Our dogs are much loved members of the family and so their health and well-being are always at the forefront of our mind.
Worms are a common health issue in our pets. As Registered Animal Medicine Advisors (RAMAs), we know the importance of giving routine treatment to help prevent worms; which can cause serious health risks in cats, dogs, and humans.
There are many factors in a dog or cat getting worms, and as we know, worms are internal parasites that live in the intestinal tract of the pet, so worming is an essential part of a dog’s well-being. However, it’s also important not to over-use these medications – which is why risk assessment is so important.
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Are there several types of worms?
Yes! However, there are two main groups of parasites that are common in dogs; these are tapeworms and roundworms, both of which live in the intestinal tract.
Tapeworms can be easily identified as they are flat, “tape-like” worms. Tapeworms have a scolex (head), which attaches itself to the wall of the gut by hooks. They also have segments which contain eggs, and it is when these segments break off and are passed out in the faeces, that problems can escalate.
These segments – which look like grains of rice – can be visible in the faeces, around the cat’s anus and can be seen on the bedding.
Roundworms are also a common internal parasite, known as Toxocara canis – these look like spaghetti and can grow up to 10cm in length. These are also a risk to humans in the household, especially smaller children, and can cause human health issues including damage to internal organs and even blindness. Most dogs, most of the time do not carry these worms, but most dogs pick them up at least sometimes.
How are worms transmitted?
Dogs can pick up worms in a variety of ways, most commonly from other infected animals, by eating the eggs of the worm and infected prey. The lifecycle can have a major impact on how worms are transmitted to pets.
Tapeworms
In the environment, the tapeworm needs a host to complete its life cycle. Each segment of the tapeworm contains eggs, and these segments release the eggs. However, these eggs must pass through the host to be able to complete the lifecycle.
So, to break it down:
- The host normally involved is the flea.
- The flea eats the larvae of the tapeworm.
- Then the flea which contains the (tapeworm) larvae, can then be ingested by the animal during grooming.
- The lifecycle continues.
Roundworms
As adult roundworms live in the intestine, their eggs are passed in the faeces. Initially these eggs are not infectious to other cats but turn infectious after a few days when the eggs develop into larvae. These can remain in the environment for many years.
Roundworms can also be passed through the milk of the mother to her kittens or puppies; this is a common route of infection.
What are the symptoms of worms?
Worms can show numerous symptoms in cats and dogs (including young animals).
Should an owner become concerned, then they should speak to their veterinary surgeon. Remember, as RAMA’s we can advise on the best worming protocols and about preventative health, but management of a sick pet is the vet’s remit.
Symptoms can show by:
- If the cat is eating but is thin (apart from a pot-bellied stomach).
- Constant hunger.
- Weight loss.
- Vomiting and diarrhoea.
- Irritation around the anus.
- You may notice the cat is dragging their bottom along the ground, this could be because worms are irritating the anus area.
- You may see the worms in the faeces.
Can worms be transmitted to humans?
Roundworms can occasionally be passed on and infect humans, but this is most relevant to dog roundworm (Toxocara canis). Infected larvae can be ingested, commonly by children, and migrate through the body tissues.
Tapeworm infection to humans is not common but could potentially occur if a flea is ingested which hosts the larvae or a tapeworm (or accidently ingested during play with the pet).
Hygiene is an important part of owning a dog, this includes emphasising to clients (especially young children) to wash hands after playing or grooming their cat or dog. For dog owners, remind them to always clear any faeces, to prevent risk of any disease spreading.
It is important to remember that children are not the only at-risk group. Individuals who are immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system) for any reason are also at higher risk from contracting canine parasites. This may include people with specific medical conditions, those taking certain medications, and the very old and very young, as well as those who are pregnant.
Worm risk checker for dogs
Communication and providing clear instruction are important when talking to clients about the risk of worms for their pet. When we discuss worm risk checker dogs, there are usually three main groups I like to consider for each animal.
Group one dogs
This group of dogs do not go to the park or playgrounds or live with small children or people who are immunocompromised and so are low risks of worms. The general advice is that these dogs should be dewormed about four times a year. There are situations where this may be unnecessarily high – for example, indoor dogs who never come into contact with potentially contaminated soil or environments – but for most dogs, this is a reasonable and practical approach.
It may be that, in the future, these dogs can be wormed less frequently, but at the moment, the standard faecal worm egg count tests for roundworms in dogs are too unreliable to be able to recommend their routine use. The new faecal worm antigen test that has recently been announced may change this, so watch this space!
Group two dogs
This group of dogs go to local areas but are not great scavengers. The minimum the dog should be wormed is four times a year, but essentially if the client does see a problem, then more frequent worming is advisable.
And group three dogs
Dogs that are active scavengers and will eat anything (including other dog faeces) or live with someone who is immunocompromised. This would also include dogs who regularly eat uncooked wild prey. (And arguably dogs who eat a raw diet that isn’t commercially prepared). The dog should be wormed on a much more regular basis to protect the health of all those in the household.
What is the most usual form of treatment?
In my experience, I recommend that all puppies are wormed against tapeworms and roundworms every month until they are six months old.
Once they reach six months, I strongly recommend worming dogs every three months (four times a year) and more often if the dog scavenges or is showing symptoms.
As RAMAs we can provide clients with more details on the worms and the best worm treatment for them to use. Remember, if you are overly concerned about their pet, regarding worms or feels they are unwell, then they should seek advice from their veterinary surgeon.
Further reading:
- European Council on Companion Animal Parasites Worm Control in Dogs and Cats Guidelines
- Parasite Control Position Statement – British Small Animal Veterinary Association
- Antiparasitic resistance – BSAVA Guide to the Use of Veterinary Medicines
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