• Accidently ingesting worm eggs or larvae from the environment or from grooming themselves or other pets and ingesting the larvae from the coat.

• Some worms can be passed onto puppies and kittens through the placenta before they are born or through the milk when nursing.

• Ingesting fleas can infect your pet with parasites such as tapeworm.

• From consuming raw meat products, especially if feeding on a carcass.

Yes, people can be infected with worms too. Young children and the elderly who are in close contact with pets and their environment are most at risk. It is important to ensure good hand hygiene after contact with animals, pick up faeces on a regular basis and treat your pets regularly for intestinal worms. Common Symptoms may include:

• Weight loss

• Diarrhea (may contain blood)

• Vomiting

• Distended abdomen (potbellied appearance)

• Dull Coat

• Visible signs of tapeworm segments around the anus/fur or visible signs of worms in stools.

It is important to know that your pet may not show any of the symptoms listed above and before these symptoms occur the worm numbers will be quite high and therefore it’s very important to have a regular worming regime in place.

Puppies and kittens should be treated fortnightly from 2 weeks of age until 12 weeks, monthly until 6 months of age and then at least 3 monthly for life but in order to ensure the prevention of transmission to humans, continued monthly worming is recommended for life.