All animals, domestic or wild are affected by worms, which inevitably affect their general health and well-being.
Where do worms come from?
- From other infected animals.
- From eating worm larvae or eggs (e.g. in infected stools or in grass).
- From the bitch or queen via the placenta to puppies and kittens.
- From raw meat, infected prey animals or infected insects such as fleas.
Often pets show no signs of being infected with worms, occasionally worms can be seen in stools or vomit. Some types of worm can spread between pets and people and cause disease in people. Therefore it is very important to have an effective worm control program in place.
It is best to assume that your puppy or kitten will have been infected with worms from his or her mother. We recommend that puppies and kittens are wormed three times with a two week interval as early as possible in life. Thereafter, monthly worming whilst your pet is growing (up to eight months) will help maintain optimal health. Adult dogs and cats should normally be treated every three months (individual at risk animals will benefit from being wormed monthly). There is a vast array of worming products available. The three-monthly protocol is built into the Oban Vets Pet Health Plan.
Lungworm
Lungworm has slowly spread across the UK from the South of England and cases have now been seen in Scotland. Unfortunately, the only sign of infection may be death of your pet. The condition has been recognised in Argyllshire but not within the practice. Oban Vets carry the products necessary to prevent treatment. Please contact us at the surgery for more advice.
For more information about Pet Parasites visit: http://www.itsajungle.co.uk/