Comprehensive Guide to Parasite Management in Cats and Dogs

In the UK, pet owners need to be vigilant about the threat of worm infections in their beloved cats and dogs. Understanding the types of worms, identifying their symptoms, and knowing the appropriate preventive measures and treatments are all critical steps in responsible pet ownership.

Toxocara cati and Toxocara Canis

Roundworms from dogs and cats are responsible for an infection in people called toxocariasis. This happens when roundworm eggs in dogs and cats poo are swallowed this can infect organs such as the liver, lungs, eyes or brain and the symptoms may be severe: fatigue, loss of appetite, breathing problems, and blurred or cloudy vision with a risk of permanent vision loss are possible. However, often there are no symptoms and the parasite dies within a few months but some people may experience mild symptoms such as a cough, headache or stomach pain. Young children are most at risk especially those aged between 2 and 4 as they are more likely to come into contact with contaminated soil and put their hands in their mouths. A survey found that 15-25% of sandpits tested were found to be infected. Public Health England state that 2-10% of people in the western world have positive antibodies for toxocara.

Infection is from eggs passed through dogs and cats poo and into the ground then it takes only small particles to reach peoples mouths for them to get infected. Roundworm eggs are sticky which may make it easier for them to attach themselves to hands, food and even toys. Poop scooping is essential and should be done as soon as possible as fresh poo is not infectious. It takes a few weeks for the eggs to become dangerous. Worming cats and dogs at least every three months is essential.

Prevention through worming and awareness is key

• Worm with a suitable dog wormer or cat wormer regularly.
• Explain to children the health problems that may be caused by puppies, kittens, and dogs and cats.
• The eggs that cause Toxocara can live in soil or sand so poop scoop and bin it.
• Be quick fresh dog and cat poo poses less danger as it takes a few weeks for them to become infectious.
• Keep sandpits covered and pets away.
• Clean and vacuum around your dogs bed and where they hang out.
• Puppies are born with worms- using Panacur liquid for dogs appropriately on a pregnant dog can reduce or eliminate this.

Good hygiene is good prevention

• Educate children to wash their hands after playing with dogs and cats.
• Try to stop children eating dirt and soil.
• Wash food that has been in contact with soil.
• Keep an eye out for dog and cat poo in play areas and remove kids if unacceptable.

Identifying and Understanding Worm Infections

Two primary types of worm infections can afflict cats and dogs: roundworms and tapeworms. Early detection is often challenging as symptoms may not be immediately apparent, especially in adult dogs or cats. Nevertheless, severe cases may present through vomiting or diarrhoea, weight loss, and poor health conditions.

Roundworms can pose significant health problems, particularly in young animals. Heavy roundworm infections may lead to a ‘pot-bellied’ appearance, pneumonia, coughing, and inadequate weight gain in puppies and kittens. Tapeworms, in contrast, typically do not cause noticeable diseases in dogs or cats but require an intermediate host (like fleas, lice, mice, rabbits, sheep, or cattle) before infesting cats or dogs.

Risks to Human Health and Safety Measures

It is crucial to note that certain parasites infesting pets can also affect humans. Roundworms like Toxocara cani and Toxocara cati can infect people, especially children, leading to toxocariasis. It is important to ensure that children's play areas are free of animal faeces and that hand hygiene is enforced to prevent accidental ingestion of eggs.

Additionally, dog tapeworms like Echinococcus granulosus can also cause severe diseases in humans. Particularly in rural and farming areas, more frequent worming for dogs may be necessary to prevent the spread of this parasite.

Toxoplasmosis, a disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, presents another significant risk, particularly to pregnant women and sheep. Prevention methods include thorough handwashing, daily changing of cat litter trays, and avoiding consumption of raw or undercooked meat.

Proactive Control and Treatment of Worms

Young animals are most vulnerable to roundworm infections, with infections occurring even before birth or through their mother's milk. Proactive worming schedules should be followed using a suitable  puppy wormer or kitten wormer, with puppies and kittens wormed every two weeks from around four weeks until 12 weeks of age. For adult dogs and cats, use a routine dog wormer or cat wormer at least every three months is a recommended preventive measure, but the majority of pets may need to be wormed monthly.

Most Dogs and Cats Should be Wormed Monthly in the UK*

A recent survey reviewing current protocols for deworming and risk found that current worming frequency and dosing was insufficient in reducing zoonotic risk and to benefit their pet's health. Current average deworming doses in the UK are about 3 times a year for both dogs and cats, however this survey advised that 97% of dogs and 68% of cats fall below the recommended dosing of 12 times a year for these pets. This survey in conjunction with ESCCAP guidelines suggest that a targeted worming programme be followed for your individual pet, but for most pets this will mean monthly worming if they explore outside off a lead, or if they live with children or the elderly.*

Additionally, tapeworm treatment should coincide with a comprehensive flea control program. Multiple over-the-counter treatments like Drontal or our own brand Easimax dog wormer are available and effective against various types of tapeworms and roundworms and can be used monthly.

Combatting Fleas and Ticks

Parasites like fleas and ticks also pose a significant threat to pets. Fleas, prevalent parasites in pet cats and dogs, can also serve as an intermediate host for certain types of tapeworms.

In the UK, the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) and the dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis) are the most common. These parasites can breed year-round, thanks to indoor heating systems and carpets. Flea treatment involves a two-stage process – removal from the pet and, importantly, removal from the environment.

Ticks, small blood-sucking mites, can attach to pets and humans alike. They are known carriers of Lyme Disease, a condition that can cause swollen and painful joints in humans.

Effective Flea and Tick Treatments

Treatments like Frontline Flea Drops and Advantage Flea Drops are easily applied to the back of a pet's neck following the manufacturers’ instructions. This forms part of a comprehensive approach to flea control, which also includes thorough cleaning of pet bedding and soft furnishings to remove any existing eggs or larvae.

For a full range of preventative and treatment options, consider exploring our selection of flea treatment for dogs or flea treatment for cats.

care should always be given to not use a dog flea treatment on a cat, as some of these products may contain ingredients which are toxic to cats such as permethrin based molecules.

Fleas live within the dogs environment and a suitable household environmental flea spray should be used, with regular vacuuming and washing of pets bedding, fleas only spend time on your pet to feed.

In conclusion, understanding the types of parasites, recognizing the signs of infestation, and following preventive measures are key to keeping your pet healthy. Regular check-ups with your vet will also ensure that any potential issues are caught early, maintaining the well-being of your pet and preventing the spread of parasites within your household.

Flea Treatment Not Working?

Read more in our blog article: Why do I still see fleas after my animal has been treated for them?

* source: Survey of UK pet owners qualifying internal parasite infection risk and deworming recommendation implications. Pennelgion et al. Parasites Vectors 13. 218 (2020)