The obvious first factor is to keep them healthy. Intestinal worms, which are spread via eggs in faeces, such as roundworm, hook worm and whip worm interfere with the digestive tract and cause symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, weight loss and a general feeling of being unwell. Heartworm which is spread via mosquito bites causing worms to grow in the heart and can lead to coughing and heart failure.

In two recent cases at KVH, Bongo and Gigi presented independently and were both 6 week old puppies at the time. They were both very unwell with significant worm infestations causing severe anaemia, protein loss and dehydration. After blood transfusions, intensive care and extensive parasite control, both dogs have made a good recovery.

The second factor which is not so well understood is the impact on humans. Whilst human infection is relatively rare, it can easily happen. If a dog licks its rear end or eats faeces and licks a human on the hand then unwashed hands pose a transmission risk.

In most cases it is the travelling larvae (immature worm stages) that cause most of the problems due to damage created when they move through the body. Round worms can cause coughing when migrating through lung and blindness when migrating through the eyeballs. In its severest form, the hydatid tapeworm can grow multiple cysts in a human brain and in some case be inoperable. In a recent discovery by Bayer Animal Health it was also found that a type of intestinal worm can now replicate itself in the human body.

The prevention is pretty easy. For puppies and kittens that are susceptible to worm infestation they need at least monthly worming with a good quality preventative. The general advice for adult pets is that 3 monthly worming should be adequate. It is worth noting that preventatives generally do not last, they kill on exposure and leave the system and thus the time frame between worming depends on the risks and habits of the pets. Some of the newer topical spot on preparations can provide ongoing protection. For humans, good hygiene is all you need to be protected from pet worms.

When it comes to worming, you get what pay for. Newer generation products such as Drontal and Popantel have a much higher efficacy compared to old worming medicines. The biggest decision now is tablet, chewy or spot on.

For complete advice on what is the right preventative and method for your pet, our staff are only too willing to help advise.