Worms are a potential threat to your pets health so understanding what types of worms your pets may be harbouring as well as the symptoms they may show and the treatment you can give will ensure your pet is worm free.
Roundworms are long white worms that can grow to 18cm. Kittens and puppies become infested from their mother and adult animals through soil contaminated with faeces.
Tapeworms live in the small intestine and can reach 60cm long. Infestation occurs when your pet ingests fleas or if they hunt animals already infected with tapeworms or are carrying fleas. When passed they break up and remain on faeces or attached to the fur under your pets tail.
Whipworms are more commonly found in dogs than cats. These worms live in the large intestine and and cause chronic bowel inflammation. Dogs most at risk are those living in kennels.
Hookworms are short, blood sucking worms that suck nutrients from the intestines. These can be transmitted to nursing pups, eating contaminated soil or larval migration through the uterus.
Symptoms Diarrhoea, vomiting, weight loss, mucous on the stools, weakness and a pot bellied appearance.
Treatment
Pets should be treated against worms using a tablet or spot on treatment. Products should be veterinary prescribed as many over the counter medications do not work. Puppies and kittens should be treated once every two weeks until they are 12 weeks old, then every 3 months for life.
Written by: Henrietta Coniglio MVB
Kelly Veterinary Clinic, Old Church Street, Athenry 091844918
