Worms in cats and dogs: types, associated symptoms and treatment
CONTENT :
- What are the different types of intestinal worm that affect dogs and cats?
- How do cats and dogs get worms?
- How do worms spread in a cat or dog’s digestive tract?
- What are the symptoms of a dog with worms?
- Worm infestation: what are the risks for your pet?
Particularly common in dogs and cats, intestinal worms are formidable internal parasites. What are the most common animal worms? How can you tell if a cat or dog has worms? With the right worming programme, your pet can get rid of them effectively and without any consequences on its health. Francodex helps your pet maintain a healthy digestive system for better overall health.
What are the different types of intestinal worm that affect dogs and cats?
Intestinal worms fall into two main categories: roundworms (nematodes) and flatworms (cestodes). Each type of animal worm has specific characteristics, different modes of transmission and distinct impacts on our pets’ health.
Roundworms (nematodes)
- Roundworms (Toxocara canis, Toxocara cati, Toxascaris leonina)
Roundworms are long, whitish worms up to 20 cm long – they are particularly common in puppies and kittens.
They live in the small intestine, where they feed on the animal’s nutrients.
Contamination can occur inside the womb or via the mother’s milk, or by swallowing eggs present in the environment.
If your puppy or kitten is infected, your vet will prescribe a suitable treatment.
However, once they have recovered, your pet’s bowel movements may still be disturbed.
Vers o Net ampoules improve digestive comfort and help maintain a balanced intestinal flora. Talk to your animal health professional.
- Hookworms (Ancylostoma spp.)
Small in size, around 1.5 cm, hookworms attach themselves to the wall of the intestine and feed on the animal’s blood. Amongst other things, they can cause severe anaemia.
Transmission occurs mainly by swallowing larvae.
- Whipworms (Trichuris vulpis)
Whipworms are whip-shaped animal worms that live in the large intestine.
Their presence can lead to chronic, sometimes bloody, diarrhoea and weight loss.
The highly resistant eggs can survive for several years in the environment.
Tapeworms (cestodes)
The only type of tapeworm that infects dogs and cats, tapeworms are segmented worms that can grow to several dozen centimetres.
The most common of them is Dipylidium caninum, which is transmitted by swallowing infected fleas. Taenia and Echinococcus are generally contracted by eating contaminated prey.
These parasites can cause digestive problems and, in some cases, risk to human health.
How do cats and dogs get worms?
Intestinal worms are transmitted via:
- the mouth;
- the skin;
- the mother.
An animal can swallow eggs or larvae present in the environment (soil, dirty water, faeces), on prey or in infected fleas. On the other hand, some larvae, such as hookworms, penetrate the skin on contact with contaminated surfaces.
In young animals, contamination can occur in utero or through the mother’s milk, particularly in the case of roundworms.
Going outside (gardens, parks, kennels, etc.), licking or poor hygiene promote infestation. Even animals that live indoors can be exposed, for example through contact with shoes or fleas.
⚠️ Be careful with raw meat: certain types of undercooked meat (mutton, pork, wild game such as venison and wild boar) may contain tapeworm cysts.
Regular preventive worming is therefore essential, depending on the animal’s lifestyle.
How do worms spread in a cat or dog’s digestive tract?
Once inside the body, the worms parasitise the animal’s digestive system, upsetting their intestinal balance and general health. How worms develop in animals varies according to the cat or dog’s age and physiological condition.
In puppies and kittens
Puppies and kittens are infested by roundworm larvae that cross the placenta or end up in their mother’s milk.
Once ingested, they migrate to the liver, then the lungs, before being spat out and swallowed again.
They then settle in the small intestine, where they become adults and start laying eggs.
These roundworms proliferate rapidly, as the youngsters’ immune systems are still immature.
In adult dogs and cats
In adult animals, worms generally develop after swallowing eggs, larvae or an intermediate host (flea, rodent, slug, etc.).
Once inside the body, the parasites follow a digestive or migratory cycle, depending on the species.
For example, after penetrating the skin, hookworms migrate to the lungs and then to the intestine. Adult tapeworms, on the other hand, settle in the gut directly after ingestion.
