Information about worms- signs, symptoms, types
Significance
Most pets will become infected with worms at some stage during their lives. But while these worms can cause serious illness in your pets, the good news is that they are simple to eradicate and prevent.
What are Worms?
Intestinal worms affect thousands of Australian pets every year and, if left untreated, can lead to the development of cysts or hydatids in the lung, liver or heart.
The most common types of worms are Roundworm, Hookworm, Whipworm, Tapeworm and Hydatid Tapeworm.Dogs and cats pick up intestinal worms in many ways, some by transmission from the mother during pregnancy or following birth, others by ingestion, skin penetration, contact with other animals or even by eating offal.
Transmission To Humans
Pets can pass worms on to humans and some of them can be dangerous to our health, particularly the hydatid tapeworm. Although infections are uncommon, it is important to take the necessary steps to safeguard our health.Roundworm can cause liver damage in children under 10, while older children and adults can pick up an infection in the back of the eye from trapped larvae in the retinal capillaries.
Hookworm can also cause problems for humans as they migrate through the skin and cause irritations, mainly on the feet, legs, hands and buttocks. Hookworms can be passed on to humans through direct contact with soil that has been contaminated with faeces, which means gardeners and children playing in such areas are most at risk.
Fortunately, cross contamination between pets and humans is easy to prevent by regularly worming your pets and by following basic hygiene procedures.If you make contact with areas that may be contaminated with animals faeces (eg: the garden bed or the litter tray), be sure to wash your hands thoroughly.
Clean up droppings in your yard at least weekly – preferably wearing gloves – and encourage children to wash their hands after touching pets or handling soil before eating.
Signs that my Aussie Bulldog May have worms
Worms generally cause a dry coat with anaemia, poor condition and intermittent diarrhoea.In most cases, pets infected with worms will develop a dry scruffy-looking coat with split ends, and may experience weight loss and an increase appetite. Some pets may also persistently rub and lick their bottoms.
There are six common types of worms in dogs:
Treatment and Prevention Is Easy
 Fortunately, there are many simple, inexpensive intestinal worm treatments available that you can administer yourself in the comfort of your own home. |
- Simple, tasty chews that treat all gastrointestinal worms, including whipworm, roundworm, hookworm, tapeworm, and the hydatid tapeworm. Suitable for all breeds and ages, including pregnant and lactating bitches
- Palatable Puppy Worming Suspension
A gentle and effective treatment that protects puppies from the most common types of worms. This chocolate flavoured suspension makes the treatment delicious for puppies even when administered directly into the mouth. - Intestinal All-Wormer For Dogs
A tablet-based treatment that protects dogs from all common intestinal worms. This treatment is available in tablet form and is suitable for dogs up to 40kg.