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Why should you worm your pet?

Worms can be dangerous to Humans as well as the pet.  Children are at a greater risk as  Only 7.6% of children wash their hands every time after handling their pet and 80% of children kiss their pet, and 21% of children let their pets lick their fingers after sharing food¹

People are infected with Toxocara worms by swallowing eggs found on their dog’s coats or in the environment, having been passed out in the faeces. This could occur more easily than you think when you consider that 25% of dogs will carry worm eggs on their coats^2.

In most cases, the worms cause no problem to people. However, there is the possibility that roundworm larvae will migrate through the body, particularly through the eye and the brain. The damage they cause is often permanent.

Worms can be anywhere, outside or inside, as tiny eggs that are just waiting to be picked up and eaten by your pet. 

20.4% of soil samples from parks and public play areas in an area of Southern England were found to be contaminated with worm eggs³.  

Worms are hard for your pet to avoid and pets can acquire worm infections very easily.  Cats & dogs can appear healthy even when they have worm infections. Detecting infection can be tricky as worm eggs are too small to be easily visible in your pet’s faeces. It is therefore extremely important to speak to your vet about the most appropriate treatment plan for your pet.

More information can be found at http://www.wormpatrol.co.uk

(1) Effect of pet ownership on immune functioning in children and nature of the relationship between children and pets. June McNicholas, Department of Psychology University of Warwick, 2002.
(2) Wolfe A, Wright IP. Human toxocariasis and direct contact with dogs. The Veterinary Record 2003; 152: 419- 427
(3) Kirchheimer R, Jacobs DE. Toxocara species egg contamination of soil from children’s play areas in southern England. The Veterinary Record 163:394-395 (2008)

Why worm your pet?,Worming — Last updated on December 20, 2010