Mary Allen
At the latest, when feces are abundant in white, every pet owner will understand: it’s time for a worm treatment! But, unfortunately, little “neighbors” of our pets usually do not appear at all, and many dogs or cats run around with undetected worms.
Why is Helminthic Infestation so Dangerous for Cats and Dogs?
Infection of the intestines with parasites can lead to various health problems or disorders in dogs and cats. On the one hand, worms remove nutrients and vital substances (such as blood) from the animal. On the other hand, parasites partially release toxins that damage the host animal. They can also interfere with the immune system and thus compromise the protective effect of vaccinations. In case of mass infection, helminths can also block the intestines or bile ducts and, under certain circumstances, even cause fatal intestinal ruptures (ruptures).
Risk of Human Infection!
Especially young children who do not wash their hands after petting animals will quickly pick up the eggs of the worms that are present throughout the fur of infected animals. Due to the underdeveloped immune system, children cannot “protect themselves” from helminthic invasion and sometimes become seriously ill. Elderly people or people with weakened immune systems (due to illness or medication) can also easily get sick. When the larvae of the worms migrate through the body or encapsulate them, for example, in the liver, irreversible damage can occur.
Deworming at Least Once a Quarter
Therefore, deworming of dogs and cats should be carried out at regular intervals, but at least once a quarter. Deworming should be performed regardless of whether a fecal sample is positive or negative during treatment because animal feces must be examined every four weeks to make a reliable conclusion about a helminthic invasion. In households with vulnerable people (children, the elderly, the sick, or immunocompromised people), deworming should be performed monthly to prevent helminthic infestation in cats and dogs.
Worm Infestation Also in Domestic Cats
Cats that walk freely outside and come into contact with other relatives and rodents are, of course, at significantly greater risk of infection than cats that are kept indoors. However, parasite eggs can also be brought in here through outdoor shoes. Worm eggs can survive outside the host for weeks to months, sometimes even years, and remain infectious.
Isn’t It Enough If I Deworm My Animal Every Year?
Unfortunately no! A study by the University of Veterinary Medicine in Hannover showed that the proportion of cats infected with roundworms only decreases after an interval of deworming 3-4 times a year. Deworming 1-2 times a year does not affect the proportion of ascariasis animals! This means that if you only do deworm every year, you are unlikely to reduce your risk of getting worms at all. Even with regular quarterly deworming, the risk of infection cannot be completely ruled out (according to a 2006 veterinary study). To be on the safe side, cats outside should be dewormed once a month, especially if the animals are in contact with small children.
How to Carry Out Deworming Correctly?
You should definitely know the exact weight of your animal or have it weighed by your veterinarian in order to properly dose helminthiasis. There are different drugs for deworming: some need to be given within three days, others only once. Either way, you must adhere to your veterinarian’s dosage instructions exactly! Many cats or dog owners get desperate when given pills, and therefore refuse – this is a big risk! Therefore, it is better to switch to other drugs if your pet does not want to swallow the pill. There are also medicines for worms in the form of a paste or for drops on the neck.
Attention: deworming of puppies and kittens should be done more often than adult animals! Each veterinary clinic will be happy to advise you on this matter.
With the help of a remedy for worms, you will not only make life easier for your animal but also protect yourself from infection!