Dog are sadly prone to parasitic worms which can cause stomach upsets, diarrhea and weight loss. In rarer cases it can even cause brain, eye and liver disease. A rising issue in the UK is also Lungworm which causes blood clotting and breathing difficulties that may lead to heart failure. It is crucial for us as responsible pet owners to treat and control such parasites to ensure our pets are healthy.
There are 3 common types of worms that pose a threat to our pets which we will briefly outline below.
Tapeworms - The most common form of a getting a Tapeworm is by swallowing a small infected flea. Fleas carry tapeworms babies (Larvae) and typically enter your dog while grooming themselves. Tapeworms grow inside a dogs intestines and attach themselves to the walls of your dogs gut where they start to feed and grow.
Roundworms - Roundworms are commonly consumed by dogs eating other dogs poo which can carry the babies (Larvae) of Roundworms. Once they enter the dog they burrow their way into the walls of the gut where they can breed.
Lungworms - Lungworms enter your dog when they drink or eat prey which have been infected with the babies (Larve) of Lungworms and is at higher risk when you have been walking your dog in fields or in woodland areas. They settle in the lungs and windpipe of your dog which causes the breathing issues mentioned earlier in this text.
So back to the original question, how often should you treat your dog for worms? It is advised industry wide including by vets to treat your dog for worms every 3 months. There are many ways to treat for Roundworms and Tapeworms which we currently offer in 3 forms: Syrup, Tablets and Cream You can also treat/prevent worms with Rabbits Ears dog treats which have proven worming properties. To shop all worming treatments please click here.