Worms. Not exactly the cutest part of being a pet parent, but definitely something worth knowing about.
Your dog or cat can pick up different types of intestinal worms, and they don’t all find their way into your pet in the same way. Some can come from contaminated soil, others from fleas and some can even be passed from a mother to her puppies or kittens.
And because the signs aren’t always obvious, knowing a little more about the different worms your pet could encounter can help you stay on top of their deworming routine.
So, meet some of the unwanted worms your pet definitely doesn’t want moving in.
Roundworms
Roundworms are one of the worms your pet could pick up, and if there were a worm most likely to make you lose your appetite, this might be it. They’re long, white and can look a little like spaghetti.
Roundworms are particularly common in puppies and kittens because they can be passed from their mother before birth or through her milk. Adult pets can also become infected after ingesting eggs from contaminated faeces.
Once inside your pet, roundworms live in the intestines and take nutrients from them.
Puppies and kittens with a significant infestation may struggle to gain weight, develop a pot belly or have a dull-looking coat. In severe cases, large numbers of roundworms can even cause an intestinal blockage.
Definitely not the kind of spaghetti anyone ordered.
Hookworms
Hookworms may be small, but they can cause big problems.
They attach themselves to the inside of your pet’s intestinal wall and feed on blood. Pets can become infected through contaminated soil, and puppies and kittens can also acquire hookworms from their mothers.
Because hookworms feed on blood, a severe infestation can lead to anaemia, particularly in very young animals.
One possible warning sign is very dark or tar-like stool, which can indicate digested blood. If you notice this or anything else unusual about your pet’s poop, speak to your vet rather than trying to diagnose the problem yourself.
Discover the 6 reasons why deworming is important.
Whipworms
Next up are whipworms, another type of worms your pet could pick up. They get their name from their distinctive whip-like shape.
These worms live in the large intestine, and pets can become infected after ingesting whipworm eggs.
Some infestations may cause relatively mild symptoms, while heavier infestations can result in diarrhoea, weight loss, anaemia or stools containing fresh blood or mucus.
It’s another reason why changes in your pet’s bathroom habits shouldn’t simply be ignored.
Their poop might not be glamorous, but it can tell you quite a bit about what’s going on with their health.
Tapeworms
Got a pet with fleas? Tapeworms are one of the worms your pet could be exposed to, so this one is especially worth knowing about.
Tapeworms are long, segmented worms that live in the small intestine. One common type can infect dogs and cats when they swallow an infected flea, which can easily happen while grooming themselves.
Cats can also pick up certain tapeworms by eating infected rodents or other prey.
Some pets with tapeworms may not show obvious symptoms at all. When signs do appear, they can include an itchy bottom, abdominal discomfort, vomiting or weight loss.
You may also notice small worm segments around your pet’s bottom.
Consider that your reminder that flea control and deworming your pet can go hand in hand.
Discover the 10 symptoms that your dog has worms.
Wait, what about ringworm?
Despite the name, ringworm hasn’t earned itself a place on our worm list.
Why? Because ringworm isn’t actually a worm.
It’s a fungal infection that affects the skin and requires different treatment. It can appear as circular areas of hair loss and can spread between animals and humans.
If you think your pet may have ringworm, speak to your vet about the appropriate treatment rather than reaching for a dewormer.
So, how do you know which worms your pet has?
Trying to figure out which worms your pet may have based on symptoms alone isn’t always easy.
Vomiting, diarrhoea, weight changes, appetite changes, a dull coat and an itchy bottom can all be associated with worm infestations, but these symptoms can have other causes too.
If you think your pet may have worms, your vet can help determine what’s going on. A stool sample can be tested for worm eggs and help identify which worms your pet may be dealing with.
And if your pet seems perfectly healthy? That doesn’t mean deworming should disappear from their routine.
Keep deworming on the pet-care list
You probably already have quite the list as a pet parent.
Food. Treats. Flea and tick prevention. Vaccinations. Vet visits. The toy they absolutely needed and then ignored.
Deworming your pet belongs on that list too. Regular deworming can help protect them against some of the worms your pet could pick up during everyday life.
How often your dog or cat needs to be dewormed can vary depending on their age and circumstances. Puppies and kittens generally require more frequent deworming during their first few months, while adult pets also need ongoing preventative treatment. Your vet can help you establish the right schedule.
It’s also important to use a suitable deworming product. Not every product treats every type of worm, and the correct option and dose can depend on your pet.
Stock up on deworming essentials at the Onepet Store
Once you know which deworming products are right for your pet, keeping up with their routine is the easy part.
You can shop deworming products and other pet-care essentials at the Onepet Store, so you can keep the everyday health basics stocked up alongside their food, treats and other favourites.
And if you’re a Oneplan Pet Insurance client, you can save up to 25% at the Onepet Store, depending on your plan.*
Because worms might be part of pet life, but that doesn’t mean you have to make them feel at home.
Your petstore family,