Responsible Pet Ownership 27

PARASITES - WORMS

Dealing with wigglies

Our pets' insides also play host to parasites: worms. Here's how to protect your pet

The most common worms that affect our pets are

the round and tapeworms. It’s therefore essential

to choose one of the many products on the market

which are effective in combating both. Worms

generally infest the digestive tract of your pet, and

can cause enteritis with a resultant diarrhoea which

can even contain blood and mucous. Some worms

suck blood, which causes blood loss in the animal,

leading to weakness and even death. Heavy worm

burdens can block the intestines and lead to the

death of the animal.

Dogs and cats

Every adult dog and cat should be given a dewormer

every three to four months and puppies and

kittens every three months. This should be done in

co-operation with your local community veterinary

clinic or veterinarian.

Birds

Birds are less prone to worm infestations than

other pets, but your vet may give the bird

deworming drops when you go to have her

wings clipped, around every three to four

months. If you have other pets, the dewormer

becomes more important. Ask your avian vet

for advice.

Rodents

Rodents should be dewormed, but their smaller

bodies make accurate dosages difficult to achieve

at home. Rather take your pet to the vet, at least the

first time you deworm, and follow his advice in future.

If you have other pets at home, your vet is more likely

to want your rodents dewormed.

Reptiles

Yes, reptiles certainly do also get worms of various

shapes and forms, but because of their sensitive

physiologies, it is by far best to speak to your

herpetological vet about what dewormer to use, how

often and at what dosage. Each reptile breed and

species has different requirements and even a few

drops too many could kill your pet.

It helps with proper diagnosis and treatment if you collect a specimen of fresh faeces to take along to the vet.