Protect your pet & family from intestinal worms
The importance of prevention in the control of intestinal worms in dogs and cats should not be underestimated. Some worms that infect pets can pose a significant risk to human health, for example the hydatid tapeworm and roundworm. Worming your own pets regularly will greatly help to reduce the chances of these worms causing problems in family members.
It is generally recommended that both cats and dogs are wormed regularly, every 3 months as adults, for intestinal worms. Puppies and kittens require more frequent worming until they are 6 months old. The usual recommendation is that they are wormed every 2 weeks until 12 weeks of age and then every month until 6 months of age.
Pregnant and nursing bitches and queens also require more frequent worming, to reduce the level of roundworm infection that they may pass onto their young, either through the placenta or their milk.
Dogs in hydatid tapeworm areas also require more frequent worming.
How do you know if your pet has worms?
Worms are not always easy to detect in your pet. The only way to be sure is to sample the faeces repeatedly and analyse for the presence of eggs. However, some of the common signs that may suggest your pet has worms include:
- pale gums (anaemia)
- diarrhoea
- a pot-bellied appearance (especially in puppies and kittens)
- weight loss (despite a good appetite)
- white segments in the faeces
- scooting
- or a dull coat.
If you are not sure if your pet has worms, you should always consult your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can help with diagnosis and advise you on how best to treat your pet.
Preventative treatment
The best way to prevent a worm problem is to commence an appropriate and regular worming regime right from the very start.
Preventative treatments are the best way to ensure that pets are protected from the risk of disease transmission. In addition, you will also reduce environmental contamination with infective eggs and larvae which pose a threat to the health of both pets and humans.
Guide for treatment and prevention of worms in dogs
| Age | Treatment Frequency |
|---|---|
| 2 - 12 weeks | Every 2 weeks |
| 12 weeks - 6 months | Every month |
| 6 months and older | Every 3 months (every 6 weeks in Hydatid areas) |
Guide for treatment and prevention of worms in cats
| Age | Treatment Frequency |
|---|---|
| 2 - 12 weeks | Every 2 weeks |
| 12 weeks to 6 months | Every month |
| 6 months and older | Every 3 months |
The above should be interpreted as a general guide to worm treatment. There may be specific recommendations for breeding animals, different types of worms or animals in particular situations. In these cases a veterinarian should be consulted.
