There are many types of internal parasites that your pet will come into contact with so a worming protocol is very important.  Here are a few that you need to be aware of:

Roundworms

These can be picked up on contaminated soil of even by your dogs licking one another’s coat in mutual grooming.  They live in the intestines, feeding on the gut’s contents.

Puppies can be born with roundworms and they can be infected via their mother’s milk, so it is important if you have a bitch you want to breed, to ask your vet for the best product and make sure you worm the puppies from 2 weeks until 6 months and then every 3-6 months throughout their lives.  Good hygiene in young children is very important as roundworm can cause permanent eye damage.

Tapeworms

These look like long flat ribbons; they are divided into segments which attach to the intestine wall.  Fleas carry tapeworm so using a flea product from your vet is extra important to ensure that the fleas aren’t ingested as your pet grooms itself.

Tapeworms can grow up to 5 metres long and are sometimes visible when a section migrates out of your pet’s bottom.  It will look like a grain of rice which moves, they carry eggs which drop onto the soil.

Mice and birds can be a host of tapeworm so if you’re pet is a hunter then its best to use a worming product monthly or speak to your vet for some advice.

Hookworm

Can be caught from foxes - these attach to your pet’s gut via the wall.  In young animals they can cause diarrhoea, anaemia and weight loss.

Whipworm

These embed their heads into the lining of your pet’s gut and can cause damage to your pet’s large intestines.

Heartworm

These are found abroad but as the name suggests can have very damaging effects on your pet's health.  They are transmitted by mosquitoes so if you are thinking of taking your pet abroad then please ask your vet for advice.

Lungworm

I have done a special issue on this worm as it is increasing rapidly so please check the article “ A warning to all dog owners” when you can.  Lungworm is transmitted by slugs, snails and even frogs so is dangerously commonplace in our gardens.

It’s very easy to stop these parasites dead!  Treatment comes in the form of a tablet for dogs or a spot on treatment for cats - pop in and see us if you would like further information or advice for your particular pet.

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