Why do I need to worm my dog regularly?

17 Oct 2018

Dogs and puppies can be affected by roundworms, whipworms, hookworms and tapeworms.

Worms can cause stunted growth in puppies and coughing, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, anemia, dull coat and lethargy in dogs of all ages.

Puppies become infected in the womb and or from drinking their mother's milk.  Worm eggs are passed in the faeces and infect the environment.  The eggs can infect both dogs and humans.  Young children are particularly at risk as they are not so good at cleaning their hands, and are often putting all sorts of things in their mouths!  Roundworms can cause skin problems and blindness in humans.  As part of being a responsible dog owner you must pick up your dog's faeces in public places and worm it regularly.

The main ways dogs become infected with tapeworm are by swallowing fleas (which are infected with the intermediate life stage of the tapeworm) when grooming themselves, and by eating raw meat and offal.  To keep your dog free of tapeworm you should avoid feeding raw meat and offal, and treat for worms and fleas regularly.

Due to the potentially very serious health risks that worms pose to humans, puppies should be wormed every two weeks from two weeks of age until twelve weeks, then monthly till six months then monthly to three monthly thereafter depending on their lifestyle. Monthly worming is recommended for all adult dogs that are fed raw meat, are working or therapy dogs, are in contact with children under five years of age (that includes if dogs go near areas where children play such as sandpits, playgrounds), or live with individuals who are immunocompromised.

It is important that you use a safe, effective and complete worming treatment.  Not all worming products are the same, and often those stocked in supermarkets and pet stores are ineffective, and or not complete wormers. 

At Vetcall we stock Milpro and Popantel complete worming tablets.

The number of tablets required depends on your dog's weight.  If you are unsure of your dog's weight feel free to bring him/her down to the hospital for a free weight check.