Deworming

Deworming your pet can improve their health and benefit everyone else within your family. Worms can live within your pets and make their lives very uncomfortable. If left undetected, worms can lead to advanced health conditions or even death. Another adverse effect to leaving worms untreated is that they can spread to humans and other animal species within the home. For these reasons, we strongly advise regular testing and prevention treatments.

What are common worms in pets?

Common worms found in pets include:

• Tapeworms
• Heartworm
• Whipworm
• Hookworm
• Roundworm

What are signs that my pet has worms?

If you are concerned about any new changes in your pet you should contact your veterinarian right away. Our team can help you correctly diagnose and treat any symptoms if your pet needs deworming. Typical signs of worms include:

• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Blood in stool
• Abdominal pain

How are worms diagnosed in pets?

Worms are usually detected through microscopic examinations with the exception of heartworms and tapeworms. To identify intestinal worms a veterinarian will use a microscope to look for worm eggs in your pet’s stool sample.

To detect heartworms a veterinarian will perform blood tests and chest X-rays. Tapeworms, on the other hand, can be seen with the naked eye in your pet’s stool.

Does my puppy or kitten need deworming if their mother is already dewormed?

Yes! Sometimes, even if the mother is dewormed, parasites can still be passed on to puppies and kittens. Puppies and kittens should be vaccinated every two weeks until they reach 3-months-old. Our veterinarian will determine how often your puppies or kittens need to be dewormed after the 3-month mark.

My pet stays indoors, do they still need deworming?

Yes! We recommend deworming indoor pets. They may require less frequent deworming treatments as their exposure risks are lessened. The risk is still present from other animals within the household.

What’s the best treatment for worms in pets?

Here at Golf Glen Veterinary Clinic we believe that prevention is always the best medicine. We recommend staying on top of your pet’s preventative medications. Our veterinarians also encourage regular testing to detect worms and prevent infestations which can cause serious health problems. Schedule your pet’s deworming appointment at 905-727-3003.