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. At least they know because "the vet said so". However, a lot of people get complacent easily especially in this time of financial crisis. When their dogs and cats look perfectly healthy, nobody would want to spend their hard-earned money on 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.

One of the Worms that can be found in your pet and in humans is roundworms. Born carriers of roundworm are usually puppies but not necessarily kittens. Roundworms are transmitted through their microscopic eggs found in the faeces of an infected animal. The worms can survive for 3 years even if the faeces have long gone. If a human got roundworm eggs on their hand and eat with their hands without washing them, they may swallow the eggs and get infected.

The three kinds of tapeworms are Echinococcus, Taenia and Dipylidium. The Taenia is the most commonly known throughout the UK. They don't pose any health risk to man, cats or dogs. However, this kind of tapeworm infections usually causes cysts in sheep and cattle which make them unfit for sale.

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.

Heartworms are not found in the UK but it is widely found in all States in America. Light infection of heartworm in cats and dogs are usually symptomless. However, if your pet is infected heavily, it can cause 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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