How to Control Worms in Pets
In this post, we will uncover the ways your pets can pick up worms and how to prevent them.
Worms in Pets: Where They Come From and How To Control Them
There’s no avoiding it: intestinal worms are a fact of life for our furry friends. In fact, many of the daily habits we know and love about our pets make it easy for these contagious parasites to spread.
That’s why controlling worms in pets must be a top priority! But worms are tricky and can go undetected by even the most attentive pet owners. In this post, we’ll cover the hidden ways your pet can pick up worms and how to treat them.
How Do House Pets Get Worms?
The Worry With Walkies
Daily walks are the perfect way to keep your dog in shape! However, grass and soil play host to various parasites — including hookworms and roundworms — making it easy for your dog to pick up worm eggs while sniffing and exploring.
You might think this just applies to dogs, but even indoor cats can contract worms from your daily walk. Transmission from other pets or dirt stuck to your shoe can also bring unwanted parasites into your home.
The Problem With Poo
Poo patrol might be our least favourite task as pet owners, but regular and responsible disposal of your pet’s poo is essential for preventing worms. Leaving your dog’s poo unattended can contaminate the soil, causing intestinal worms to spread.
Hookworms, in particular, are known for spreading through infected poo and can even be passed to humans. That’s why careful poo collection and good handwashing hygiene are essential.
The Hazard of Exploring
If there is one thing cats and dogs can agree on, it’s that they both like to scavenge. We know all too well that our pets can get their mouths on all kinds of prey — often those carrying lice.
Animals like rodents and birds carry lice that developing tapeworms are hitching a ride on. So while keeping your cat indoors is best for protecting native wildlife and minimising their exposure to worms, some pests can still make their way inside our homes.
The Concern With Cleaning
Grooming is a daily (if not hourly) habit for our pets. Unfortunately, this is also a prime way they can contract intestinal worms. Fleas are notorious for carrying developing tapeworms that your pet consumes through self-licking habits.
Again, indoor cats aren’t immune! Even if your cat never goes outside, it can still pick up fleas from other animals in your household.
How to Prevent Your Pet From Getting Worms
Our pets are creatures of habit, and they aren’t going to change any time soon. So, when it comes to prevention, it’s on us to develop a few habits of our own — and that means regular deworming! Dogs over six months old and cats over 12 weeks need treatment every three months.
Drontal Allwormer® protects against more intestinal worms than most brands on the market. It comes in a range of chews and tablets, with the perfect solution for your pet.
No matter the size of your pet, Drontal® has a solution to protect and defend your dog or cat from intestinal worms. So, when it comes to preventing worms, remember to repeat and defeat! If you think your pet might be overdue for treatment, ask your vet about Drontal Allwormer®.
