Dogs and cats may be infested with a variety of worms, most of them present in the gastrointestinal tract. Roundworms and tapeworms have been the traditional target of worming, but pets can be exposed to other types of worms, including those acquired in the travelling pet. Even the best cared for pet can pick up worm eggs and larvae from their environment, and this can go unnoticed in the early stages.
Depending on many factors (type of worm, worm burden, pet’s age and immunity), worms can cause a variety of symptoms, from no clinical signs to life-threatening illnesses. Some worms can also be transmissible to humans, and children in particular are susceptible to vision problems from migrating roundworm larvae.
Hence it is important to worm your pet regularly.
How regularly should I worm my pet, and with what?
Traditionally, blanket recommendation of worming every 3 months have applied. However, some pets are more exposed to worms than others, and the owner’s circumstances also play a role in how frequently worming should take place. Most wormers remove those worms present at the time of treatment, but do not possess any residual activity, thus pets can potentially reacquire infections as soon as worming activity has faded.
Home Visit Vet’s worming policy follows BSAVA policy guidelines. There is no “one recommendation suits all”. Each cat and dog will receive a detailed risk assessment from which a worming program (frequency of worming and what type of wormer best suits your pet’s circumstance) can be provided.