One in two pets are infected with worms. Therefore, it is important to have the right information on how to prevent and heal your pet.

How do domestic pets get worms?

It is important to know that kittens and puppies are especially susceptible to intestinal parasites. It is often through their mother,  during the gestation period, that they develop worms.

Once adults, pets can still get worms. Indeed, they may be contaminated after eating infested prey or after coming into contact with dirty objects or catching fleas.

Contrary to what many people think, pets living mainly outside are not the only ones concerned. Regardless of the mode of life, it is difficult for an animal to live without being infected at least once in their life.

blue eyes cat

What are the symptoms of infection of worms?

In puppies and kittens, contamination of intestinal parasites is often characterized by growth retardation as well as intestinal problems that can be as serious as bowel perforations for example.

When the animal is an adult, it is difficult to know because sometimes the body develops a resistance. However, some things you should warn you: diarrhea, vomiting, dull coat , irregular appetite, lack of energy ...

To find out if your pet is infected, you can look at their stool. If there are parasites, you should see them in the form of small grains of rice.

Do not hesitate to ask your veterinarian for advice if in doubt.

How to protect your pet?

As seen above, the puppies and kittens are particularly sensitive to worms. Even before birth, the pregnant mother should be treated against worms. It is advisable to deworm 1-2 weeks before calving, immediately after calving and then every two weeks until weaning.

Kittens should be wormed every two weeks until three months and once a month until 6 months.

It is a bit more complicated for puppies. They should be given their first dose within 15 days after birth with a three day treatment. Then when they are about 3 weeks, it is advisable to make an injection under the skin, at the vet's. Then, the puppy should be wormed at 2 months, then once a month until 8 months old, then once a year.

Once adult, the dog can be wormed twice a year. For cats, it is estimated that worming between 2 and 4 times a year is ideal for protection.

Be especially careful if your home has a toddler ! Indeed, the risks of contamination are not to be taken lightly ...

husky & cat

How to give your pet wormer ?

Remember, wormer is a medication prescribed by a veterinarian. They prescribe your pet the medicine and the most recommended method of administration for your pet.

There are different ways to worm your pet :

  • Tablets : small and easy to swallow, most of cats and dogs agree to eat them easily since they look like treats!
  • Pipettes : their application is recommended for a fairly difficult pet to handle. To optimize efficiency, you must ensure that the animal does not lick the product and that the product doesn't get washed off after a few days.
  • The pastes and liquids : rarely used, they may be useful for puppies and kittens.
  • Injections : they can be useful in specific situations. However, they are as efficient as pipettes and tablets.

Do keep in mind that only your vet will be able to prescribe medication suitable for your pet. Do not listen to what is being said on the forums and be careful when you buy a product at pet stores or on the internet because pet worms are not a trivial matter.

You need to have a Yummypets account in order to comment on this article.
Create your Yummypets account in less than a minute.