Wellness Tips

STRATEGIC DEWORMING

Internal parasites are often grouped together and called “worms.” Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms often infect pets.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists (AAVP) now recommend the routine deworming of pets on a regular basis. This is called “Strategic Deworming,” and is designed to prevent parasite disease and the shedding of parasite eggs in your yard and home. This is important because the eggs in the environment as well as the pet can infect members of your family.

Virtually all puppies and kittens are born with internal parasites (worms) or are infected shortly after birth through the mother’s milk. Our practice routinely deworms all new puppies and kittens at least 2 times during our initial preventive care visits. Adults should be dewormed minimum once a year.

Roundworms are very common and it is estimated that a female roundworm can produce more than 200,000 eggs daily, which can remain alive in the soil for many years. Roundworms cause “larval migrans” and possibly can result in blindness in humans. It is estimated that 10,000 children in the U.S. are infected annually with roundworms and that approximately 750 will suffer visual impairment or even blindness. Infection occurs when the roundworm eggs from the environment are ingested, usually from accidentally putting dirty hands in the mouth. Fruits & vegetables growing close to the ground, such as strawberries & carrots, may be contaminated.

PREVENTION OF HUMAN INFECTION: