The Lowdown on Worms in Pets
Happy pet, not-so-happy worms
Worms. It’s not fun to think about these parasites lurking in your pet, but unfortunately, it can happen. Even pets that look perfectly healthy can carry worms without showing obvious signs. Worms may be living in their intestines or lungs, quietly causing issues. This is why regular deworming is so important to protect your dog or cat.
Signs Your Pet Could Have Worms
Your pet may not always show clear signs of worms, but some signs to watch for include:
- Weight loss or a bloated belly
- Scooting or dragging their bottom
- Coughing or trouble breathing (for lungworms)
- Vomiting or diarrhea
Even if your pet seems healthy, worms could still be causing problems, so it’s best to stay on top of deworming.
When Worms Get More Serious
While worms are usually mild, there are some cases where things can become serious:
- Roundworms in puppies: Puppies can develop heavy infestations due to their weaker immune systems.
- Lungworm in cats: Outdoor cats are more likely to catch lungworms, which can lead to coughing or breathing difficulties. Products like Bravecto Plus and NexGard Spectra can help protect against these worms.
Worms and Humans
Yes, some worms can be passed to humans—especially kids. Roundworms, for example, can pose a risk if pets aren’t regularly dewormed.
Top Tips for Preventing Worms
- Clean up after your pet: Fresh dog poo isn’t dangerous, but if left outside, it gives worm eggs time to become infectious.
- Worm young pets: Puppies and kittens need worming every 2 weeks from 4 to 12 weeks old. Adults should be wormed every 3 months.
- Choose a comprehensive worm treatment: Not all worm treatments cover all types of worms. Advocate or NexGard Spectra are great all-rounders for full protection.
- Indoor pets need worming too: Even if they stay inside, pets can still be exposed to worms from things like insects or potting soil.
Keep Worms at Bay with the Right Products
Worming your pet regularly is the best way to keep them healthy. At No Prescription Pets, we offer trusted treatments like Bravecto, Advocate, and NexGard Spectra, so you can find the best option for your dog or cat.
