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From the Mirrabooka Veterinary Hospital
Why should I worm my pet?
The most common intestinal worms that
can cause illness in dogs and cats in Western Australia are roundworms,
bookworms and tapeworms. In some cases, infected pets may provide a source
of infection for their owners.
(a) Roundworms
These are the most common intestinal
worms found in puppies and kittens.
The worms may cause weight loss, a
"pot-bellied" appearance, diarrhoea and vomiting and
occasionally adult worms may be vomited or passed in the stool. Young
pets usually acquire worms from their environment or from their mothers.
Roundworm eggs are shed in the
infected pet's stool and a diagnosis is made by examining a fresh sample under the
microscope.
(b) Hookworms
The main symptoms of hookworm
infestation are diarrhoea which may be blood stained and weight loss.
Occasionally, blood loss may be severe resulting in anaemia and
weakness. Like roundworms, hookworm eggs are passed in the infected
pet's stool and a diagnosis can be made by examining a
fresh sample under the microscope.
(c) Tapeworm
The tapeworm is a parasite with a
characteristic "flat" shape. The head of the tapeworm attaches
to the intestine and segments of its body are shed and passed in the
stool. Tapeworm infestation may produce diarrhoea, poor coat condition
and weight loss. Diagnosis may be made by finding worm segments in your
pet's stool or clinging to the hair around the anal region. They may
appear as white to yellow
(d) Heartworm - see Heartworm
information leaflet.
Most ordinary worm tablets do not
protect against heartworm and special tablets are required after advice from your
veterinarian. It is dangerous or can be fatal to commence heartworm treatment
before a veterinarian blood tests your dog.
What can I do to protect my pet?
Effective and safe preparations are
available for treatment of these worms from your local veterinarian.
(a) Because a pregnant cat or dog
can be a source or infection for their young, it is advisable to worm
them. Your veterinarian can recommend preparations that are safe for
pregnant and nursing pets.
(b) The young puppy or kitten should be
wormed for
round and hookworm every
2 - 3 weeks from 2 - 4 weeks of age
until they are at least 16 weeks old. Treatment of tapeworm should be
carried out at 3 months.
(c) Adult dogs and cats should be
wormed every 3 - 6 months. Treatment for tapeworms should include
destroying the parasites already infesting your pet and controlling
re-infestation by eliminating the intermediate hosts.
(d)
Any adult dog in contact with young of their species
have a greater risk of contracting intestinal worms, and should be treated
at the same time as the puppies or kittens.
(e) Heartworm prevention - see Heartworm
information leaflet obtainable
from your local Vet.
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