Hi! It’s Tully again!
One thing that my owners do to look after me is use preventative measures against internal infestations by various worms. While a description of all the possible worms would fill a textbook which I couldn’t read anyway, I do know the basics about the infestations that I don’t want.
Intestinal worms in dogs and cats are broadly grouped into the nematodes and the tapeworms. The nematodes are roundworms, hookworms and whipworms. The drugs used in preventatives are broadly the same for all of them. The tapeworms are composed of a couple of common types which may sometimes be seen as wiggling noodle looking things in the poo and I certainly don’t want that!”
The nasty hydatid tapeworm which doesn’t do much to dogs can have life threatening consequences to people who may come in contact with their poo as well as causing cysts in the carcases of farm animals. Tapeworms need a special drug to prevent their build-up. All wormer tablets are available specifically for dogs or cats which cover all the intestinal worms. There are also tablets available that cover just tapeworm. Some spot on preparations for fleas also cover nematodes but not tapeworms.
The other internal worm which is important is the heartworm. Dogs and to a lesser extent cats can be infected by bites by infected mosquitoes. Infection can be life threatening and difficult to treat so I think prevention is much better. Daily tablets are available but must be given every day. Monthly tablets are available that just prevent heartworm or there are combined ones that also cover for intestinal worms. An annual injection to prevent heartworm is also available from your vet. Some spot on preparations also cover heartworm.
All these preventatives that cover this and that are a bit confusing but I don’t have to worry as I have my own tame vet here at home so I leave it up to him! It’s probably best to check with your vet about what types of worm prevention is best for each animal.
Tully
Montville Veterinary Clinic
26 Kondalilla Falls Rd, Montville Ph 5445 7666
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