Regular worming

Dogs give us loyalty and companionship and in return we owe it to them to take positive steps to keep them fit, healthy and happy.  Regular worming is essential to make sure your pet enjoys the best of health - and it’s so easy to do.

WHY WORM?

Roundworms (including Toxocara canis) and tapeworms are intestinal parasites which can be found in any dog although infection is easily treated.  Worms may cause sickness and diarrhoea in young animals.  Adult dogs may show no signs of ill health but still need regular worming.

Human infection (toxocariasis) may occur if mature Toxocara (roundworm) eggs are swallowed, however, it is very rare for anyone to become ill as a result.  About 1-2% of healthy adults in the UK already possess Toxocara antibodies which mean that they have been exposed to Toxocara eggs or larvae with no ill effects.

Children are more vulnerable to Toxocara infection because they might pick it up when playing on grassland where the faeces from dogs carrying worms have been deposited.  On the rare occasions when human disease does occur it usually causes only mild symptoms.  In exceptional cases it can cause damage to the eye in young children.

The chances of developing toxocariasis are minimal.  It is estimated that there are only about two new cases of disease due to Toxocara infection per million of the population each year.  However, if every owner treated their dog with a worming preparation, and cleared up after their dog, toxocariasis would be virtually eradicated.  Newly deposited faeces are not infectious.

WHAT TO DO

Worming is easy, effective and costs little.  You can get a suitable worming preparation from your vet, pharmacist, pet shop or supermarket.  There are many worming preparations on the market, so ask your vet or pharmacist which is the most effective product for your pet and for help in choosing which you will be able to administer successfully.  Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.  If in doubt, ask your vet for advice.

ADULT DOGS

Adult dogs are relatively resistant to infection but nevertheless should be routinely wormed at least every 6 months.

PREGNANT BITCHES

Pregnant bitches and bitches with young puppies should be wormed more frequently.  Bitches should be wormed before mating, after the first 45 days of pregnancy and after giving birth to and whilst weaning pups.  Consult your vet when treating a pregnant bitch.

PUPPIES

It is important to worm puppies as it is reasonable to assume that all puppies are infected with Toxocara canis and produce larger numbers of eggs than an adult dog.  Puppies should be wormed from about 2 weeks of age.  Great care has to be taken when treating a young animal, so always seek the advice of your vet before doing so.  Worming should continue at regular intervals (a minimum of four times) until the puppy is at least 6 months old.  Thereafter follow the advice of your vet.

WORM YOUR DOG -

IT’S EASY, EFFECTIVE AND

INEXPENSIVE

Worming your dog is one of the easiest ways of making sure that your pet enjoys the best of health.  What’s more, if every dog owner wormed their dog on a regular basis it would virtually eradicate the possibility of any human illness due to infection by Toxocara.  Healthy pets help to keep humans healthy too.

SO WORM YOUR DOG -

IT’S THE RESPONSIBLE THING TO DO.

Remember, a healthy pet is a happy pet!

The Four Golden Rules to

Successful Pet Ownership

1. Follow a preventive health programme for your pet that includes:

* a good diet
* regular exercise
* worming
* vaccination
* annual veterinary check-ups

2. Make sure that your pet has its own bed and that feeding bowls are kept clean and separate from your own.

3. Always wash your hands after handling your pets.

4. Dog owners should always use a poop scoop. Be sure to ‘bag it and bin it’!

The Pet Health Council was formed in 1979 with the specific aim of promoting the health and welfare of pet animals in the interests of both pets and people.  The PHC works with medical and veterinary advisers who are experts in this field.

The leaflet range currently comprises the following:

A Guide to Insuring your Pet

Choosing A Pet

Fit Not Fat

Getting a New Puppy

Health Benefits of Pets

International Pet Travel

Nutrition for Cats and Dogs

Pets and Allergies

Pets and The Family

Pets Have Teeth Too

Practical Steps for Healthy Pets

Stressed Pets

The Facts about Toxocara

The Facts about Toxoplasmosis

Worm Your Dog!

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