WORMING PUPPIES AND KITTENS

The Importance of Worming Puppies and Kittens

Pregnant cats and dogs can pass roundworms (Toxacara) to their offspring through the placenta before the puppies or kittens are even born. Further infection can then take place through the milk, grooming, and from the mother’s coat. Pregnancy hormones stimulate roundworms which have been encysted in body tissues to migrate.

Larvae present in the puppy or kitten at birth will develop into adult worms by the time the puppy or kitten is two weeks old. Roundworms can cause abdominal pain, diarrhoea, stunted growth, and a pot-bellied appearance. Puppies and kittens may not pass worms in the faeces, even with a heavy infestation.

A severe roundworm infection can be debilitating, and sometimes fatal, for a young animal. Added to the risk for the pet, infected puppies and kittens can shed eggs into the environment which can infect children. Toxacara can cause serious health conditions in children including blindness and liver damage.

Common types of Worms

Roundworms

There are two species of roundworm affecting cats and dogs: Toxacara canis and Toxascarais leonin. They grow into long spaghetti-like worms which absorb nutrients from the puppy or kitten. Roundworms can hide in body tissues (encyst) which can make them difficult to completely eradicate.

Tapeworms

Tapeworms live in the small intestine and absorb nutrients from food as it is digested. They have a row of sharp teeth which grip onto the gut wall and can grow to over 15cm in length! Tapeworms reproduce by shedding segments which pass out in the faeces. These segments look like rice grains and are sometimes seen in a pets’ fur.

Hookworms

These are short blood sucking worms which can be fatal to puppies and kittens. They are less common in the UK than in Europe.

Whipworms

Again, a less common worm in the UK. These live in the large intestine and are less likely to cause health problems.

Lungworm

Contracted from the infected slime of slugs and snails, lungworm is a problem for dogs in the UK. It can cause persistent coughing but can also cause fatal bleeding disorders.

Signs your Puppy or Kitten has Worms.

Assume that your new puppy or kitten comes with worms! There may be no signs of worm infection if your puppy or kitten has a light infection.

Heavier infections may cause diarrhoea, poor weight gain, a poor coat, lethargy, and a pot-bellied appearance.  Advanced cases can cause constipation by blocking the gut. In some cases, puppies and kittens will vomit roundworms or pass them in the faeces.

How to Prevent Worms in Puppies and Kittens

When rehoming a puppy or kitten, you should ask to see records of the worming that the breeder or rescue organisation has carried out. It is usual for at least two courses of worming medication to be given before a puppy or kitten is 8 weeks old.

When you take your puppy or kitten for their first health check and vaccination, your vet will be able to advise on an ongoing worming schedule. Most will advise monthly roundworm treatment and tapeworm treatment every 3 months.

If lungworm is a risk for dogs in your area you will need a prescription lungworm treatment from your vet. Theses should be given once a month.

Puppies and kittens usually come with a few fleas too, which are not only irritating but can also spread tapeworm. Fleas can be infected with tapeworm eggs, which the puppy or kitten then ingests during grooming. Clever, but gross!

Keep your new puppy or kitten flea free with some of the following products:

Clean up after your Pet

Even if your pet is regularly wormed, it remains the responsible thing to do to clean up after them. Puppy owners should always take poop bags with them and dispose of dog waste in a bin. Kitten owners should encourage their pets to use indoor or outdoor litter trays to reduce the risk of contaminating garden soil, especially with the popularity of home vegetable growing!

Interestingly fresh pet faeces have a very low risk of causing infection in humans, with the eggs of some species only becoming infective after as long as a month outside the body. Even so, washing your hands (or using a hand sanitizer gel if out and about) is highly recommended.

Correct disposal of pet waste is also vital to reduce environmental contamination with chemicals that can kill beneficial invertebrates as well as pet parasites. Bag and bin!

Eco Alternatives?

The best alternative to routine worming of puppies and kittens is worm egg counting. A laboratory can test a faecal sample allowing you to target your use of worming products. As puppies and kitten have lower immunity to parasites, testing should be done monthly until they are six months old.

Herbal products are available which can reduce the risk of your new pet getting a parasite burden, but they are not able to clear a heavy infection. Adding diatomaceous earth to your puppy or kitten’s diet is unlikely to help prevent or treat intestinal parasites.

Our vet loves talking to new puppy and kitten owners about a holistic approach to their pet’s wellness! Email now to health@holisticvetsussex.co.uk to book a visit.