Intestinal Worms

These parasites are worms that live in the intestines of puppies, kittens, dogs and cats. You may have heard of some of them – roundworms, tapeworms, whipworms and hookworms. And there are lots of ways your pet can pick these up. Some worms are passed to puppies and kittens from their mother. Pets can also pick up intestinal worms by eating infected wild animals (rodents), fleas or from eggs shed by other pets.

Puppies and kittens suffering from intestinal worms may show symptoms including a rough haircoat, weight loss, low energy levels or a distended stomach. The severity of symptoms will depend on overall pet health and the amount of infection. It’s important to see your veterinarian if your pet is showing any of these symptoms.

Left untreated, intestinal worms lay eggs that are shed into the environment in your pet’s stool. TT  hese eggs are a potential health risk for you and your family. The good news is that it’s really easy to protect your pet and your family from intestinal worms. Protection is the key, and you can start right now:

• always stoop and scoop
• wash your hands regularly
• deworm your pet every three months

Kittens should begin deworming treatments at six weeks and puppies at two weeks of age.

• Click here to view more information on petsandparasitesce.com
• Click here to view more information on petpak.ca
• Find out which parasites are a health concern to pets, and where in Canada they occur.