Tackle worms in pets
BY READERS DIGEST
1st Jan 2015 Animals & Pets
Worms can be difficult to get rid of without treatment, particularly when more than one pet and/or owner is infected. Keep those parasites at bay with these helpful tips.
Why should i worry about worms?
Even healthy-looking animals can be carrying roundworms and tapeworms. This can cause issues in young and old pets alike, not to mention transferring to health conditions into humans.
In young pets, worms can cause a pot belly, poor growth and diarrhoea. A heavy infestion can even cause a fatal blockage of the intestines. In adult pets, worms can lead to poor coat condition, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Worms also pose a risk to humans – roundworms in dogs and cats (toxocara), for example, can cause blindness in children, though this is rare. Regular worming is essential to protect pets and people alike. Worms aren't choosy, and will live happily inside you, too.
How to treat worms in your pet
- Ask your vet for advice on the most suitable worming treatment to use on a pet.
- Tapeworms rely on fleas to survive, so regular flea prevention treatment is important.
- Note clearly on your calendar when treatments are due.
- Always observe strict hygiene. Dispose of faeces and cat litter every day and always wash your hands afterwards. Make sure children do the same and stop then playing with mud. Cover sandpits, too, to avoid cat contamination.
