Intestinal Parasites

Dogs and cats require worming, either via tablets or chews, or in the form of drops placed onto the back of the animal’s neck.

At VETaround mobile vet, we recommend you worm puppies and kittens every two weeks from birth to around three months of age, then monthly until six months of age. High risk pets may subsequently require worming every three months.

Hookworm infection of dogs and cats is generally orally (via the mouth) or penetration of the larvae through the skin. The adults also live in the intestine but attach to the intestinal wall, feeding on blood.

The most important clinical sign of significant infection is weakness and anaemia, often requiring blood transfusions when severe.

Hookworm can also cause a zoonotic illness in people called ‘cutaneous larval migrans’, during which the larvae penetrate and circulate under the skin, causing inflammation and other skin reactions.

Common tapeworm infection in dogs occurs in the area around the anus, causing irritation, itching, and less commonly, mild diarrhoea. It is usually a small worm looking much like a grain of rice and is readily prevented with worming medication. As it is generally spread by fleas, good flea control is also important.

There is a more serious tapeworm called ‘hydatid’, which is common in rural areas but less prevalent in Sydney. As dogs are the natural host, they generally don’t show any signs of infection.