The worms your pet can get infected with are not the usual earthworms you see after it rains. Worms are parasites that can affect your pet’s internal and external organs. Not only are they a risk to your furry friend’s health, but some of them can also infect humans (zoonotic worms). Luckily, with the right veterinary care team, your pet can be tested and dewormed regularly without suffering from infestations.
What are the symptoms of worms in pets?
Worms are sneaky pests that can go unnoticed for a long time. Regular testing and deworming is the best way to protect your pet. When your pet has worms, you may notice the following signs:
- Dehydration
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Blood in their stool
- Deficiencies in nutrition and anemia
- Diarrhea
If your pet is showing these symptoms, it’s imperative that a veterinarian examines them. To have your pet tested for worms, please reach out to us at 519-948-7727.
How often should my pet be dewormed?
Deworming should start early for your pet and continue throughout their lifetime. Deworming puppies and kittens is essential to give them a healthy life. We recommend they get dewormed every two weeks until they are 3-months-old. Adult pets need deworming every few months; your veterinarian will consider your pet’s lifestyle and surroundings to recommend a schedule.
How are worms diagnosed?
As there are various types of worms, we have different processes to detect them. Tapeworms can be diagnosed with the naked eye when they are passed in the patient’s stool. Heartworms require a special antigen test to detect. We recommend your pet gets tested for heartworms even if they aren’t showing signs of an infection. Other parasites can be diagnosed through a fecal exam with a microscope.
Can I get worms from my pet?
Yes, you can! Some intestinal worms can be passed between species, including humans. You can get tapeworms and roundworms from your pet. Some humans are more vulnerable to catching worms if they are a senior, a child, pregnant or immuno-compromised. We recommend you take extra precautions when handling your pet’s feces to prevent this from happening. You should:
- Wash your hands immediately after handling your pet’s stool
- Cover their litter box when not in use
- Pickup after your pet and safely dispose of your pet’s waste
