Deworming Dogs And Cats

Of all domesticated animals, dogs and cats have become man's closest companions. They share our homes and rely upon us for shelter, food and welfare. With urbanization and higher rates of dog and cat ownership our responsibilities to our pets, our children's health and to our community require an understanding of dog and cat worms.

Hook Worms
There are three species of hookworm infecting dogs and cats in Australia. The adult stages suck blood from the intestinal wall and can produce anaemia, enteritis, diarrhoea and death in Perth - due to our dry conditions; they are all that common but are often seen in kennel situations. The routes of infection are via oral digestion, via skin penetration, via uterus and milk in the young, and via rodents(rats and mice).

Round Worms
There are two major species affecting dogs and cats and the incidence is high in young animals - particularly under three months of age. Large numbers of adult worms may block the gut, interfering with digestion which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea to occur. The larvae can cause damage to the lungs of young puppies on their migration to the gut.

Whip Worms
These are a problem with dogs, and again, whilst not all that common in Perth, can cause intestinal colic and diarrhoea when in large numbers. The mode of transportation is via ingestion of the eggs from the droppings of infected animals and the bitch can contaminate her pups via the uterus and milk.

Tapeworms
These are long, flat worms and are divided into small segments. The most common one is the flea tapeworm, and this is of paramount importance in Perth. It can cause irritation of the backside as the worms migrate through the anal sphincter, and can also create a dull,lack lustre coat in both dogs and cats. The Hydatid tapeworm, whilst rare in Perth, can pose problems when dogs are fed sheep or kangaroo offal. The worm has no effect on the dog and is very small but poses a serious risk to man, requiring radical surgery in extreme cases.

Intestinal Worms - What to Look For
Because of their behaviour during development and as adults, worm species cause a variety of signs of disease in both dogs and cats. In general, however, the main signs of a worm problem include:

• Anaemia
  Paleness of skin and gums. This is due to the blood-sucking activity of the adults.
• Diarrhoea
  Caused by irritation of the wall of the gut by worms.
• Dehydration
  Seen as dry skin or coat.
• Pot-Belly Appearance
  Occurs commonly in puppies and kittens with a heavy roundworm infection.
• Weight Loss
  Can occur even while the animal is showing a ravenous appetite.
• White Segments
  In droppings, coat or around anus. This occurs with tapeworm - especially the common Flea Tapeworm.
• Tail Skidding
  Dogs with a Tapeworm infection will often sit and rub their rear end along the ground.

Treatment Program

Puppies and Kittens

• Treat at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 & 12 weeks
• And then 4, 5, 6 months of age.

Pregnant /Lactating Bitches and Queens

• Prior to mating
• 10 days before whelping or kittening
• 2 and 4 weeks after whelping or kittening

Adults

• Every 3 months for life

Treatment
Our staff will be happy to discuss the deworming of your pet with you and tailor a preventative program for your animal's particular situation.

Zoonoses - The Human Health Risk
Zoonoses is the name given to disease that can be transmitted between animals and man. Many people are unaware that dog and cat intestinal worm species can be transmitted to man. Apart from Hydatid Tapeworm disease the overall incidence of Zoonoses is relatively low. However, to safeguard the health of the family, it is important to take appropriate preventative measures, which include:

• Good Hygiene
  Infants should be kept away from domestic pets until they can practice good hygiene. Children should be taught to avoid prolonged close contact with dogs, and to always wash hands and face thoroughly after playing with their pets. Train children to avoid dirt eating habits.
• Treatment
  Treat dogs and cats regularly with an effective worming product.
• Education
  Encourage fellow dog owners to follow correct internal parasite treatment and prevention methods.

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