Does your dog or cat have worms? Chances are you will not be able to tell unless the infestation is severe. “Most pets carry worms from time to time,” said Greg Ghilbert from the Braidwood Vet Surgery, “and occasionally this will cause gastrointestinal upsets or an itchy backside (seen as ‘scooting’ along the grass or worse, the carpet!). Worms can be a serious problem in puppies and kittens, causing weakness, anaemia and gut blockages.”

Some of the worms that infect dogs and cats can be transferred to humans through poor hygiene. Of particular concern in the Braidwood area is the disease known as hydatids. Dogs pick up the hydatid worm by eating sheep, kangaroo or feral pig offal. This worm does not harm dogs, but humans can become infected by ingesting dog faeces via dirty hands.

Worming should be performed with an all-wormer at two, four, eight and twelve weeks of age then monthly until six months of age, then every three months.

For dogs that may come in contact with dead sheep, roos or feral pigs, a tapeworm treatment (Droncit) should be given every six weeks to prevent hydatids.

Remember, Drontal and other gut wormers do not prevent heartworm. Heartworm prevention will be discussed in a later edition.