What should i do if my pet is infected with parasitic worms?

When there are limited walking areas, the risk of diseases like helminthiasis increases. In big cities, up to 60% of places, including playgrounds, can have helminth eggs, making pets potential carriers of diseases. Helminths harm pets by causing mechanical damage, releasing toxins, and activating infections. They use hooks, plates, and suckers to attach to organs like the intestines, liver, lungs, kidneys, spleen, and brain. Tapeworms and roundworms can block intestines, leading to ruptures.

Common helminth diseases in pets include toxocariasis, dipylidiosis, toxascariasis, and uncinariosis. Some helminths can also infect humans. They release toxins that can cause convulsions, depression, and allergies. Hookworms can absorb a lot of blood, causing anemia, while roundworms feed on intestinal cells and blood.

Helminth infections can be obvious or hidden. Many research institutes are working on new treatments. Mixed infections of different helminths are common, so vets use complex drugs that target both roundworms and flatworms. Some drugs also boost the immune system. Modern anthelmintic drugs are 95-100% effective. The timing of deworming depends on the type of helminths and their development cycle.

What should i do if my pet is infected with parasitic worms? In the warm season, treat your pet for worms every 1.5 months, and in winter, every 3 months. If you have multiple pets, deworm them all at the same time. Don’t deworm sick or weak pets. If your pet is stressed, wait 5-7 days and give vitamins before deworming. The first deworming should be done by a vet. Follow the instructions for the deworming medicine and store it properly. Also, treat your pet for fleas, as they can carry worms. Clean your pet’s living areas with disinfectants.

A healthy, parasite-free pet brings joy and health to its owner. Studies show that children who grow up with pets get sick 11% less often and are 44% less likely to get ear infections. They also need fewer antibiotics. Pets help boost children’s immunity by exposing them to dirt and germs. The more contact children have with pets, the healthier they become.

References When returning from the country, do not forget to give the animal an anthelmintic! - ZooMedVet.