Worming is essential for pet owners, whether they have access to the outdoors or not: it protects them against parasites, specifically worms.

What is worming for dogs and cats?

Worming for cats or dogs is a medication prescribed by your veterinarian to prevent or combat a worm infestation. The dose, calculated based on your pet’s weight, eradicates worms present in the organism.

Worming comes in several forms:

  • Worming tablets, the most common: small and easy to administer to small dogs and kittens.
  • Worming pipettes: simply apply the contents to the animal’s fur on the neck. The animal will be fully protected against a variety of parasites. This is a good alternative for pets that don’t like too much handling.
  • Worming paste or liquid, to be given orally.
  • Injected worming, less commonly used due to inconvenience.
  • External parasite treatment (anti-fleas) also greatly contributes to the fight against intestinal infestation, as fleas can transmit worms through their bites.

Why should I worm my dog or cat?

Even if your pet doesn’t have outdoor access, it’s still useful to worm them because you or family members may bring parasites in from outside, for example, on shoes. Your pet can then be exposed, as is the case in dog parks or if they pick up contaminated food on a walk.

Parasites are a real problem! They transmit diseases, some of which are transmissible to humans. These are called zoonoses. So, be cautious, especially if you have children and vulnerable people around you.

How do I know if my pet is infested?

Worms are very small and even microscopic, so they’re not easy to spot in feces… They can go completely unnoticed! But if your dog or cat is infested, they may still show some symptoms: loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue… Worms can also cause digestive disorders such as diarrhea or vomiting, as well as cardiac or respiratory issues. These symptoms are very general and therefore difficult to immediately link to parasites. Note that a dog or cat dragging its behind on the ground is not always a sign of intestinal worm infestation.

How often should I worm my pet?

The frequency will depend on the animal’s age and lifestyle. Kittens and puppies, being more vulnerable, should be wormed every two weeks from the age of 15 days until weaning. Then monthly until six months old. Afterward, dosages can be spaced out, but worming medication for dogs or cats has a limited duration of action. It’s best to discuss this with your veterinarian.

Good hygiene is necessary

Finally, ensure good hygiene: pick up and dispose of dog and cat feces, regularly change and clean the litter box, wash hands after handling the dog or cat…

Source : Franklin Petfood and SantéVet