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Worms that affect pets and humans can harm both species in many ways. There could be parasitic worms wriggling around in your pet’s intestines that can not only infest your cat or dog but also affect humans. So, what are these creepy, crawly worms that can impact your furry and not-so-furry family? Read on…
Tapeworms are flat, segmented intestinal parasites. They have hook-like mouthparts that attach to the host’s small intestine and feed on the digested food. Fully grown tapeworms can reach up to 60 cm or longer. They affect both humans and pets.
The individual segments of adult tapeworms pass through the infected individual’s faeces and release eggs into the environment after the excreted segment has dried and broken open.
Understanding How Cats and Dogs Get Infected with Tapeworms:
If your cat or dog shows the following signs, they may be infected:
Roundworms are tiny parasites that affect pets and humans. They are light in colour and look like spaghetti. These worms live in the host’s intestines, feeding on partially digested intestinal contents.
One Roundworm can produce up to 85,000 eggs per day.
Cats and dogs can get infected with roundworms through the following:
Roundworms are not particularly harmful to adult cats and dogs but can be highly detrimental to kittens and puppies.
If your kitten or puppy shows the following signs, they may be infected with roundworms:
Hookworms are small, thin, parasitic worms with hook-like mouthparts. They attach themselves to the wall of the host’s small intestine and feed on the small blood vessels in the intestinal lining.
Fully grown hookworms only reach up to 3 mm in length but can cause severe anaemia in their hosts.
Cats and dogs can get infected with hookworms through the following:
Hookworms are not particularly harmful to adult cats and dogs but can be extremely detrimental to kittens and puppies.
If your kitten or puppy shows the following signs, they may be infected with hookworms:
Whipworms are also worms that affect pets and humans. They are tiny, thread-like parasites that have an enlarged end. The worms live in the host’s caecum (the start of the large intestine), feeding on the host’s blood.
Fully grown whipworms only reach up to 500 mm in length. These parasites are more common in dogs than in cats.
Cats and dogs can get infected with whipworms through the following:
If your cat or dog shows the following signs, they may be infected with whipworms:
Thankfully, there are effective treatments available to eliminate parasitic worms in cats and dogs. These can be in the form of tablet “chews” available in our Store. Specific medication is preferred for humans. If your pet’s condition worsens, rest assured that professional help is just a veterinarian’s appointment away.
It’s important to remember that parasitic worm infections are largely preventable. By taking a few simple steps, you can significantly reduce the risk to your pets and yourself.
Let’s explore some of these preventive measures:
Regularly clean up/dispose of your pet’s faeces.
Suppose your dog regularly goes out for walks and interacts with other dogs. In that case, they should be medicated with deworming medication every three months.
Use flea prevention methods, as some parasitic worms can be transmitted via fleas.
Try our Dog or Cat Medication products.
