WHY worry about worms?
Many people have a close relationship with their pet.
But being close means there’s an increased risk of picking up parasites from them, such as worms.
Surely I’d know if my dog had worms?
Unless you regularly deworm your dog, they could have intestinal worms that you can’t see. Your pet can look healthy on the outside, even when they’ve got worms on the inside.
How does my dog pick up worms?
Dogs pick up worms easily. Worms and worm eggs are almost everywhere, inside your home and outdoors.
It’s impossible to stop your pet coming into contact with them. For example, slugs and snails, beetles and rodents, fleas and mosquitoes can all spread worms.
Why are worms a problem?
Worm infestations can affect your pet’s health. Dogs with gut worms may show signs such as vomiting, diarrhoea or weight loss, although these signs often don’t show until the problem is severe.
More worrying is that your dog can shed worm eggs into the environment, which you and your family can pick up. Children who love to kiss and be close to their pet are particularly vulnerable.
How should I deworm my dog?
Experts recommend that dogs are dewormed at least every three months, a minimum of four times a year. Younger dogs and those whose lifestyles make them more vulnerable to infection, such as dogs that hunt, may need more regular deworming, perhaps monthly. Your vet can help you decide what’s right for your pet.
Ideally your dewormer should:
- Be effective against all major dog worms, which includes hookworm, tapeworm, S.lupi, roundworm and whipworm.
- Be easy to give – Pets enjoy deworming with a small, tasty chewable tablet which requires no mess or fuss
- Be reassuring for pets’ families. Instant post-treatment contact is safe for everyone, including children and pregnant women.
There is no need to separate other pets during and after treatment, which enables pets, owners and their families to stay together even while treatment is underway.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp, send an invite to 061 694 6047
The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
