Is worming in pets actually important?
Flea and worm treatment for cats and dogs is essential for keeping your pet protected year-round in New Zealand. Even during the colder months, parasite threats such as fleas, ticks, roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms can be a risk to your pet as they can be picked up from contaminated soil, food, wildlife, or from other animals.
Symptoms of worms in dogs and cats
Intestinal worms can pose a serious threat to dogs and cats, especially when left untreated. Some signs of worms in dogs and cats include:
- Diarrhoea
- Weight loss despite eating a normal amount
- Muscle wasting (especially in puppies)
- Blood in the stool
- Weakness or lethargy
- Vomiting
- Changes in appetite
- Inflammation or swelling around the rectum
- Visible worms in faeces or vomit
- Scooting their bottom along the ground
- Pot-bellied appearance or swollen abdomen
- Coughing
- Pneumonia-like symptoms
- Anaemia
- Intestinal blockage (in severe infestations)
If you notice any of these symptoms, make sure to book an appointment with your vet.
Why is worming so important?
Worm treatment for cats and dogs is essential for your pet's health. Intestinal parasites such as worms in cats and worms in dogs are not just a nuisance; they can lead to serious health issues if they are left untreated. Preventing infestations rather than treating them after the fact is more cost-efficient, protects your pet's overall health, and keeps your pet feeling comfortable and happy.
Always make sure you are using the correct size product for your pet's weight, and never use dog products on cats or vice versa as they often contain different ingredients.
What treatment options are available?
There are many different types and methods of parasite prevention treatments available for pets. Some treatments protect your pet from fleas, ticks, mites and worms; while some specifically target fleas and ticks only, or worms only, for example. Many pet owners use multiple products to ensure their pet is protected from all parasite threats. NexGard SPECTRA is a great all-coverage option for both internal and external parasites.
Different types of parasite prevention methods
- Chews (such as from NexGard SPECTRA for dogs, Bravecto and Simparica Trio)
- Tablets (Milpro, Milbemax, Drontal for dogs and cats)
- Spot-on (Bravecto, Advocate, NexGard SPECTRA for cats)
- Collars (Seresto)
- Paste (more common for horses, but Anthel Plus Cat Wormer is a great option for cats)
- Spray (Frontline)
Different methods of parasite prevention will work for different pets - a spot-on treatment such as Bravecto for cats may work great for an indoor cat but a dog who loves swimming may need a chew or tablet such as Simparica Trio or Milpro dog worming tablets so they can enjoy the water without washing off the treatment. Choosing the right method is different for each pet as it depends on your pet's individual needs and preferences.
Worming
If your pet is protected from other parasite threats but not worms, cat worming tablets and dog worming tablets are a great option to ensure your pet stays protected. These brands offer great worming treatments for cats and dogs:
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How often do I need to worm my pet?
How often to worm cats and dogs depends on their age, as adult pets generally need worming treatment every 3 months, however kittens and puppies will need more frequent treatment to keep them protected. Be sure to use a puppy or kitten safe treatment if treating a younger pet.
Can I worm my pregnant dog?
Yes, you can worm a pregnant dog or cat, however this should only be done under the guidance of your vet. Using the wrong product or worming your pregnant dog at the wrong time can be harmful for both your dog and the puppies. If your dog is pregnant, regular checkups with your vet are essential to ensure your pet stays healthy throughout the pregnancy.
Can humans catch worms from dogs?
Some types of worms, such as roundworms and hookworms, can spread to humans through contaminated soil or faeces. It is important to deworm your pet regularly not only to keep them protected, but to prevent the spread to other pets or even humans.
