WORMS

The most common types of worm that your pet will encounter in the UK are roundworms and tapeworms.  

Roundworms appear like long, thin pieces of spaghetti, and are passed between dogs as roundworm eggs in the faeces. Your dog does not have to encounter another dog’s faeces however, as the eggs can remain in the soil where faeces has been. The presence of large numbers of roundworms can cause weight loss, a pot-bellied appearance, lethargy, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhoea.

Roundworms also pose a threat to human health as the larvae migrate to the eye and can cause blindness. Small children tend to be at the greatest risk of infection as they are more likely to play in areas where dogs have been and not wash their hands thoroughly afterwards.

Tapeworms are made up of small segments which break off and are passed in the faeces, resembling small grains of rice. Tapeworm eggs are carried by the flea, and consequently are ingested by your dog when licking or chewing its skin. Your dog can also be infected by eating things such as mice and rabbits. Again, large numbers of tapeworms will cause weight loss, and you may see your dog scooting along the ground on his or her bottom as tapeworms can cause irritation and discomfort.  

Treatment

There are various different methods of treating round and tapeworms, including tablets and spot on treatments. Depending on the treatment that you are using, it is usually recommended that adult dogs are given a routine worming treatment every 3 – 6 months. Flea control is also very important in the prevention of tapeworm infestation, and picking up promptly after you dog when he or she messes can also help to reduce the spread of worms, and the risk of human infection.

For advice on which treatment is most suitable for your dog, contact your veterinary practice.

Copyright ©2009 Ben Cornish. Site designed by JNF