Worms carried by your cat or dog not only pose a health risk to your pet and your family, but also to other people and animals.

Types of Worms

There are two main groups of worms:

1. Heartworm (dogs) - which is transmitted by mosquitoes.
2. Intestinal worms (round, hook, whip & tapeworm) – which are picked up from other dogs and cats faeces.

All of these are easily prevented by monthly tablets or spot on, or an annual heartworm injection. Heartworm is deadly if contracted and intestinal worms can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration which can be make your pet very sick and costly to treat.

Intestinal worms

Intestinal worms are transmitted from mother to offspring, as well as from their own and other dogs’ or cats’ faeces. These worms include Roundworm, Hookworm, Whipworm and Tapeworm.

Your pet should be wormed at the following ages to ensure their protection:

• 2 weeks
• 4 weeks
• 6 weeks
• 12 weeks
• 4 months
• 5 months
• 6 months

After the age of 6 months, your pet should be wormed every 3 months for life.

Heartworm

Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes from one dog to another. Cats are also susceptible to heartworm. Heartworm can be treated if diagnosed early, but it is best to use a preventative treatment.

Having current heartworm prevention is required for your pet to access Vet Med’s Boarding and Grooming services.

Prevention is offered through the option of a monthly tablet, a monthly spot-on or a yearly injection once your pet is over the age of 6 months.

Animals older than 6 months will need a blood test before starting prevention.