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Carlisle Vets

Worm Treatments

An infestation of worms can cause illness and even death but most pets with worm infections will show no symptoms at all. You will know your pet is infected if you see worms in faeces or vomit, or around your pet’s bottom. Other symptoms of parasite infections are: weight loss, dry and coarse fur, increased appetite, weakness and diarrhoea. Puppies and kittens with severe infections will have a distended abdomen, giving them a “pot bellied” appearance.

Some roundworms can be spread from pets to people and even cause blindness, meaning it is important to worm your pets regularly and to wash your hands before eating if you have been petting your dog or cat. In 2014, in Sochi, a British skier called Kelly Gallagher won gold. She was blind because of a worm infection carried by dogs that had been transmitted to her eyes.

Potential causes

Your pets can pick up worm infections by ingesting worm eggs. This happens when they groom their feet after they’ve come into contact with dog faeces when they are on walks. They can also become infected by eating raw meat or infected prey animals.

Regular Worming

An effective worm control programme will include treating young animals for roundworms, and adults for roundworms and tapeworms. Tapeworms will also be prevented by controlling flea infestations as fleas can carry tapeworm eggs.

Pregnant and lactating animals should only be wormed under the supervision of a vet.