+ How do I know if my dog has worms?
The most common symptom of intestinal parasites is diarrhoea. However, for other worms such as lungworm and heart worm, other illnesses may occur, some of which you will not be aware of until the illness has become severe.
When investigating potential endoparasite infections in not obvious cases, we may ask for faecal samples for various tests, as well as running full blood screens. These tests help us identify if adult worms are present in your dog, and how far the effects of the worm burden may have gotten. On rare occasions, some severe infections may lead to an anaemia that requires management alongside other treatment.
If you have any concerns your dog may have worms or other endoparasites then come to us and we can advise how to help.
+ How can a dog become infected with worms?
A dog may become infected in may ways. Generally worms invade following their larvae being eaten, but some worms can burrow through the skin to inhabit our pets, or being transmitted through biting insects and fleas.
Common sources of parasites include eating undercooked or raw meat, fleas, mother-to-pup, or the faeces of other infected dogs.
+ What can I do to prevent worms?
Discussing with us your dog’s lifestyle be it indoor, outdoor, parks or hills etc. we are able to guide you to the most effective preventative parasite program. Not every dog needs to be treated monthly, but as an example, if you were to be travelling with your dog, protection against acquiring heart worm would be central to our prevention program.
+ What conditions does it help with?
- Diarrhoea
- Hookworm
- Roundworm
- Whipworm
- Tapeworm
- Heartworm
- Lungworm
- Giardia
+ How long does the treatment take?
Simple treatment may be carried out in a consultation. More detailed discussion could take two, whilst investigations and treatment may need more time.
+ How many visits are required?
Simple cases can be managed with 2 visits. The first to assess and treat, the second to follow up and make sure everything has responded as we believe they should.
+ How much does it cost?
Routine worming treatment costs can vary depending on size of dog. Subscribers to our Wellness Subscriptions get 50% off the list price!
