Worming 

Regular worming is an essential part of responsible pet ownership because of the associated human health risk. There are many kinds of worm that can affect your pet and these are divided into two broad categories - roundworms and tapeworms.

Almost every untreated dog and cat will have worms, but although often present worms rarely cause disease in pet animals, the main problem being the risk to human health from toxacariasis (caused by roundworm larvae).

It is important to realise that your pet may well have roundworms without your knowledge because the worm eggs, which are passed in the motions, are invisible to the naked eye.

How does your pet get worms?
a) Many puppies are infected in the womb before birth. Puppies and kittens can also be infected via the mother’s milk.

b) Roundworm eggs are passed in the motions of an infected dog or cat. These eggs can remain in the soil for two years or more i.e. long after the faeces have disappeared. Your pet may become infested with worms after eating such eggs. 

c) Fleas can carry tapeworms so if your pet swallows a flea while licking and cleaning itself, it can become infested.

d) Other tapeworms form cysts in sheep, cattle, and wild animals so if your pet eats raw meat or hunts birds, mice, rabbits etc. it may also become infested. 
 

Toxacariasis in people
This is caused when a person accidentally swallows the Toxacara eggs from the ground, and this is why crawling babies and toddlers are most at risk - they tend to put dirty fingers and toys in their mouths.

These eggs may hatch and worm larvae then enter the human body. The larvae can cause illness and eye problems, but luckily cases of permanent blindness are very uncommon.

Toxocariasis, although rare, has led to considerable publicity, and it is therefore extremely important for responsible pet owners to regularly worm their pets.

In our opinion this should be carried out 4 times a year.

Puppies and kittens should be wormed more frequently than this and the vet will advise you at the time of your pet's first vaccination.