Table of Contents
What are Worms & Intestinal Parasites
6 Ways Pets Get Worms
How to Treat Worms in Pets
How to Prevent Worms in Pets
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Worms In Your Pets - How Do They Get There?
- By Deanne
-
- February 19, 2024
- 3 MIN READ
Here we’ll explore what worms and intestinal parasites are, the various ways our pets can unwittingly become hosts, how to effectively treat worm infestations, and, most importantly, how to create a fortress to prevent these unwelcome guests. Let's navigate the intricate world of intestinal invaders and ensure our furry friends stay happy and healthy.
What are Worms & Intestinal Parasites
Before we dive into the hows and whys, let's understand our adversaries – worms and intestinal parasites. These are microscopic troublemakers that can take residence in your pet's digestive system, causing discomfort and potential health issues. Common types include roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms. But fear not, armed with knowledge, we can better combat these sneaky invaders.
6 Ways Pets Get Worms
Now, let's unravel the mystery of how these stealthy parasites make their way into our pets' lives. Here are several ways our furry companions can become hosts to worms:
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Ingesting Contaminated Food or Water - Pets can inadvertently consume worm eggs or larvae present in contaminated food, water, or soil. It's a very common way for worms to find their way into the digestive tract.
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Contact with Infected Animals - Social pets who love to mingle can pick up worms from interacting with infected animals. This could happen during playdates, walks, or even a brief encounter at the vet's.
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Mother-to-Pet Transmission - Puppies and kittens can inherit worm infections from their mothers. This transmission can occur through the placenta or nursing, highlighting the importance of early intervention.
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Ingesting Fleas or Infected Prey - In the case of tapeworms, pets can ingest fleas or infected prey, becoming hosts for these particular parasites.
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Contact with Contaminated Environments - Worm eggs and larvae can persist in the environment, including parks, gardens, or even your own back garden. Pets exploring these areas are susceptible to picking up these hitchhikers.
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Mosquito Bites - Heartworm, a potentially fatal parasite, is transmitted through mosquito bites. Pets can become hosts when bitten by infected mosquitoes.
How to Treat Worms in Pets
Discovering that your pet has worms can be unsettling, but fear not! Effective treatments are available to combat these intestinal intruders. Here's a battle plan to rid your pet of worms:
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Preventative Dewormers
Itch Wormer tablets for dogs and Itch Wormer tablets for cats kill all common intestinal worms and prevent newly hatched larvae from growing and multiplying.
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Prescription Medications
Your vet may prescribe specific medications to target the type and severity of worm infestation. Administer these medications as directed for effective treatment.
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Natural Remedies
Certain natural remedies, such as pumpkin seeds or diatomaceous earth, may aid in the expulsion of worms. However, it is important to note the lack of scientific evidence to support these remedies in their effectiveness at killing intestinal worms.
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Heartworm Prevention
Heartworm prevention is crucial, especially in regions where mosquitoes are prevalent. Monthly medications can protect your pet from this potentially deadly parasite.
How to Prevent Worms in Pets
Now that we've waged a successful battle, let's focus on fortifying our defences to prevent future worm infestations. Here's how to keep those invaders at bay:
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Routine Deworming - Follow a routine deworming schedule, click here if you’re unsure about how often you should worm your pet. Use a preventative dewormer like Itch Wormer tablets for dogs and Itch Wormer tablets for cats as prevention is always better than cure!
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Limit Outdoor Exposure - Be mindful of areas where your pet might encounter potential sources of infection, such as faeces from other animals. Limiting outdoor exposure can reduce the risk of picking up worms.
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Hygiene Practices - Practise good hygiene by promptly cleaning up your pet's faeces. Regularly disinfecting living areas and litter boxes also helps prevent the spread of worm eggs.
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Flea Control - As fleas can be carriers of tapeworms, implement a flea control programme to prevent these parasites from entering your pet's system. Itch Flea Treatment for dogs and Itch Flea Treatment for cats are preventative, vet approved treatments which kill all adult fleas within 24 hours and halt all other flea life stages in their tracks.
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Avoid Raw Meat - Raw meat can be a source of certain types of worms. Avoid feeding your pet raw meat or consult with your vet to ensure it's safe.
With routine care, tip top hygiene, and a proactive approach to prevention, we can ensure our pets live worm-free, happy lives. Here's to wagging tails, purring contentment, and a fortress that keeps those intestinal invaders far away from our pets!
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Identification
What Are Worms in Pets?
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.
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.