Deworming

Deworming is the process of administering a medication to eradicate intestinal parasites, worms and larvae that can be transmitted by the mother during pregnancy or nursing. Your pet could also encounter other sources of contamination outside, whether by eating small animals or insects that are infected, such as fleas, mice or birds, or by eating dirt that contains contaminated excrement.

What symptoms might indicate that my pet has worms?

There are many types of worms (flat, round, hook, etc.), so symptoms can vary. Symptoms are also not always noticeable. The infestation has to reach a certain level before symptoms such as abdominal pain, swollen stomach, diarrhea, bloody stool, etc., are observed.

I just adopted a new pet. Should I have them dewormed?

It is very important to deworm any newly adopted cat or dog because their deworming history is unknown. It is even more important with young animals, because worms could stunt their growth.

My pet caught fleas and the vet also talked to me about deworming as a treatment. Why?

Fleas not only cause itching, but they can also transmit flatworms, so any pet that has had fleas should also be dewormed.

Can humans catch intestinal worms from a pet?

Yes, unfortunately. Some types of worms can be transmitted from animal to human (zoonosis). To reduce transmission risk, always wash your hands well after touching an animal or coming into contact with animal feces.