Vet's Orders: Deworming - How often and why it's important

Dr. Mieke Botes, BVSc

Intestinal worms are a common but often overlooked health risk for our pets. Because dogs and cats explore the world using their noses and mouths, they are naturally susceptible to picking up internal parasites. Deworming is a critical component of preventative healthcare, as regular treatments kill existing worms to prevent serious complications like internal blockages, weakness from blood loss (anemia), or severe gut irritation (vomiting and diarrhoea).

Here are a few take-away points when it comes to deworming your pets:

• Scooting, poor coat condition, or visible “rice-like” bits near the tail or in their poop are signs your pet needs dewormer.

• Fleas are carriers for tapeworms. If your pet has (or had) fleas, they are at a much higher risk for worms. Effective flea control is a vital part of preventing tapeworm infestations.

• Puppies and kittens are often born with parasites and should be dewormed at every vaccination milestone (6, 8, 12 and 16 weeks).

• Adult pets should generally receive a routine deworming treatment every 3 to 4 months.

• Worms can be passed from pets to people, so always wash your hands after playtime, avoid face licks, and keep garden areas clean.

Remember that deworming is not a one-time fix. Treatments kill the worms currently in the system but do not prevent future reinfection. To keep both your pets, and your family safe, we recommend a consistent schedule.