What is deworming?
Deworming means removing internal parasites (worms) from a cat's or dog's digestive tract. These include roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms and others. Deworming medicines are designed to kill exactly these parasites.
Why do cats and dogs need worming treatment?
Internal parasites cause digestive problems, weight loss and anaemia, slow down growth and, in severe cases, can damage organs or even kill the animal. Some worms can also pass to people, so regular deworming protects the whole family.
When and how often should you deworm?
How often depends on your pet's age, lifestyle and risk of infection. Kittens and puppies are dewormed from a young age. Adult cats and dogs are usually dewormed every three to six months, but your vet will set the schedule that suits your pet best.
Kittens
Kittens are often born with internal parasites or pick them up from their mother. They are first dewormed from six weeks of age, usually 1–2 weeks before their first vaccination. Until 6 months of age, kittens should be dewormed every month, and adult cats every 3–4 months after that. The medicine is given by mouth or applied to the skin as drops. Regular deworming throughout life prevents parasites from spreading and helps the kitten grow and develop healthily.
Puppies
Puppies pick up worms from their mother or from the environment. Deworming starts at one month of age and is repeated every month until the puppy is six months old. Puppies must be dewormed before vaccination.
How can you tell if your pet has worms?
Some pets show no signs at all, so it is worth watching for:
- Changes in appetite and weight. Your pet eats more or less than usual, or loses weight while eating the same amount or more.
- Digestive problems. Ongoing diarrhoea or vomiting, or a change in the consistency or colour of the stools.
- Coat condition. Worms take away nutrients, so the coat becomes dull and dry.
- Lethargy and weakness.
- The belly. Roundworms can cause a bloated or swollen belly, especially in young puppies and kittens.
- Itching around the anus. The animal drags its bottom along the ground or scratches.
These symptoms can also point to other conditions, so talk to your vet. They will choose the right deworming schedule and medicine for your pet.
