Intestinal Parasite Prevention

Both dogs and cats are susceptible to intestinal parasites such as gastrointestinal worms.
 
What are the commonly seen gastrointestinal worms?

Common intestinal worms in dogs and cats include roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms. The only worms visible to the naked eye are roundworms and tapeworms which may be observed being expelled within the faeces or vomitus.

	Roundworms	Hookworms	Whipworms	Tapeworms
Eggs as seen under the microscope
Commonly visible to eye?	Yes	No	No	Yes
Transmission	Ingestion of eggs in faeces Transplacental during pregnancy Mother’s milk	Ingestion of eggs in faeces Transplacental during pregnancy Mother’s milk Skin	Ingestion of eggs in faeces	Ingestion of eggs in faeces Ingesting worm carriers such as rodents & fleas

 
Worm can lead to several clinical signs inclusive of diarrhoea (including blood), weight loss, poor appearance and vomiting. However, some gastrointestinal worm infestations can lay dormant in the body without exhibiting any symptoms.

Animal to human transmission is possible and can become a health hazard as certain worm species can cause significant diseases in humans.
 
Prevention

All pets should be placed on a regular intestinal worming regime as follows to minimise the health risks to both animals and humans.

Puppies and Kittens:

• Every 2 weeks, from 2 weeks to 12 weeks of age
• Then monthly until 6 months of age
• Every 3 months thereafter

Adult Dogs:

• Minimum every 3 months

 
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