Cats and dogs are ideal hosts for intestinal parasites. Animals that lick, slurp, sniff, or eat anything in their paths are bound to pick up pests, even if they spend most of their time indoors. Activities, such as kissing, grooming, or wrestling, can also pass worms to both human and pet companions. To keep your pet in top shape, deworming should be a part of their regular wellness routine.

Even if you take good care of your pet or they are usually indoors, pets are at risk of worm infestation. Regular deworming can help manage and reduce any external and internal parasites. This will help keep your furry friend healthy and happy.

Read on to learn more about worm infestation.

Benefits of Regular Pet Deworming

Common Types of Worms in Cats and Dogs

Roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and heartworms are some of the most common and harmful worm varieties that affect pets. These worms can all negatively impact your pet’s immune system. Often these worms will mostly affect puppies and kittens. In younger animals, they can cause growth retardation, which means they affect your pet’s development.

Roundworms and tapeworms can affect your pet’s intestinal lining and cause uncomfortable skin infections and itchiness. Conversely, hookworms, and whipworms can cause your pet to suffer anemia and weight loss. Heartworms however can lead to heart problems, lung disease, and organ damage. A severe case of worms can lead to death. This is why it is crucial to keep a regular deworming routine.

Signs and symptoms of worm infestation in pets include:

• Inflated or bloated stomach
• Respiratory problems
• Diarrhea
• Vomit
• Worms in their feces or vomit
• Coughing
• A decrease in energy levels
• Loss of appetite
• Dull coat
• Rapid weight loss
• Skin irritation
• Chewing, licking, or rubbing their bottom on the ground

There are several treatment options that can help get rid of all intestinal parasites. However, it’s always best to talk to your vet first to ensure your furry friend receives the best solution for their needs. If you’re not sure if your pet is suffering from worms, the best course of action is to consult a vet. The vet will prescribe treatment based on the type of worm and where it’s living in your pet’s body.

Benefits of Regular Pet Deworming

Prevent Health Issues

Worms are harmful to dogs and cats. Since they cause a myriad of health issues, such as skin problems, anemia, loss of appetite, and other diseases, deworming is absolutely important for your pet’s long term health. The sooner you get rid of worms, the sooner your furry companion will be healthy again. However, by setting a regular deworming routine with your vet, you can ensure your pet doesn’t catch worms, to begin with. Since puppies and kittens catch worms more often, they should be dewormed more frequently than older pets to ensure healthy growth and development.

Eliminate Gastrointestinal Parasites

Many worms are usually found in large and small intestines, stomach, and colon. They pose serious health problems and can multiply quickly if left untreated. Gastrointestinal parasites can cause serious ailments such as anemia, blood stools, diarrhea, weight loss, and intestinal blockage. Remember, regular deworming can reduce or eliminate the risk of such issues.

Prevent Transfer to Humans

Worms are highly contagious and can be transferred to humans by the medium of saliva and sputum. Children can also ingest the eggs of the worms. The effects of worms in humans can range in severity, with some being permanent. Roundworm larvae can migrate to organs of the body in a process called visceral larval migrans. Hookworms can cause cutaneous larval migrans, where the worm infects humans through the skin and can cause scarring inflammatory results. Tapeworms can cause irritation and diarrhea. Immunosuppressed adults and young children are at the highest risk of worm infestation, but healthy adults can also be affected.

Deworming is great for your pet, however incorrect treatment can cause several side effects. An experienced vet can advise you about deworming time gaps and the type and amount of dosage needed for your particular pet. Once you have a regular schedule, worms can be easily avoided.

At Naples Coast Animal Hospital, we provide a wide range of pet health care solutions including deworming, vaccinations, wellness examinations, imaging, therapy, dentistry, and pet surgeries. Contact us to learn more and to book an appointment for your pet’s deworming routine.