Internal and external parasites are a constant companion of pets' lives - and some of them also threaten people, especially children. Regular, well-chosen prevention protects both the animal and the whole household.
How often to worm your pet
The frequency depends on lifestyle. For adult dogs and cats, worming is most often recommended every 3 months - more often for animals that hunt, eat raw meat or live with small children. Puppies and kittens follow their own, denser schedule that starts even before the first vaccinations. An alternative to "blind" worming is regular faecal testing.
Remember: parasites often cause no visible symptoms. Not seeing worms in the faeces does not mean the animal is free of them.
Signs that may suggest parasites
- diarrhoea or vomiting, a dull coat, weight loss despite a good appetite,
- "scooting" (dragging the bottom along the ground),
- visible parasite segments in faeces or around the tail,
- a pot-bellied look in young animals.
Fleas and ticks - the outside threat
Fleas cause itching and allergy and transmit tapeworm; ticks carry dangerous diseases such as babesiosis. Protection must be regular - a single treatment is not enough - and always matched to the species and weight: never use dog products on cats, as some are toxic to them.
Hygiene at home
Prevention is not just products: clean up faeces promptly (also in the garden), wash bowls and bedding, and teach children to wash their hands after playing with the pet. These habits significantly reduce the risk of reinfestation. We will put together a safe parasite-prevention plan for your pet as part of our preventive care at MultiVet in Lutynia near Wrocław.