The Importance of Deworming Medications for Puppies and Kittens
What are worms?
“Worms” is a broad term for a range of parasites which can infect animals, and also humans in certain circumstances. The majority of worms live in the intestines of animals, such as tapeworms and roundworms, although there are other species which live in the lungs and respiratory system of infected animals, such as lungworms. There are even worms which infect the heart and bloodstream - so-called heartworms - although these are thankfully rare in the UK.
Why are worms bad?
Often, an animal with worms will not show any outward signs of ill health, but a young, old or debilitated animal with a high worm burden can become very poorly, very quickly. Roundworm infections can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and weight loss as well as a distended abdomen and poor coat. Tapeworm infestations cause less serious signs but often cause dogs to drag their bottoms along the floor (scooting). Hookworms can sometimes cause foot problems in affected animals due to the migration of larvae through the skin on the feet. Whipworms can also cause gastric signs whilst lungworms can cause breathing problems and blood clotting issues. Certain worms, such as Toxocara (a roundworm) can also infect people or farm animals who come into contact with infected faeces.
How do puppies and kittens get worms?
Whilst animals of any age can acquire worms, they are most vulnerable when they are very young; puppies of only 2-3 weeks old can have a heavy worm burden as these worms are often passed on to the pups before they are even born, or through their mother’s milk as they are nursing.
A dog or cat with worms can contaminate an area by passing worm larvae or eggs in their faeces, which are then in turn consumed by cats or dogs ingesting the soil with traces of the infected faeces on it.
Similarly, an animal can also be infected from eating raw meat, infected prey animals or infected parasites. At this stage, it may be helpful to look at the life cycle of worms, which varies between different families, and even different species of worms.
Signs of worms in pets
If your pet does have the parasite, you may see worms in faeces or vomit, or around your pet’s anus. Your pet may also start to lose weight despite an increased appetite, may develop a dry and coarse coat, or may suffer from weakness or diarrhoea, and in the cases of severe infestations, may have a distinctive “pot” belly - this is often seen in puppies or kittens severely affected.
How to treat your pets for worms
Regular treatment with a worming treatment, regardless of if visible signs of an infection are present or not is important - hence prevention is better than cure.
All puppies and kittens should be treated for roundworms from a young age, and as they mature into adults, treatment for tapeworm should also be included. Your vet can advise of the most suitable product to use in your pet.
Also remember to use regular flea treatment - as fleas can carry tapeworm eggs, and so by preventing fleas, you also minimise the risk of tapeworm infestations.
Other tips to prevent worms in pets
Disinfect food and water bowls regularly, and also animal housing with a suitable veterinary-friendly product
If you are a horse/pony/rabbit owner, regularly pick up dung/droppings and rotate the patches of the ground the animals have access to
Avoid collecting “fresh greens” for rabbits from areas where wild bunnies may have been, and keep outside hutch areas clean to minimise the risk of rodents contaminating the environment
Worm pregnant animals only under the guidance of a vet
Carefully collect and dispose of pet faeces
Wash hands thoroughly before eating
In Summary
PocketVet vet Dr Rachel Louise Keane (BVSc BSc MRCVS) believes giving your new puppy or kitten the very best start in life is hugely dependent upon good parasite control.
“Allowing them the chance to thrive and grow into healthy, happy adults depends on parasite control. Prevention is always far better than having to find a “cure” once the problem takes hold, and is often less of a financial drain too.”
Sources
Is it really necessary to regularly worm a dog? | Pets4Homes
Worms in pets - How to treat and prevent worms | RSPCA
A Vet’s Guide to Dewormer for Dogs: The How, What, Why and When (topdogtips.com)
