Worms are among the most common internal parasites in pets. Some are mostly a nuisance, while others, like heartworm, can be fatal. Regular prevention and testing keep both your pet and your family safe.
Heartworm Disease
Heartworm is spread by mosquito bites. Larvae mature into adult worms that live in the heart and the blood vessels of the lungs, causing coughing, exercise intolerance and eventually heart failure. Dogs and cats can both be infected, and cats may show few signs before sudden collapse. Treatment in dogs is expensive and demanding, while there is no approved treatment for infected cats, which makes prevention essential.
Monthly preventives, and in some regions injectable long-acting options, are highly effective when given on schedule. Annual heartworm testing in dogs is recommended even if your pet is on prevention.
Common Intestinal Worms
- Roundworms: Very common in puppies and kittens, often passed from the mother. They can cause a pot-bellied appearance, vomiting and poor growth.
- Hookworms: Feed on blood and may cause anemia, especially in young animals.
- Whipworms: Live in the large intestine and can cause weight loss and bloody diarrhea.
- Tapeworms: Often acquired by swallowing infected fleas. Small rice-like segments may be visible near the tail.
Human Health Considerations
Some intestinal parasites, including roundworms and hookworms, can infect people, particularly children. Pick up pet waste promptly, wash hands after handling pets or soil, and keep sandboxes covered.
Prevention Routine
- Bring a fresh stool sample to your vet at least once a year, and more often for puppies and kittens.
- Deworm young animals on the schedule your veterinarian recommends.
- Use a year-round broad-spectrum preventive that covers heartworm and common intestinal worms.
- Control fleas to reduce the risk of tapeworms.
Always follow your veterinarian’s dosing instructions and never use over-the-counter dewormers without professional advice.