What are worms?
Worms are endoparasites that live inside a host and can infect animals and people. Adult worms live in the intestines where they feed on the contents of the gut or even attach to the intestines themselves and live off the hosts blood. Worm eggs are passed in the faeces of an infected dog and can be spread and picked up by other animals.
There are lots of different kinds of worms that can infect your dog. These include:
Roundworms  These are the most common worms and virtually all young puppies are infected. Toxocara canis can be passed to puppies in the womb, through the milk and friom the environment. Infected puppies are usually under sized, generally in poor health and may appear pot bellied. Severe infection may result in death. These worms are particularly important as they can be transmitted to humans.
Tapeworms  Dipylidium caninum is the most common tapeworm and whilst a mild infection is not a serious health concern, it can be uncomfortable for your pet as live tapeworm segments are passed in the faeces. Severe infections can cause anaemia as the tapeworm attach to the intestinal walls, feed on blood and can end up over a foot long. Fleas are needed by D caninum to complete their lifecycle and can be a source of infection to dogs. It is therefore important to maintain both flea and worm treatment for your dog. Echinococcis multilocularis is a tapeworm found in the EU which can infect humans and treatment for this is required under the Pet Travel Scheme before re-entry to the UK.
Hookworms  Hookworms are uncommon in the UK where they are most often associated with foot dermatitis in kennelled dogs. More severe disease in Europe may be due to Ancylostoma caninum.
Whipworms These are also rare in the UK but more common where there are large groups of dogs kept together.
Why do I need to treat my dog for worms?
With over 10 types of worm able to infect your dog in the UK alone, worms are more common in pets than most people think! Worms can be passed from the mother to her puppies, between animals through social contact and also picked up in parks and gardens. Roundworm eggs are very resistant and can survive in the environment for long periods of time waiting for transfer to a suitable host.
Can I catch worms from my dog?
Some worms such as Toxocara canis can be transmitted to humans. Worm eggs passed in the faeces of an infected dog and can be spread and picked up by children, who are especially vulnerable as they play regularly in parks and gardens. Every day these parasites could be shedding thousands of eggs into the environment. It is very hard to tell when your children are at risk because not only are the eggs invisible to the naked eye, but they can survive in the soil for up to 4 years.
It is essential that dogs are wormed regularly to reduce the risk to human health.
How do I know if my dog is infected with worms?
Remember most dogs rarely show outward signs of worm infection.
- Severe infection may cause poor coat condition, weight loss, vomiting and diarrhoea. Intestinal obstruction can occur although serious disease or death is more common in youg puppies
- Puppies and young dogs with heavy infestations may appear with a "pot belly"
- Worms will not normally be visible in the faeces but tapeworms may typically appear as "grains of rice" and the dog may appear to have an "itchy bottom" as the tapeworm segments irritate the anus when passed
The most effective way to keep your dog free from infection is to follow a regular worming plan.
What is the risk that my dog has worms?
The liklihood is that the majority of dogs will have worms at some point in their lives. A number of factors increase the risk for dogs acquiring worm infections. These include:
Age- Puppies are at greater risk
Environment- Living in kennels or outdoors
- Regular socialisation with other animals increase risk of infection
Diet- Access to wild rodents
- Feeding shell fish, raw fish and raw meat can increase risk of infection
Location and travel- Different parasites are more common in certain areas of the UK
- Travel abroad with your dog can also present an added risk of infection
Treating for worms with Plerion can be easy and fun
Giving tablets to your dog can be difficult. Now there is a tasty, chewable tablet, Plerion which can make worming a treat for you and your dog.
An integrated worming approach Plerion is a broad spectrum wormer. An alternative treatment Panacur is available to treat young puppies (from 2 weeks of age), pregnant and lactating bitches. Our recommendations are highlighted.
Ask for advice for the most appropriate product for your dog. Routine treatment of your dog with a suitable wormer helps reduce the risks to you and your pet. Treatment is advised at least 4 times per year, with more regular treatment for higher risk animals.
How can you help to protect your dog and your family?
- Reduce the risk of infection by clearing up after your dog on a regular basis
- Treat your pet for worms at least 4 times a year
- Treat for worms after visits to the kennels, dog shows or travelling to areas of high risk
- Administer regular flea treatments
- Encourage children to wash their hands after prolonged contact with their pet
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