Worms Part I

What are worms?

• Basically worms are wormed-shaped parasites that live inside your pet. They are mainly found in the intestines but can also be found in the hearts and lung.
• There are several types of worms but these can be split into 4 main categories:

1. Tapeworms
2. Roundworms
3. Hookworms
4. Whipworms

• Worms can range in size from a few millimeters long to several meters!

Tapeworm (magnified)	Roundworm	Hookworm (magnified)	Whipworm

How can my pet catch worms?

• Fleas and worms go together, fleas can pass on tapeworms to your pet, so if your pet has fleas, always treat them for worms as well.
• Scavenging - some dogs are keen on eating more or less anything on walks! Worms and their eggs are often found in animal carcasses, such as sheep, and also on wet grasses.
• Contaminated soil - Worms shed their eggs in the animals faeces and then these can survive in the environment for long periods of time. So, dogs especially are at risk when they rifle through the undergrowth!.
• Hunting - cats which hunt are at a high risk from worms, as these can be passed to them from the mice and birds they catch and eat.
• Suckling - some types of worms are passed in the mothers milk to puppies and kittens, so it is very important to regularly worm all pregnant bitches and queens, and also their babies

• It can be very difficult to tell if your pet has worms as often there are no symptoms, Worm eggs will be shed in the faeces but these tend to be microscopic, and adult worms will only be seen if they are dead, which tends to be after you have wormed your pet!
• Fleas and worms go together, fleas can transmit tapeworms, so if your pet has fleas, they are more than likely to have worms
• Some types of worms will make you pets bottom itchy, if you see them scooting along the floor, or nibbling at their backends, it could be an indication they have worms
• Sometimes you may see worm segments clinging to your pets bottom or in their basket, they look like small grains of rice.
• There are some kinds of worms which live in the heart or lungs, but these tend to be rare in the UK. Sometimes animals suffering from lungworm or heartworm will have a soft cough and may be lethargic.
• Young animals with worms will often have distended stomachs, and poor coats.
• If you ask your vet, they may be able to perform a faecal egg count, on your pets faeces, which will diagnose if they have worms. However, this is not commonly done unless an animal is ill, as it is much easier and cheaper to just worm your pet!

Hunting will increase your pets chances of getting worms	Fleas and worms go together, always treat regularly for both	An itchy bottom can be a sign of worms