Deworming refers to the medical process of removing internal and external worms from your pet’s body. There are a variety of worms that can infect your pet and have long-term damage on their health. Worms aren’t only a threat to your pets, they can infect members of your family as well. To prevent this from happening you should practice good hygiene when cleaning up after your pet and ensure they are protected from worms at all times.
When should my pet start deworming?
Deworming should start early when your pet is 2 to 4-weeks-old. This should continue every two weeks until they are 3-months-old. Puppies and kittens need deworming because they can get parasites from their mothers. Deworming doesn’t end there as it is an ongoing process throughout your pet’s life. At 3-months-old your pet can also start taking parasite prevention medication to protect them against other types of parasites.
How does my pet get worms?
Your pet can get worms in many different ways. You should be aware and cautious of the places your pet visits and what they eat. They can pick up worms from:
- Eating worm eggs when they eat or play in grass and dirt
- Hunting – pets that like to scavenge or hunt can catch worms from infected prey
- Eating fleas – fleas are transmitters of tapeworms
- From their mother
Your pet may take a while to show signs of a worm infestation but when they do, you may notice that your pet has:
- Diarrhea
- Sudden weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Bloated stomach
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
How can I protect my pet from worms?
Regular deworming is the best way to protect your pet from worms. By administering a monthly parasite preventative your furry friend will have the best protection from worms. Preventatives can be given with an injection or oral medication. It’s important that your pet doesn’t miss any dose of their medicine as this can make them vulnerable to an infection. Don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian about preventatives that protect against internal and external parasites. To protect your pet from worms please book an appointment at 604-591-5304.
