Deworming medications eliminate intestinal worms in cats and dogs. While some animals can handle worms better than others, a widespread infestation can cause gastrointestinal problems and weight loss in all animals. Some worms are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted to humans. Deworming your pet regularly is the best way to spare them the discomfort of parasites.
How do animals get worms?
Any animal that spends time outdoors can contract worms. There are many different kinds of intestinal worms and therefore many different ways to catch them. The most common route is by ingesting feces, for example if your pet licks their paws after walking through dirt. Your pet can also catch intestinal worms from eating insects or small animals like mice and birds.
What are the symptoms of intestinal worms?
Symptoms can vary from one animal to the next. If there is a large infestation, your pet may experience vomiting or diarrhea. They may also have blood and worms in their stool. Some animals undergo dramatic weight loss after contracting worms.
How to diagnose intestinal worms
Worms can be diagnosed with a simple fecal analysis. Talk with your vet if you think your pet may have worms.
What does deworming involve?
Deworming is not a preventative treatment. It gets rid of worms that are already in your pet’s intestines. If you deworm your pet regularly, you can eliminate the worms as they appear and stop them from reproducing in your pet’s digestive tract. This is the best way to prevent an infestation and its related symptoms. We recommend administering deworming medication two to four times a year. You can even give chewable deworming treats to your pet, which they’re sure to appreciate.
