As a responsible dog owner, it is important for you to worm your dog regularly:
Here are some points for you to consider:
- All dogs, no matter how well cared for, can get worms.
- There are 2 main types of worms: - Roundworms- which resemble strands of spaghetti or elastic bands, and Tapeworms- which look like flattened grains of rice.
- Puppies are most at risk from worm infections. Worms are passed from the mother before and after birth through the milk.
- Pets pick up worms from other animals faeces in the soil, and from swallowing infected fleas whilst grooming.
- It is not always easy to tell whether your pet has worms or not. With a very heavy infestation, there may be weight loss, vomiting, diarrhoea, or a swollen abdomen.
- Some worms have the potential to be transmitted to people, and in the case of the dog roundworm, the consequences can be serious especially in young children.
- Puppies should be wormed from 2 weeks of age, every 2-3 weeks of age until they are 12 weeks of age, then every month until they are 6 months of age. Adult dogs should be wormed every 3 months for life.
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