A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO WORMING YOUR PET

There are several types of intestinal worms in Australia that can affect dogs and cats, such as roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. Pets can become infected in various ways, including exposure to contaminated environments, eating or drinking from infected sources, close contact with other infected animals, or even from their mother during pregnancy. Fleas can also transmit tapeworms when ingested by pets during grooming.

The signs of a worm infection can vary from mild to severe. One common sign is scooting, though this doesn’t always mean your pet has worms and should be checked by your vet for other causes. More typical signs include diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, lethargy, and a round, “pot-bellied” abdomen. You may also notice worm eggs or segments in your pet’s faeces. If you see any of these signs, it’s important to visit your vet for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

In addition to intestinal worms, our pets can also be infected with a range of other parasites, including heartworm, fleas and ticks. As opposed to intestinal worms, heartworm is spread by infected mosquitos, with heartworm disease occurring as a result of damage to various tissues caused by the migration of the parasite within the dog. Preventative flea treatments are also important to consider alongside appropriate worming treatment due to tapeworm risk. Depending on your geographical location, you may also need to consider tick prevention.

DECIDING ON A WORMING TREATMENT FOR YOUR PET

With so many worming products available, it can be overwhelming to know which option is best for the needs of your pet. As well as consulting with your local veterinarian on the most appropriate coverage for your specific pet, the following can be used as a guide across the Virbac range of parasite preventatives:

INDOOR-ONLY CATS

Cats who are kept solely indoors are less likely to encounter intestinal worms, however there is still a risk of spreading the infection from infected dirt that we bring home on our shoes and clothing. As heartworm is spread via mosquitoes, indoor cats remain at risk for this infection if mosquitoes are entering the home. Flea prevention should also be considered, especially if living with a resident dog who ventures outside on walks, as ingesting infected fleas is a common way for cats to become infected with tapeworm.

For intestinal worming, either Milpro or Endogard could be a suitable option for indoor-only cats, as both are broad-spectrum worming treatments effective against a range of internal parasites, including roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms when administered every three months. To also protect against heartworm, Milpro can be given monthly in adult cats. If at risk of fleas, an additional flea-treatment should be added to the treatment plan.

As an alternative option, Evicto could be considered for indoor cats, as it combines effective flea control with targeted deworming in one treatment. While Evicto protects against fleas, which can transmit tapeworm, it does not protect against tapeworms acquired through other routes of transmission (for example, if the cat is fed offal as part of their diet). In this circumstance, the Virbac Tapewormer could be added alongside Evicto.

INDOOR/OUTDOOR CATS

Cats who spend time both indoors and outdoors require comprehensive parasite coverage, as these cats are at a higher risk of encountering these internal parasites. Milpro could be a suitable choice for these cats, as it will treat and control intestinal worms including tapeworm when administered every 3 months in the adult cat. Milpro will also prevent heartworm when administered every month in adults. An appropriate flea and tick product is important to consider alongside Milpro treatment in these patients who risk exposure from the environment.

DOGS WHO ARE NOT ON INJECTABLE HEARTWORM PREVENTION

In dogs, an alternative to over-the-counter heartworm prevention is an annual injection administered by your veterinarian. If you are interested in learning more about injectable heartworm prevention, your local veterinarian will be best placed to discuss this with you.

In dogs who do not receive injectable heartworm prevention, Milpro could be an appropriate choice if administered monthly in the adult dog, as this will prevent heartworm in addition to roundworm, whipworm, hookworm and tapeworm. As Milpro does not protect against fleas or ticks, an additional flea and tick preventative should be considered in these dogs.

As an alternative to Milpro, Endogard could also be considered, which treats and controls roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and tapeworm. Endogard does not however prevent heartworm, and so it should be used as part of a combined treatment plan. This could be in conjunction with either an over-the-counter product like Evicto, which includes protection against heartworm, or otherwise by an injectable heartworm preventative with your veterinarian.

DOGS WHO ARE ON INJECTABLE HEARTWORM PREVENTION

For dogs who receive an injectable heartworm preventative annually, Endogard would be an appropriate choice for internal parasite prevention. As Endogard treats and controls roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and tapeworm, it should be used in conjunction with an appropriate flea and tick preventative.

ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR WORMING YOUR PET

Regular worming is an essential part of keeping your pet healthy and happy. Follow the instructions on the product label and stick to your vet’s advice for best results. Along with regular treatments, here are some simple tips to help protect your pets (and your family) from parasitic worms:

• Follow the dosage instructions. Always use the correct dose for your pet’s size and weight. Check the label or ask your vet if you’re unsure.

• Practice good hygiene. Make sure to wash your hands after playing with your pet, especially for kids, to reduce the risk of worms being passed on to humans.

• Encourage kids to wear shoes outside. This is especially important in parks, playgrounds, and sandpits to avoid bringing contaminated soil home.

• Keep your pet’s space clean. Wash their bedding regularly, keep sleeping areas flea-free, and remove faeces promptly.

• Avoid feeding offal. Offal can carry tapeworm eggs, so it’s best to avoid feeding it to your pets.

• Prevent scavenging. Stop your pet from eating dead animals, as it can expose them to parasites and diseases. For pets who like to hunt, stick to a strict worming routine.

• Stick to the schedule for heartworm prevention. If you’re using Milpro, give it on the same day every month to ensure consistent protection.

If you think your pet might have worms, contact your vet for advice. For more information about Virbac’s range of worming products, click here.