Treatments for endoparasites, a term for parasites found inside an animal’s body, are recommended for many of our domestic pets, especially cats and dogs. But, what do these treatments actually cover our pets for and why is it important?

Let’s take a look at the different worms that can be covered with worming medications, and why it is beneficial to treat our pets for endoparasites.

What are endoparasites?

Endoparasites are parasites that live within our pets’ bodies. They can cause a variety of different health problems if not treated with prescription medications, such as malnutrition, digestive issues, respiratory difficulty and even have an effect on heart function.

We recommend treating your pet for worms routinely. If you are unsure whether your pet is treated for worms, give us a call on 01623 203529 and we can check for you.

What are the different endoparasites that can cause an issue for cats and dogs?

Lungworm – Contracted from coming into contact with infected snails and slugs, lungworm affects the lungs of cats and dogs. It resides in the airways, lung tissues and can also inhibit the pulmonary arteries and right side of the heart.

Symptoms include coughing, lethargy, weight loss and difficulty breathing. Lungworm has become more common in the UK, particularly in the South of England but is spreading to other regions, making it important to treat lungworm routinely.

Roundworm – Roundworms live in the intestines of our cats and dogs and primarily affect puppies and kittens. Common symptoms of a roundworm burden include vomiting, diarrhoea, slow growth and a round, pot belly.

Roundworm can be contracted by ingesting infected faeces or soil and even if they ingest fleas that are carrying roundworm. The bitch or queen can also pass roundworm to her puppies/kittens through either the placenta or through lactation.

Hookworm – Hookworm is most commonly contracted through contaminated faeces or soil. These worms latch onto the intestines and feed on blood.

Hookworms can lead to symptoms such as anaemia (low red blood cells), weight loss and diarrhoea containing blood.

Heartworm – As the name suggests, heartworms live primarily in the heart and lungs and can cause symptoms such as coughing, lethargy and in extreme cases, death.

Heartworm mostly affects dogs, but can sometimes affect cats, however, the disease is not native to the UK. Owners should be wary when travelling with pets that they are covered.

Tapeworm – Often, tapeworm is contracted secondary to a pet having fleas. The fleas transfer the worms to our pets through their bite and the tapeworm resides in the intestines.

Symptoms of a tapeworm burden include weight loss, irritation with the anus and noticeable segments of tapeworm within the faeces.

Pawsome Vets Pet Health Club

At Pawsome Vets, we know that pet care can be costly, and we aim to make preventative health care accessible to everyone.

That’s why we’ve introduced our Pet Health Club, offering affordable preventative treatments for your furry companions.

If you’re worried about worms, the Pet Health Club gives you complete peace of mind and takes away the pressure of sorting worming treatments.

The Pet Health Club also covers vaccinations, and nurse consultations, all for a low monthly fee. It ensures your pets stay protected while giving you peace of mind.

To explore our tailored plans, click here.

How do worming treatments work?

There are two main types of treatments for worms in cats and dogs and these are usually a spot on treatment that is absorbed through the skin or a tablet that is ingested.

Depending on the treatment you use on your pet depends on how often it is required to be given.

The frequency of administration can vary, but often worms can be treated monthly, every 3 months or every 6 months, depending on the product.

Final thoughts on wormers

Regular worming treatments are crucial for protecting our pets from endoparasites such as lungworm, roundworm and tapeworm. By treating our pets with worming products, we are able to protect them against harmful diseases that could occur as a result of worms.

With Pawsome Vets’ Pet Health Club, staying on top of your pet’s worming and overall preventative care is made easier and more affordable.

For more information, give us a call on 01623 203529 or take a look at our health plans online.