Deworming is a crucial step in safeguarding the long-term health of your pets. Intestinal parasites, commonly known as “worms,” pose a significant threat to both cats and dogs, and sometimes even to their human companions.
Why Deworming is Essential
Parasitic worms such as roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms can severely affect the health of your pets. These parasites cause discomfort and can lead to more severe health issues like gastrointestinal problems, weight loss, anemia, and in extreme cases, even death. While puppies and kittens are especially vulnerable, pets of all ages can suffer from worm infestations.
How Pets Get Infested: The Need for Dog Dewormer and Cat Dewormer
Worms are typically transmitted from one host to another through various means. These can include the mother’s milk, ingestion of contaminated fecal matter, or soil. Often, we may not have complete health records for the mother cat or dog, especially if the pet was a stray. In such cases, administering a general dog dewormer or cat dewormer during each round of vaccines is highly recommended.
Tapeworms are unique in that they can be transferred when a pet ingests a flea. This often happens when a pet bites an itch while dealing with a flea infestation.
When to Use Cat Dewormer and Dog Dewormer
Puppies and kittens are usually given general dewormers due to their higher susceptibility to intestinal parasites. However, even healthy adult pets can get worms, making regular treatment or fecal testing essential.
For dog owners, your monthly heartworm prevention medication might also serve as a dog dewormer against most common intestinal parasites. It’s crucial to know which dewormers are present in their current medication to ensure comprehensive protection.
For cats, we recommend using a cat dewormer annually, or bi-annually if your feline friend spends a lot of time outdoors.
Deworming Methods: Choosing the Right Cat Dewormer and Dog Dewormer
The method of deworming depends on the type of worm affecting your pet. If you notice worms in your pet’s stool, consult your veterinarian immediately. Administering the right cat dewormer or dog dewormer is essential to effectively combat the parasites and prevent them from developing resistance to medications.
Oral medications can treat most worms, but tapeworms usually require an injection. This tapeworm-specific dewormer is administered much like a vaccine and may need to be given multiple times, spaced 2-3 weeks apart, to ensure complete deworming.
Deworming for a Healthier Pet Life
Deworming is an integral part of responsible pet ownership. At TCAP, we are committed to offering affordable and effective cat dewormer and dog dewormer services. Ensure your pets lead happy, healthy lives free from the discomfort and risks associated with parasites by planning your next visit to TCAP.