Has he been rubbing his butt on the floor? Does he have a bloated belly or has his appetite changed? Watch out! Worms in dogs and cats are not cool and it is not always possible to identify at first the presence of these very annoying parasites. And yes, they can do a lot of harm to your friend's health and well-being.
Worms are generally more common in strays, but dogs and cats that live at home are not immune. Environmental hygiene, access to the streets, the number of walks, and whether he lives in a house or apartment are some of the determining factors.
That's why keeping an eye out to avoid this nuisance is so important. Knowing how to prevent and care to keep your pet away from them is the best measure. Here are some of the essential care you should have with your friend. Shall we go to them?
What are worms?
Worms are diseases caused by parasites that lodge in the body of dogs and cats. These can be identified both in the intestine and in the stomach, heart, lungs, and kidneys. Several types of worms can cause symptoms of contamination.
How are pets infected?
They can be infected in several ways. The oral route, which is when the dog or cat ingests eggs or larvae of worms contained in the environment, water, or soil; cutaneous route, when the worms adhere to the skin even without the presence of injuries; intermediate host, when the animal ingests a flea infected by a worm or even by eating raw meat or from the mother to the young through gestation or breastfeeding.
And what are the signs?
Some common symptoms reveal whether a dog or cat has worms or not, just stay tuned. Check out some of them:
ﾷ Diarrhea with or without the presence of blood;
ﾷ Opaque coat, with lifeless threads and dry to the touch;
ﾷ Cough;
ﾷ Loss of appetite and weight;
ﾷ vomiting;
ﾷ Apathy;
ﾷ Swollen belly;
ﾷ Weakness;
ﾷ Worms in feces.
Remember that, to confirm the infection, only with the diagnosis through the laboratory exam carried out by a Veterinary Doctor. The animal's feces will be analyzed to detect which type of worm is parasitizing the pet, thus indicating the best treatment.
How to prevent it?
In addition to worming, hygiene is essential in controlling worm infestations. Environments frequented by many animals and the lack of hygiene in the environment are some of the reasons that facilitate the entry of these parasites into the body.
Keep the environment clean
Regular hygiene of the environment in which the animal lives must be done with bleach to avoid the presence of these parasites, as well as giving adequate disposal of animal feces also helps to prevent new animals from becoming infected.
Keep an eye out during tours
During walks, it is normal for your dog or cat to want to interact with other animals. But, remember that many pets circulate in environments such as guides, squares, parks, and beaches. Parasites love these places and that's why it's so important to keep your pet dewormed.
Pet contact with feces of other animals
Yes, pet contact with the feces of other animals is also one of the forms of contagion. Ingestion of worm eggs can occur when the dog sniffs the poop of another on the street.
And it's always good to remember to collect the necessities that your friend leaves on the street during the walk. Thus, the chances of contamination decrease for everyone.
Deworming is the best form of prevention.
The best way to prevent and take care of these unwanted parasites is to worm them. Many people still think that worming should only be done while the dog or cat is a puppy or once a year.
The deworming of puppies is essential because, when they are small, the chances of contracting worms are greater. As adults, the amounts must be adjusted according to the weight and age of the animal so that they are effective and do not cause other health problems.
The best way to ensure the proper dewormer for your four-legged friend to be free of worms is to consult the Veterinarian. When worming is done correctly, with the right doses and time, the animals are cared for and well-protected.
With all this care, you guarantee all health and well-being for not only your friend but for the whole family.
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