Worms disrupt your pet’s well-being, and in severe cases, they can cause death. When your pet is infected, they rob your pet of nutrients. This can cause your pet to become dehydrated or malnourished. It is especially critical that your pet gets dewormed regularly if they are a puppy/kitten. Deworming should continue for the rest of your pet’s life as the risk of getting infected never goes away. To discuss the deworming options available for your pet, please call us at 604-856-7707.
What are signs my pet has worms?
In the early days of an infestation, your pet may not show any signs, and this is why routine testing is essential. Worms can cause internal damage for months before the physical signs show up. The telltale signs that your pet may have worms are:
- Sudden weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Bloated stomach
- Loss of appetite
- Dragging the rear
- Softer stool
When are pets exposed to worms?
Many factors can increase the chances of your pet getting worms. Conditions like heavily wooded areas or frequent wild animal sightings in your surrounding can put your pet at a higher risk as internal worms can spread through feces. Additionally, going to new provinces that have a higher transmission rate, daycare, or dog parks can increase your pet’s chances of getting worms. Humans are also exposed to worms from their pets. Some intestinal worms can be passed to other family members, so you should properly dispose of your pet’s feces and wash your hands immediately after handling their waste. Please speak with our team to learn about other necessar steps you can take to protect your household.
How does deworming work in my pet?
Deworming involves either oral medications or topical creams to protect your pet. Your veterinarian will determine a deworming routine based on your pet’s health status. The medication or topical creams can eradicate worms from your pet, however, in more severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove them.
