Dewormer for dogs and cats: why is it important to deworm them?

What are the most common worms in dogs or cats?

Round worms

The most common are roundworms.

Puppies and kittens are generally infected with these parasites from birth. Roundworms live in the digestive tract where they lay eggs that are rejected in stool: these eggs can survive 2 years outdoors before being accidentally ingested by a dog or a cat (or a child)!

Flat worms

Tapeworms are flat worms that can reach up to 60cm long! The most common flatworm in dogs and cats is Dipylidium caninum. This parasite is transmitted by fleas.

Do worms put the health of my dog or cat in danger?

Roundworms can cause serious disorders in puppies and kittens: diarrhea, vomiting, intestinal obstruction, growth stunting… Symptoms are less apparent in adult animals, but a large parasitism always causes a decline in the general condition.

Did you know?

Fleas transmit internal parasites to dogs and cats. Deworming and flea treatment must therefore be tackled head-on.

The optimal frequency of treatment depends on the age and the parasite pressure that is exerted on your dog / cat. A quarterly treatment is usually recommended in adult pets, but your vet will give you the adapted deworming protocol for your pet.

* Farmer A, Beltran T, Choi YS. Prevalence of Toxocara species infection in the U.S.: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011-2014. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 31; 11: e0005818.

Protect your family and pets from intestinal worms