“Regular worming is a key part of preventative care, starting early and continuing throughout your pet’s life.”
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Those of you who follow Vetaround on Facebook will know that I have a Bernese Mountain Dog.
Of course, it goes without saying that my entire family fell in love with our adorable and ‘not-so-little’ Cora right away.
Despite Cora’s size, she was just like any other puppy; full of boundless energy, naughtiness, curiosity… and, it appears, worms!
Yes, you read that right. Even the vet’s pet can get worms.
So how did Cora come to have worms? And why did I post a photo of her worm-filled stool on Facebook?
Nearly all puppies are born with worms
Did you realise that before you bring your new puppy home, there is a pretty high chance that they already have worms?
Puppies become infected with roundworms before they are born when their mother passes the worms to them while they are still inside her.
And then once they are born, they can also catch worms by eating larvated eggs from the environment, drinking worm larvae in their mother’s milk or even by eating mice.
This is why your puppy needs to be wormed at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age and then monthly at 3, 4, 5, and 6 months of age. After six months, all dogs need to be wormed every three months for the rest of their lives.
Cora’s worm-filled stool was, in fact, a reassuring sign that the worming process was working. The worming treatment had paralysed and killed the worms, and these worms were then eliminated via her stools.
How can your dog catch worms?
There are many ways your dog can catch worms, which is why lifelong worming treatment is vital to prevent heartworm, as well as all other intestinal parasites: roundworm, hookworm, tapeworm and whipworms.
The routes to infection vary according to the type of worm but include:
- Being bitten by mosquitoes
- Drinking contaminated water
- Ingesting or coming into contact with contaminated soil
- Contact with infected animals
- Puppies catching them from their mother (both before birth and while nursing)
- Coming into contact with or ingesting other infected animal faeces
- Swallowing fleas
- Eating rodents
Why is it so important to prevent your puppy or dog from catching worms?
They also can be passed from your beloved pet to your family, causing serious and even life-threatening conditions. These illnesses are called zoonotic illnesses and children are particularly susceptible to them.
The good news is there are many great worming treatments available and all types of worm infestations can be easily prevented using these treatments.
Heartworm is treated differently to other types of intestinal parasites because it is not spread by dog to dog contact, but by mosquitoes.
Heartworm is hard to treat and will often kill a dog but it is easy to prevent with an annual injection, which our house call vet can give at the time of your annual check-up.
All of the other intestinal parasites (roundworm, hookworm, tapeworm and whipworms) can be prevented by worming your dogs and cats regularly using worming 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 2 weeks from birth to around 3 months of age.
Then monthly until 6 months of age and then 3 monthly for life in higher risk animals.
“Some worms can be passed to humans, which makes ongoing prevention important for both pets and families.”
How can you tell if your pet has worms?
Aside from seeing them in your puppy or your dog’s stools or vomit, there are other symptoms to keep a lookout for.
Most worms are identified by the presence of their eggs in a dog’s faeces, however these eggs are very small and hard to see. A blood test is needed to confirm the presence of heartworm.
Warning signs can include diarrhoea, vomiting, stunted growth, dry and persistent cough, lethargy, weight loss, dry coat, listlessness or weakness, a distended ‘pot belly’ appearance or your dog scooting their rear across the ground.
If your puppy or dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms or you suspect your pet might have worms, it’s important to receive treatment as soon as possible.
Contact us to find out more.
Key Takeaways
- Most puppies are exposed to worms early in life
Infection can occur before birth, through their mother’s milk, or from the environment. - Regular worming is essential for long-term prevention
A structured schedule from early life through adulthood helps reduce the risk of infestation. - Worms can affect both pets and humans
Some parasites can be passed to people, making prevention important for the whole household. - Early detection and treatment are important
Changes in behaviour, digestion or appearance may indicate worms and should be assessed promptly.
In-Home Services
In-home care forms the foundation of how we treat and manage your pet’s health. Most conditions can be assessed, treated, and monitored in a familiar environment where pets are calmer and easier to handle. Available to residents of Sydney’s inner city, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and the Lower North Shore.
Testimonials
Debby Ross
First visit from Ari and Ellie and it went beyond all expectations. They were so genuinely interested in my two cats. Of course I couldn’t stop talking about them but they clearly were not bored. Did excellent health checks and vaccinations – was an absolute pleasure and I would totally recommend them to anybody. So fabulous having no stress of lugging…
Daniel Birchall
Elle’s exceptionally professional, warm, and helpful phone manner, together with Dr Ari’s prompt arrival, gentle approach with Hudson, and clear, thorough medical explanations and recommendations, immediately put my mind at ease. The high level of care and professionalism demonstrated confirmed that contacting VETaround was the right decision.
Amanda Yeates
Ari is the best vet ever. His home visits are incredible. Such a great service to not have to put your beloved pets in the stressful situation of a car. Or around sick pets in a waiting area. My cats LOVE HIM. Ollie my male cat NEVER comes out of hiding when visitors come over. With Ari, he not only came out, let him weigh him, have his check up done…
Charmaine Caffrey
I was very pleased with the ladies from VETaround Mobile vet. Professional, polite and very knowledgeable. Certainly eased my mind about my cat 🐈 would recommend them to anyone needing good veterinary care for their pet. We all know just how important our four legged friends are!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do puppies usually get worms before coming home?
Puppies can be infected with worms before birth through their mother. They may also pick up worms through milk, contaminated environments or contact with infected animals. This is why early and regular worming is recommended.
How often should I worm my puppy or dog?
Puppies are typically wormed frequently in their early months, followed by monthly treatments until they are 6 months old. After that, ongoing worming is recommended every three months. The exact schedule may vary depending on your pet’s risk level.
What are the most common ways dogs catch worms?
Dogs can become infected through contaminated soil, water, or contact with infected animals or faeces. Other routes include mosquito bites, swallowing fleas or eating rodents. These varied pathways underscore the importance of regular
What are the signs that my dog may have worms?
Signs may include vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, lethargy or a bloated appearance. You may also notice worms in the stool or changes in coat condition. Some infections, such as heartworm, require testing as they are not visible.
Why is worm prevention important for my family as well?
Some worms can be transmitted from pets to humans, particularly in households with children. These infections can cause serious health problems if left untreated. Preventative treatment reduces this risk.
Can a mobile vet provide worm prevention and treatment at home?
Yes, worming treatments and preventative care can be managed during a home visit. This may include routine treatments and injections such as heartworm prevention. It allows care to be delivered in a familiar environment for your pet.