Worms Part IIPet Type Dog Issue General Health How do I treat for worms? - Wormers for pets are available from your vets, you can also buy them at supermarkets and pet shops.
- It is always best to buy wormers from your vet as they will be guaranteed to work and also your vet will be able to advise you on the best type of treatment and how often you should worm
- Wormers come in tablet, powered or liquid form, ask your vet for advice, but all can be given in food.
- There is now a 'spot on' preparation against worms in cats, which can be a lot easier than giving tablets! It is only available from your vet.
- Your pet should be treated every 3 months with a broad spectrum wormer, even indoor animals.
- Pets which are at a higher risk of worms, those that hunt, or travel abroad regularly, should be wormed every month.
Worms and people - The worms that infect our pets can spread to people, and children are at particular risk.
- Pets that live with children should be wormed on a monthly basis to ensure they remain 100% worm free and that the children are safe.
- They will mainly infect the gut, but under rare circumstances, some worms can gain access to the eye and cause blindness.
- ALWAYS clean up after your dog
- ALWAYS wash your hands after clearing up your pets faeces and before you eat.
| | | Children are particularly at risk from catching worms from pets as they often have a very close relationship
| Always remember to clean up after your dog, contaminated faeces is one of the most common ways worms spread.
| Worms and travelling abroad. - There are several species of worms which are not present in the UK, but which animals who travel abroad can catch.
- The most important of these is HEARTWORM, which is transmitted by mosquitoes.
- You must always treat your animal for parasites before travelling to and from the UK, ask your vet for specific advice.
  | Heartworm is transmitted by flying insects, but it is easily prevented with veterinary standard wormers. Also, help prevent infection by keeping your animals inside at dawn and dusk when they are abroad.
| Worms and young animals - Puppies and kittens are at particular risk from worms, they can catch them from their mother, from fleas and from the environment.
- 80% of pups are already infected with worms when they are born, due to transmission via the uterus.
- Worms in young animals can cause huge damage and even death, so treating them is very important.
- Puppies and kittens should be treated;
- Every 2 weeks from birth until 8 weeks old
- Every month from 8 weeks to 6 months old
- Then every 3 months as you would an adult
- Always ask your vet for specific advice
  | Puppies can catch worms from their mother when suckling, and also because of their naturally curious nature, so it is really important to worm them correctly
| Please note, this is an advice only website. If you have any specific queries or concerns about your pet, you should contact your vet.
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