Worming

Worming

Worms are internal parasites of the dog, can cause ill health and debility and in some types are a health risk to yourself and your family. Dog worms can be most easily divided into two groups:

Roundworms

To the naked eye, roundworms are 2 to 6 inches long, pale white to beige in colour and coiled like a spring. They may cause vomiting or diarrhoea in puppies but may cause few symptoms in the adult dog. In the adult dog they form 'larval cysts' in the muscle which are activated by hormonal changes in the bitch in season or when pregnant. The most common roundworm is Toxocara canis. The eggs from this worm can potentially cause Toxocariasis in humans (although rare) which has been blamed for epilepsy and blindness. See Roundworms

Tapeworms

Tapeworms can vary from a few inches to a foot in length. Normally only the tapeworm segment is seen which is usually white or cream in colour and 1/4 to 1/2 inch long and often seen around the rear end of the dog. Tapeworms require an 'intermediate host'. Depending on the tapeworm type, this host may be a flea, a rabbit, mouse or vole. Tapeworms are not passed from dog to dog and are a problem of the adult dog, rarely of puppies under 12 weeks of age. Tapeworm infections can cause diarrhoea and irritation of the anus. See Tapeworms

The tapeworm and the flea

The most common source of tapeworms is the flea. If your animal has fleas then unfortunately for you, they are breeding in your house! To get rid of tapeworms, you have to get rid of fleas. Use the '4 point flea control system'!

Use a topical insecticide such as Frontline or Head to Tail
Use a flea 'contraceptive' to stop breeding such as Program.
Use an household flea spray such as Acclaim.
Vacuum hard, it sucks up the flea larvae!

Worming adult dogs

Different drugs need to be used to successfully worm against tapeworms and roundworms. We advise the use of the tablet wormer, Droncit which is a 'double wormer' effective against both worm types. We advise that an active, outdoor type of dog, or one which has had fleas is wormed every three months. House dogs should be wormed every 6 months.

Worming Puppies

Research suggests that up to 70% of puppies are infected at the time of birth by Toxocara Canis worms, direct from their mothers womb. This infection is reinforced by worm larvae being present in the mothers milk and faeces. As this worm is a zoonosis (can infect humans) active worming is essential. We advise the use of the wormer, Endorid given every two weeks from four weeks of age until a minimum of 12 weeks of age and then every month until six months old. At this stage treat with Droncit as for an adult dog.

If you see roundworms in a young puppy this would suggest a heavy infestation and we would advise you consult one of our veterinary surgeons.

Worming Pregnant Bitches

Pregnant bitches are a source of worms for their unborn pups. To limit this as far as is possible we would advise the use of Endorid from day 40 of pregnancy until two days post whelping and then fortnightly until weaning. This protocol should be discussed with your veterinary surgeon at the prior to mating examination.

Other types of worms

There are other types of worms; hookworms, whipworms, even heart worms. They are all rare and need careful diagnosing and very specific types of worm treatment.