Health and Medical Author: Elisheva Wiriaatmadja

It is common knowledge that your cats and dogs should be tested for worm infection and given worm medication regularly. But in this economic crisis, it is easy for people to get complacent and decide to spend their money on something more important than worms.

What people sometimes do not understand is that worms carried by their pets pose a health risk not only to them but also to other animals and their owners. This article summarizes the different kinds of worms that your pet is at risk from and the harm they may cause. By the time you finish reading it, you will understand why money spent on a vet for worm prevention is money well spent.

Worms that are not only found in pets but also humans is the roundworms. Puppies are known as born carriers of roundworms. The faeces of an infected animal have roundworm eggs in it. A source of human infection of roundworms is the meat they eat of farm animals that are infected.

The different kinds of tapeworms are known: Echinococcus, Taenia and Dipylidium. The most commonly found in species of tapeworms is the Dipylidium which can infect dogs, cats and occasionally humans. Although it does not pose a serious health risk, infection can be very unpleasant.

Cats, dogs and very occasionally man can get infected by hookworms. The eggs is shed into the environment and allowed to burrow into the skin through the feet.

All states in the USA have cases of heartworm infection but the UK does not. Cats and dogs with light heartworm infection will not show any symptoms at all. However, severe heartworm infection can cause all kinds of organ damage and also anaemia and even death.

Understanding the kinds of worm infection and the harm it can cause you, your family and your pet, will help you make a better decision in keeping your pet healthy and free from worms.

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