Worming record

Worms are easily controlled, we recommend Drontal, clinical trials show up to 98% effectiveness – some other wormers are not as successful.

The following worming schedule is recommended:

2-12 weeks: Fortnightly

3-6 months: Monthly

6 months onwards: Every 3 months

If you need assistance worming your kitten, please don’t hesitate to bring them in for our nursing staff to administer free of charge.

Worming your puppy

The lifecycle of the intestinal worm

Worms are unpleasant creatures that live mainly inside your puppy’s digestive system. Unfortunately people can pick up roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms from pets; children especially are most at risk. Fortunately prevention programs for your kitten, yourself and your children are very effective, inexpensive and easy to put in place.

FACT: There is no Heartworm in Tasmania

FACT: Ringworm is a fungal skin infection - not an actual worm!

Roundworm

Roundworms are around 3 – 5 inches long & spaghetti like in appearance. Pets can get infected through contaminated soil and rodents. Roundworms feed upon the intestinal contents, competing with the host for food.

Tapeworm

The name itself comes from the shape of the parasite which looks like a long (50cm-70cm) flat tape-like body. The tapeworm is one of the easiest of the worms to detect. Pets generally pick up tapeworms by ingesting infected fleas through grooming. The tapeworm also attaches to the intestinal wall to feed.

Hookworm

The hookworm attaches to the lining of the intestinal wall with it’s sharp (hook like) teeth and feeds on blood. Pets can become infected by eating infected rodents and birds as well as infected soil.

Whipworm

Whipworms are significantly smaller than the other worms and are rarely seen. They have a small head and whip like tail. An adult whipworm will bite the tissue of the intestine and imbed its head in there and feed. Pets generally become infected by contaminated soil. 

FAQ’s about worming

Q: Can I get worms from my puppy?

A: Yes. People normally pick up worms from poor hygiene around their puppy. Children are particularly prone and can pick up from playing around worms, or near your puppy’s toilet areas (sand pits, lawns, garden beds).

  • Good treatment and prevention program for your puppy
  • Good hygiene around your puppy
  • Always wash your hands after handling your puppy
  • Never eat whilst handling your puppy
  • Prevent your puppy from licking you and your child’s face

Q: At what age can my puppy contract worms?

A: The most common way for a kitten to contract worms is directly from their mother, either before birth (via the placenta) or after birth (via the milk). Faeces are a very common source of worm transmission, as well as fleas and scavenging.

Q: Will worming treatment from the supermarket do the job?

A: Unfortunately supermarket worming treatments only have approximately 76% effectiveness in treating intestinal worms. We recommend Drontal which has shown up to 98% effectiveness in clinical trials. 

Prevention of worms in your kitten...

The cornerstone of any good worm control is regular worming.

PLUS:

  • Daily cleaning of litter box
  • Good flea control program
  • Preventing your kitten from scavenging.
  • Feed only cooked meats not raw meat

Symptoms of worm infestation

  • Weight loss
  • Diarrhea
  • Anemia
  • Pale skin
  • Pot belly