Intestinal worms are not harmless. Some can also cause disease in
humans, especially children.
What are the types of Intestinal Worms
and what do they cause?
Roundworms are the most common intestinal worms. They can
cause diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, can stunt puppy growth
and cause a pot-belly appearance. Roundworm larvae can also affect
young children and though rare, can cause permanent blindness.
Hookworms cause bloody diarrhoea, anaemia and can be fatal in
severe cases. They are dangerous to all dogs, especially puppies.
They attach to the intestine wall and cause bleeding wounds on the
intestinal lining. Larvae can be swallowed or penetrate wet skin.
They can also cause disease in humans.
Whipworm can cause bloody diarrhoea and anaemia. They are
smaller than roundworms and are not always detected by owners in
faeces.
Tapeworms by themselves cause irritation and itchiness around
the anus and are part of the lifecycle of fleas. Species of
tapeworms, such as Hydatids, can cause severe disease in humans
(sometimes fatal).
Is regular Intestinal Worm control
important?
Regular worm control in dogs is essential, but especially so in
pups. The majority of puppies will have significant amounts of worms
and require worming with an all-wormer fortnightly for 3 treatments,
then every 3 months.
Not all all-wormers are the same and some do not control tapeworms.
The highest quality all-wormers are available from vet clinics. Some
heartworm prevention also contain intestinal wormers; it is
important to know what your animal is protected against!
Good hygiene practices such as washing hands and regular removal of
faeces from the environment reduces human exposure, and when
combined with regular worming of pets, provides effective household
worm control.
