Why You Need to Deworm Your Pet

No matter how much we care for our pets, the sad truth is that there are plenty of potential threats awaiting them. That includes worms.

Sad to say, once pets get infected with worms, it can cause a serious burden for you, as they would gradually wear down your fur baby. These pesky parasites prevent your pets to absorb the nutrients they need from the food they eat, resulting in anemia and weight loss.

Among all intestinal worms, it is the hydatid tapeworm that is considered the most dangerous. It is commonly found in areas near sheep. So, if you reside on a farm, chances are, your pet can get infected by this type of intestinal worm.

To make sure your pets avoid these worms, it is best that you groom them and deworm them regularly. That way, you will be sure they are in good condition at all times.

How to Tell If Your Pet Has Worms

The easiest way to know if your dog has worms is to check his feces. If he has worms, there would be egg present on them, although they might be very small to be seen by the naked eye.

Then again, there are other types of worms that can be seen by our eyes – roundworms and tapeworms. While tapeworms appear like small grains of rice found near the feces or sometimes around the tail, roundworms are those white worms that look like spaghetti strands.

Cats, on the other hand, can be identified with roundworm infestation if they vomit regularly, are not that active, and have a very full belly appearance.

How Do Pets Get Infected?

There are many ways that a puppy and a kitten can be infected by these worms. But usually, the adult worms start by shedding eggs through the feces of an infected animal. When other pets lick or sniff these feces with eggs, they become infected, too.

Roundworms have their own way as well. Normally, they have these so called “paratenic” hosts like birds, cockroaches, and earthworms. If your pet happens to ingest one of these hosts, he is likely to become infected.

Can These Worms Affect Humans?

Truth be told, there are many different types of intestinal worms that may thrive inside your pet’s tummy. And the sad news is that they can be transferred to other members of the family like kids.

The roundworms found in cats are the most concerning of all worm types. When the eggs are ingested, it can lead to the transfer of the worm larvae throughout the body, causing potential damage.

As long as you deworm your pet, this should not be a major concern.

How to Deworm Your Pet

Sure, you’ve heard about worming treatments sold in pet stores. But you should know that these treatments don’t prevent worms. They only kill them. Hence, it is vital that you deworm your pet every now and then.

For the best tips on how to prepare for worming, it is best to seek advice from vets or pet health care experts.

Cat Deworming

At a very young age, cats can be infected with roundworms. Thus, it is vital that you should start worming them as early and as repeatedly possible.

For kittens at around 4 to 16 weeks old, they have to be treated with worming products that fight roundworms. Adult cats that are 6 months and older should be treated with a worming product that combats tapeworms and roundworms.

Dog Deworming

As a general rule, all puppies must be wormed once every two weeks until they reach 3 months. After that, they shall continue receiving treatment once every month until 6 months. After six months, they should be wormed once every 3 months.

Now, if you are uncertain about deworming your pets, it is better to contact professionals for instructions. Do not be deceived by the multitude of available products on the market. Others might not be suited for your fur babies. It is better safe than sorry. Unless you are very certain about what you are using, then better not use these products. After all, you don’t want to risk your pet’s health for it.

Proper Treatment

The safest and most effective way to deworm your pet is to take him to the nearest veterinary clinic. Therefore, if you suspect he has worms, secure him in a sturdy dog cage and drive to the vet clinic. Most likely, the vet will then recommend which dewormer works best for your pet. These dewormers are made to kill the worms that are inside your fur baby’s body. Since they dissolve, they are generally safe and do not have any side effects. Then again, depending on the severity of the infestation, the vet may recommend repeating the medication within 1 to 2 weeks after the first treatment. Perhaps, it may even require a longer treatment course. Nevertheless, it’s for the welfare of your pet to protect them against parasites and worms. So, nothing to be worry about.

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