All dogs and cats are affected by worms at some
stage in their life, and many will be re-infected
without regular worming treatments.
The two main types of worms seen in dogs and cats in the UK are
roundworms (like string) and tapeworms (flat and ribbon like). Both types of
worms live in the intestines, where they help themselves to your pets food and can damage the gut causing
loss of blood. This can result in diarrhoea, vomiting, anaemia, poor coat and weight loss. In puppies and
kittens worms can be a serious problem affecting growth and sometimes resulting in death. Treatments
include tablets, but for cats we also have a simple spot-on product our vets can prescribe that is effective
against both round and tapeworms.
Roundworms (Toxocara species): These parasites grow in the intestines and lay up to 84000 eggs per day.
These microscopic eggs take around 2-4 weeks to become infective, and can persist in the environment for
years. These eggs are passed to another dog/cat either by being eaten directly or indirectly when eaten by
other animals, such as rodents, which are then eaten by the dog/cat. Immature worms can be transferred in
the mothers milk to both puppies and kittens, leading to roundworm infections in the very young. In dogs the
immature worms can also cross the placenta and so puppies can be born already infected! For this reason
regular worming of puppies and kittens is recommended from 2 weeks of age and repeated every 2 to 4
weeks, depending on the product used, until 12 weeks of age. Unfortunately many new puppies and kittens
have been inadequately wormed and so we will often recommend monthly
worming up until 6 months of age.
If Toxocara eggs are picked up from the environment and accidentally eaten
by humans they can lead to health problems. Poor hand hygiene puts
children at particular risk, for this reason you should encourage children to
wash their hands after playing in areas which may have been used as a toilet
by dogs. Eggs can persist in the environment long after any animal waste
has decomposed or washed away. This means that an area may not be as
safe and clean as it appears to be! The vast majority of infections in humans
go unnoticed, however, on rare occasions potentially serious problems can
result. Retinal damage is well-known but there are also proven links to other
childhood conditions such as respiratory disease, allergies and even learning difficulties. The risk factor goes
up threefold if there is a dog in the household and increases further with multiple dogs and breeding bitches
in the houses. If you have children it is especially important to make sure you administer regular worming
treatments to your pets. Worming every 3 months help control worm infestations and will dramatically
reduce egg production.
Tapeworms: These are made up of segments, each filled with eggs. These segments break off
and are passed in the faeces. They are about the size of a grain of rice and can sometimes be
seen wriggling in the fur near to the anus. In the case of the most common type of tapeworm
these segments are eaten by fleas, which then move between animals. When grooming the
fleas, containing the eggs, are accidentally swallowed. Flea control obviously plays an
important role in the control of these tapeworms.
With other tapeworms the eggs are passed in faeces and can be found in soil or on vegetation.
These eggs can then eaten by animals such as mice and rabbits. Your pet then becomes
infected if they eat these animals. Tapeworms can be controlled by discouraging hunting,
along with regular worming every 3 months.
Lungworm is an emerging problem in the UK. It’s is endemic in the south of England and South Wales.
There have been sporadic cases in the north of England. At present the risk for dogs and cats in our locality
is considered low, however we continue to closely monitor the situation.
Colne 01282 863892, Barnoldswick 01282 852390,
Burnley 01282 421215, Nelson 01282 616650 Email: liz@stanleyhousevets.co.uk
Breed Corner: Focus on THE PUG
The Pug is a very ancient breed originating from China,
dating back 2000 years and prized by the Chinese
emperors. They were initially brought from Asia by
Dutch traders as trading with Europe became popular in
the late 16th century (hence why they are also known as
the Dutch Mastiff). They have been popular through the centuries with many - William of Orange,
Napoleon’s Josephine, Queen Victoria, and more recently as Frank the alien, in “Men in Black”.
Eye problems are one of the main bug-bears of the pug. They have a shallow eye socket, which can
lead to an incomplete blink and exposed eye surface predisposing to ulcers which are fairly common.
They are also prone to cherry eye (a prolapse of a gland in the 3rd eyelid), as well as prolapse of the
eye itself (don't panic, it is fairly uncommon!).
Their characteristic short nose can unfortunately lead to issues; skin, tongue and palate are squashed
into a smaller space. Noisy breathing ensues - you always know when your pug is with you! But it
also can lead to more major breathing problems, reverse sneezing, and skin infections from folds of
skin below the eyes. This can be worsened by being overweight, again a common problem for the Pug
as they have relatively low exercise requirements, and sometimes can be lazy!
Due to selective breeding for a shorter and shorter nose, these problems have been exacerbated, and
now responsible work between breeders, vets, and the Kennel Club is ongoing. The Pug is now a high
profile breed at shows such as Crufts with concerns of being “Fit to Function”, requiring addition
checks to ensure the type of Pug being shown does not have conformation that would enhance the
above problems. As a buyer, be aware of these potential problems and choose your Pug for health not
for extreme facial conformation- after all it’s the buyer that will force change in the long term!!
They are one of the breeds that are prone to demodex when young, a little skin mite that can cause a
moth-eaten appearance. Other diseases to consider are pug dog encephalitis, hemi-vertebrae and
dislocating kneecaps, but unfortunately at present none are screenable.
These toy dogs were bred mainly for companionship; they crave company and follow you everywhere.
They are happy-go-lucky, comical little characters, though they can have a stubborn streak. They are
generally good with children and make a fun and loyal family pet.
Colne 01282 863892, Barnoldswick 01282 852390,
Burnley 01282 421215, Nelson 01282 616650 Email: liz@stanleyhousevets.co.uk