Deworming should be a part of your pet’s regular healthcare regimen to help reduce parasite infections. Some pets are more at risk of infections based on their age and environment. For example, puppies and kittens should be dewormed more often than adult pets because of parasites passed on at birth. We can prescribe deworming medication to eliminate parasites.
Can parasites infect my pet in the winter?
Some parasites can survive the harsh winter by making a home out of your pet or other animals who transmit them. Intestinal parasites like heartworm can multiply inside your pet’s body, causing an infection of hundreds of worms. Your pet isn’t the only one at risk of infection. Some internal parasites are zoonotic, which means your cat or dog can unknowingly pass on diseases to you. Children, pregnant and immunocompromised people are at the highest risk of infection. To learn more about parasites, please contact us at 416-775-0101.
Can my pet have worms if I don’t see them in their poop?
Your pet’s poop isn’t always the best indication of a parasitic infection. While you can see some parasites in your pet’s poop, others are undetectable to the naked eye. A fecal examination in our lab is the best way to confirm a parasite infection. We typically recommend deworming as a preventative measure, whether or not you suspect your pet has parasites. Puppies and kittens should be dewormed every 2 weeks until they’re 3-months-old. Adult pets should be dewormed at least once a year or more often, depending on their risk of exposure.
Which intestinal parasites is my pet at risk of contracting?
Some parasites dewormers can protect against include:
- Roundworms
- Whipworms
- Hookworms
- Tapeworms
- Ringworms
- Heartworms
