Wormlike parasites (called helmiths), usually live in the gastrointestinal tract. Some worms can also infect the bloodstream or tissues. They can cause symptoms either by their very presence (they cause a blockage in the gut, the bile duct in the liver, or the lymphatic vessels), or they deprive the body of nutrients.
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In the latter case, it is only when there is heavy infestation, or if a child is malnourished to start with, that there would be obvious symptoms. Some worms also cause bleeding in the gut and a child can become anaemic.
Common examples of helminths include roundworm, tapeworm and bilharzia.
Not all deworming agents are equally effective. Combination deworming drugs (available from veterinarians) achieve the best possible results for the many different worms that a single dog or cat may have. Also, certain worming remedies will kill both adult and migrating larvae.
Deworming your pet
Puppies are dewormed every time they are vaccinated, because they carry the heaviest worm burden, having been infected while still in the uterus. Most puppies will therefore undergo three or more deworming treatments before they are four months old.
Adults pets should be dewormed at least twice a year, but this frequency depends on the particular circumstances of the dog and its lifestyle. Large numbers of dogs housed in close association, for example in kennels, will need deworming maybe four times a year. Repeat deworming after two or three weeks will improve the efficacy of the deworming process.
There potential serious health risks that may occur if a human is infected by certain worms. Regular deworming of pets markedly reduces this risk to owners. Deworming the family should first be discussed with a pharmacist or family doctor, as there are health and safety factors to be taken into account.
Written by a Veterinary Specialist Physician from Cape Animal Medical Centre.
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