, it's important to know when our pets need worming and to understand the signs that may indicate the presence of worms. In this post, we'll explore the subtle signs of worm infestations, discuss specific considerations for both cats and dogs, and address the question of whether worming should be done regularly. By the end, you'll have a better understanding of when to take action to keep your pets worm-free and thriving.
Worming
Treatment
How Often Should You Worm Your Pet?
Intestinal worms are no picnic. They can cause a whole host of health problems in your pets including diarrhoea, tummy pain, weight loss and anaemia. In extreme cases, they can even be fatal. As if that’s not bad enough, they can also do some serious damage to people too! But how often should you worm your pet? The answer depends on various factors, including the type of pet, their age, lifestyle, and risk of exposure. This post explores how often you should worm both cats and dogs. We'll also discuss whether puppies and kittens require more frequent worming and provide some ideal worming schedules to keep your pets healthy and thriving.
Worming
Prevention
Why You Need to Deworm your Pet Regularly and How to Do it
Intestinal worms - those nasty wrigglers can be a real bother and be unsafe for your family. Fortunately, you can prevent this being a problem with a regular pet worming regime.
Follow our advice on regularly deworming your cat or dog and you’ll be saying sayonara to those slimy little ringworms, tapeworms, whipworms and lungworms and hookworms in no time.