In adult animals, symptoms may not be very noticeable, but the infestation remains contagious and debilitating, especially if it is chronic or poorly treated.
What are the symptoms of a dog with worms?
In dogs, the signs of worm infestation vary depending on the type of parasite, the animal’s age and its general health.
The most common symptoms include:
- weight loss despite a normal appetite;
- dull coat;
- diarrhoea (sometimes with blood or mucus);
- vomiting;
- a swollen belly, particularly in puppies.
Segments of worms (similar to grains of rice) can sometimes be seen around the anus or in the faeces. In puppies and kittens, in the event of vomiting or diarrhoea, worm “spaghetti” can even be frequently observed.
A typical sign of irritation is when a dog rubs its hindquarters on the ground (“scooting”).
Worm infestation: what are the risks for your pet?
Untreated parasitic infestation can have serious consequences for an animal’s health:
- chronic digestive disorders, such as diarrhoea, vomiting and obstructions;
- malnutrition and deficiencies, as the worms absorb essential nutrients;
- retarded growth in young animals;
- anaemia, particularly with hookworms, as they feed on blood;
- altered immune system;
- danger of respiratory complications during larval migration;
- transmission of zoonotic diseases to humans(Toxocara, Echinococcus);
- contamination of their surroundings and other household pets.
Observing and regularly worming your pet are therefore essential.
🪱How pet wormers work: wormers don’t prevent your pet from being infested, as it acts at the time of administration and does not last over time. On the other hand, it exterminates the parasites present in your dog or cat’s body before their proliferation has too great an impact on your pet’s health.
How can I get rid of intestinal worms in cats and dogs?
The most effective way of eliminating intestinal worms is regular worming, with a treatment suited to the species, weight and age of the animal.
Puppies and kittens should be wormed every fortnight until they are 2 months old, then every month until they are 6 months old.
For adult pets, including pregnant and nursing females, deworming every three months is recommended, or even more frequently for highly exposed animals. Ask your vet for a precise schedule.
Worming products come in various forms:
- tablets;
- pipettes;
- oral paste.
Trust your vet to find the right dosage for your pet.
What about treating its surroundings? To limit the risk of re-infestation, clean your pet’s environment regularly: bedding, floors, litter, bowls, etc. Good hygiene and an external antiparasitic treatment, to protect it from the fleas that transmit tapeworm, are an effective complement to worming.
Protecting your pet from external parasites
FAQ: Cat and dog worms
Can my dog catch worms from my cat?
Yes, it’s possible, especially if the two animals share the same environment.
Some worms, such as Toxocara, are transmitted via faeces or soiled areas. A dog can swallow eggs by licking a surface contaminated by an infested cat.
Although some parasites are specific to one species, many can infest several different hosts. That’s why a synchronised worming programme for all household pets is recommended.
Can I get worms from my cat?
Yes, some worms are zoonotic, i.e. transmissible to humans.
For example, Toxocara cati can cause serious problems if it migrates into human organs.
Contamination occurs through the accidental ingestion of microscopic eggs present on hands, surfaces or food, with children being most at risk.
Hygiene (hand washing, litter box cleaning, etc.) and regular worming of cats and dogs considerably reduce this risk.
How do I know if I’ve caught worms from my cat?
In humans, an infestation often goes unnoticed, but there are certain warning signs:
- unexplained tiredness;
- digestive disorders;
- anal itching;
- skin rashes.
If worms are suspected, your doctor may prescribe a parasitological stool test. You should seek medical advice without delay, especially if you are immunocompromised, pregnant or have a child at home.
Treatment is straightforward, but requires a prescription tailored to the type of parasite.
Why does my dog eat grass?
Eating grass is a common and often benign behaviour in dogs.
In fact, your pet may be seeking to purge itself naturally in the event of intestinal discomfort or nausea, particularly if it has parasites. This does not replace veterinary treatment.
Sometimes this behaviour is linked to boredom or a need for fibre.
If eating grass becomes a frequent occurrence for your pet or it’s accompanied by vomiting, consult your vet to identify the cause.
