ANIMAL HOSPITAL & VET CLINIC - MOUNT WAVERLEY

DOGS

The four types of intestinal worms that infect puppies and adult dogs are roundworm, hookworm, tapeworm and whipworm.

Roundworm infection is very common and most puppies are infected from a very young age from their mother. Infection may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, bloated abdomen and ill thrift.

For this reason, all puppies need to be wormed every 2 weeks until 12 weeks of age, then monthly until 6 months old and then every 3 months for life. An allwormer such as Popantel, Drontal or Canex that target all four types of intestinal worms needs to be used.

Can these worms be passed to humans?

Ingestion of roundworm eggs by humans, particularly children, may result in migration of a worm larvae through the body, which may cause potential damage. Due to this potential hazard, as well as infection of the dog, regular worming of all dogs and puppies with an allwormer is essential. In addition, children should be taught to always wash hands prior to eating. Daily disposal of “doggy doo” from the yard is also advisable.

CATS

The three types of intestinal worms that infect kittens and adult cats are roundworm, hookworm and tapeworm.

Roundworm infection is very common and kittens are infected from a very young age from their mother. Infection may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, bloated abdomen and ill thrift.

For this reason, all kittens need to be wormed every 2 weeks until 12 weeks of age, then every 3 months for life. An allwormer such as Popantel, Drontal or Felix plus paste can be used. Revolution is a topical product that treats both roundworm and hookworm as well as heartworm and fleas. The topical mode of application makes it easy to use for all kittens and cats.

Can these worms be passed to humans?

Ingestion of roundworm eggs by humans, particularly children, may result in migration of a worm larvae through the body, which may cause potential damage. Due to this potential hazard, as well as infection of the cat, regular worming of all cats and kittens with an allwormer is essential. In addition, children should be taught to always wash hands prior to eating. Care in cleaning litter trays is also important to ensure people are not infected.