Deworming

It is very common for dogs and cats to become infected with internal and external parasites. Parasites can live and breed inside your pet making their lives very uncomfortable. If left untreated these intestinal worms can lead to serious health conditions in your pet. Another very significant effect to leaving parasites untreated is the possibility of having them passed on to you and the rest of your family. Some worms are zoonotic, meaning they can be passed on from pets to humans. Common worms in pets include tapeworms, heartworm, hookworm, whipworm and roundworm.

What are some signs that my pet has worms?

• Weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Blood in stool
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain

Our team can help you accurately diagnose these issues and determine if your pet needs to be dewormed.

How are worms diagnosed in pets?

Most intestinal worms are diagnosed through microscopic examinations with the exception of heartworms and tapeworms.

A veterinarian usually examines a stool sample from your pet to look for worm eggs. Tapeworms can be seen with the naked eye in your pet’s stool. To detect heartworms, a blood test is usually performed.

Do puppies and kittens need to be dewormed?

Yes! Even if the mom is dewormed parasites can still be passed on to the pups and kittens. Puppies and kittens should be dewormed every two weeks until they reach 3-months-old. Based on your pet’s environment and exposure risk, your veterinarian will decide how often they should be dewormed after three months.

What are treatments for worms in my pet?

Veterinarians can recommend deworming and preventative medications to prevent and remove worms from your pet. Our team encourages regular testing to detect worms before they lead to serious conditions in your pet. To schedule your pet’s worm-testing appointment call us at 204-452-0077.