Our pets get parasites too, not just us! Cats and dogs are both able to contract intestinal worm infestations, and these tricky parasites can pass from cat to human and back unless everyone’s up to date with their prevention.
Giving your pet a tablet for worming might not be your idea of fun; some pets are notoriously difficult to dose (cats, we’re looking at you!). But worm preventatives come in many shapes and forms, and for the trickiest tablet-taker among your pets we may have a spot-on solution available.
There are three broad groups of intestinal worms in cats and dogs you need to make sure are all prevented:
- Roundworms: Roundworms are very common, and can live in the gut of cats of any age. Roundworm eggs are very hardy and will stay in the environment for years at a time, waiting to end up in an unsuspecting host. Our pets can get roundworms by eating the eggs directly or by eating an intermediate host such as a rat or mouse. Young pets can even pick up roundworms by suckling from their mothers.
- Hookworms: These nasty parasites are named for the rows of hook-like teeth around their mouths. They use these teeth to burrow into the lining of the gut and cause damage and bleeding. Severe infections with hookworm can cause anaemia and weight loss. Hookworm larvae can live in the soil and will burrow through the feet of an unsuspecting host to infect them – whether the host is a cat, dog or even a human!
- Tapeworms: These little guys are visible to the naked eye in your pet’s poop – at least, their eggs are. Tapeworms live in the gut and drop “segments” – little white wriggling packets of flesh full of eggs. Tapeworms can be passed on via intermediate hosts such as rats and mice, but can also be passed on by fleas.
Most worm preventatives need to be given every 3 months, but there are plenty of treatments and regimens which might suit you and your pets better.
