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INTESTINAL WORM CONTROL IN DOGS
Protection
Some worms that infect pets can pose a significant risk to human health, for example the hydatid tapeworm and roundworm. Worming pets regularly will reduce environmental contamination with infective eggs and larvae, which pose a threat to the health of both pets and humans.
Frequency
It is generally recommended that both dogs and cats are wormed regularly, every 3 months, for intestinal worms. Puppies and kittens require more frequent worming until they are 6 months old and the usual recommendation is that they are wormed every 2 weeks until 12 weeks of age and then every month until 6 months of age. Once 6 months old, 3 monthly worming should be adequate in most situations. Pregnant and nursing bitches and queens also require more frequent worming, to reduce the level of roundworm infection that they may pass onto their young, either through the placenta or their milk.
Detection
Worms are not always easy to detect in your pet. The only way to be sure is to sample the faeces repeatedly and analyse for the presence of eggs. However, some of the common signs that may suggest your pet has worms include: pale gums (anaemia); diarrhoea; a pot-bellied appearance (especially in puppies and kittens); weight loss (despite a good appetite); white segments in the faeces; scooting; or a dull coat. If you are not sure if your pet has worms, you should always consult your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on how best to treat your pet.
Preventative treatment
Preventative treatments are the best way to ensure that pets are protected from the risk of disease transmission.
TIPS FOR WORM PREVENTION AROUND THE HOME
These simple tips will assist in protection against worm infestation
* Ensure that your dog and cat’s bedding and sleeping areas are always clean (including the dog kennel). Regular use with K9 Ezycare will maintain a high level of hygiene in the animal environment, providing antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial protection. K9 ezycare can be used on food and water containers, toys, cages, clippers and grooming equipment, bedding and collars. The fresh lemon scent also helps to combat unwanted pet odours in the home.
* Remove faeces from your yard or garden. Worm eggs are expelled in the faeces and can be ingested by other pets and family members.
* Ensure that fleas are controlled adequately on both cats and dogs. Some tapeworms are actually transmitted by fleas. When pets ingest an adult flea infected with the larval tapeworm, the larvae are able to develop into the adult tapeworms in the digestive tract.
* Never feed your pet raw meat or offal. Feed your dog only cooked meat or commercial food. Hydatid tapeworm eggs (cysts) are found in the offal of sheep and cattle, which can lead to infection of pets and subsequently family members.
* Always wash your hands after playing with your pet and prevent pets from licking your face. Parasite eggs can be ingested from direct contact with pets and their surrounding areas
* Control intermediate hosts such as rats and mice.
Some worms that infect pets can pose a significant risk to human health, for example the hydatid tapeworm and roundworm. Worming pets regularly will reduce environmental contamination with infective eggs and larvae, which pose a threat to the health of both pets and humans.
Frequency
It is generally recommended that both dogs and cats are wormed regularly, every 3 months, for intestinal worms. Puppies and kittens require more frequent worming until they are 6 months old and the usual recommendation is that they are wormed every 2 weeks until 12 weeks of age and then every month until 6 months of age. Once 6 months old, 3 monthly worming should be adequate in most situations. Pregnant and nursing bitches and queens also require more frequent worming, to reduce the level of roundworm infection that they may pass onto their young, either through the placenta or their milk.
Detection
Worms are not always easy to detect in your pet. The only way to be sure is to sample the faeces repeatedly and analyse for the presence of eggs. However, some of the common signs that may suggest your pet has worms include: pale gums (anaemia); diarrhoea; a pot-bellied appearance (especially in puppies and kittens); weight loss (despite a good appetite); white segments in the faeces; scooting; or a dull coat. If you are not sure if your pet has worms, you should always consult your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on how best to treat your pet.
Preventative treatment
Preventative treatments are the best way to ensure that pets are protected from the risk of disease transmission.
TIPS FOR WORM PREVENTION AROUND THE HOME
These simple tips will assist in protection against worm infestation
* Ensure that your dog and cat’s bedding and sleeping areas are always clean (including the dog kennel). Regular use with K9 Ezycare will maintain a high level of hygiene in the animal environment, providing antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial protection. K9 ezycare can be used on food and water containers, toys, cages, clippers and grooming equipment, bedding and collars. The fresh lemon scent also helps to combat unwanted pet odours in the home.
* Remove faeces from your yard or garden. Worm eggs are expelled in the faeces and can be ingested by other pets and family members.
* Ensure that fleas are controlled adequately on both cats and dogs. Some tapeworms are actually transmitted by fleas. When pets ingest an adult flea infected with the larval tapeworm, the larvae are able to develop into the adult tapeworms in the digestive tract.
* Never feed your pet raw meat or offal. Feed your dog only cooked meat or commercial food. Hydatid tapeworm eggs (cysts) are found in the offal of sheep and cattle, which can lead to infection of pets and subsequently family members.
* Always wash your hands after playing with your pet and prevent pets from licking your face. Parasite eggs can be ingested from direct contact with pets and their surrounding areas
* Control intermediate hosts such as rats and mice.