Deworming for Dogs & Cats

Yes, there is a small possibility that worms can be transmitted from dogs to humans. This is known as zoonosis and can cause the following symptoms in humans:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Other gastrointestinal issues

In rare but severe cases, worm infections can lead to serious complications, such as organ damage, especially with infections caused by the dog tapeworm or the fox tapeworm.

Transmission typically occurs through direct contact with infected dog feces or contaminated soil or sand. Another way of transmission is through fecal-oral contact, where worm eggs can be ingested via the hands.

Those particularly at risk include:

• Small children
• Older people with a weakened immune system
• Individuals with a compromised immune system, such as those with AIDS or cancer patients

To protect yourself, it's important to maintain regular hygiene practices: thoroughly wash hands, especially after handling dog feces or interacting with animals.

Yes, in general, you can still touch your dog if it has worms. However, you should take some precautions:

• Wash your hands thoroughly after handling your dog.
• Avoid direct contact with your dog's feces.
• Make sure your dog is regularly dewormed – always follow your veterinarian's recommendations.

If you suspect your dog has worms, it's important to consult a veterinarian. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment.

For deworming your pet, you should only use products recommended by your veterinarian. Never use deworming medications intended for humans, as they can be harmful to animals.

There are some over-the-counter products available, but not all of them are reliable or suitable for every pet. To ensure your pet receives the correct treatment, it's best to consult your veterinarian. They can provide advice and recommend the appropriate product based on your pet's individual health condition and needs.

Yes, some deworming treatments for cats are available over the counter and can be found at pharmacies, online, or in pet stores. They come in various forms, such as tablets, pastes, or spot-ons. However, there are some important points to consider:

• Not all deworming treatments are suitable for every cat – the right choice depends on factors like age, weight, and lifestyle.
• Some effective dewormers are only available by prescription from a veterinarian.
• Veterinary advice is highly recommended to choose the optimal dosage and the right product.
• Since dewormers do not work preventively, they should be administered based on a diagnosis or according to the veterinarian's recommendation.

There is no fixed rule as to whether the worming treatment should be given in the morning or evening. It is important that you follow the vet's instructions and the package leaflet of the respective preparation, as many dogs tolerate the worming treatment better if it is given with a meal, as this is easier on the stomach. If you are unsure about when and how best to give the worming treatment, it is best to ask your vet for advice.

The costs can vary depending on the extent of the treatment. During the initial consultation, we will outline the costs based on the preliminary examination and discuss them with you transparently.

If you skip deworming your dog, the following health problems may arise:

• Nutrient deficiency: Worms deprive your dog of important nutrients, which can lead to deficiencies.
• Gastrointestinal issues: A worm infestation can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
• Weight loss: Even if your dog is eating normally, it can lose weight due to the worm infestation.
• Coat problems: The coat may become dull and lack shine.
• Serious health risks: A heavy worm infestation can lead to severe health problems.
• Risk of contagion: Even if your dog shows no visible symptoms, it may shed worm eggs, which can pose a risk to other animals or even humans.

It is important to note that dogs often do not show obvious symptoms, even if they are heavily infested with worms. Therefore, regular deworming and check-ups are crucial to protect your dog's health.

If you don't deworm your cat, the following problems may arise:

• Worms can deprive your cat of essential nutrients, leading to deficiencies.
• The worm infestation can damage the cat's intestines, causing inflammation or even bleeding.
• Symptoms like itching around the anus, vomiting, diarrhea, bloated belly, weight loss, and dull coat may occur.
• In severe cases, worms can block the intestines, leading to serious complications.
• Some types of worms can be transmitted to humans, with children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems being particularly at risk.

It's important to note that cats often show no symptoms, even if they have a heavy worm infestation. However, they still shed worm eggs, posing a risk of transmission to other animals or humans. Regular check-ups and deworming are essential to protect both your cat's health and the surrounding environment.

In rare cases, side effects such as gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, diarrhea, temporary itching, hair loss, or vomiting may occur after administering the deworming treatment. While the deworming process can sometimes be taxing on the body, it is generally well-tolerated. If you're concerned or if symptoms persist, it's best to consult your veterinarian.

Not every deworming treatment is suitable for every dog. The choice of the right medication depends on factors such as age, weight, health condition, and lifestyle of your dog. To ensure that the deworming is effective and well-tolerated, it is important to consult your veterinarian. They can recommend the appropriate product and explain how often deworming is beneficial for your dog.

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To ensure deworming is safe and effective, keep the following points in mind:

• Use only veterinarian-recommended products: Not all treatments are suitable for every dog.
• Perform regular deworming.
• Do not use worm medications intended for humans: These are unsuitable for dogs and can be harmful.
• Pay attention to how the medication works: Dewormers only kill adult worms, not their eggs. Therefore, regular treatments are important.
• Take additional precautions: Regular stool checks, good hygiene (e.g., immediately removing feces, washing hands), and flea prevention help reduce the risk of reinfestation.

Deworming is done with special medications that kill worms in your pet's intestines. To ensure the treatment is safe and effective, please keep the following in mind:

• Only use deworming treatments recommended by your veterinarian – not every product is suitable for every pet.
• Deworming medications for humans are unsuitable and can be harmful to animals.
• The medications only target adult worms – worm eggs are not killed, so repeating the treatment is necessary.
• There is no long-term protection – regular deworming or stool tests help keep your pet healthy.
• Immediately remove feces from the garden or litter box to prevent reinfestation.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with pet feces.
• Ensure consistent flea prevention, as fleas can transmit worms.
• Avoid feeding raw meat, as it can be a source of infection.

Important: The correct dosage and application of deworming treatments depend on your pet's age, weight, and health condition. Your veterinarian can provide the best recommendation for your pet.

You can tell if your cat needs deworming if she shows one or more of the following symptoms:

• Itching around the anus: Your cat may drag her bottom on the ground to scratch.
• Vomiting and diarrhea: Frequent gastrointestinal issues can indicate a worm infestation.
• Bloated belly and weight loss: Especially with a heavy infestation, the digestive system may be affected.
• Dull coat: Malnutrition caused by worms can make your cat's fur lack shine.
• Visible parasites: Small white spots or entire worms can be seen in the stool.

Important: Cats often show no symptoms, even if they have a heavy worm infestation. Therefore, regular check-ups and deworming are crucial, even if no visible signs are present.

Look out for these signs:

• Itching around the anus: Your dog may scoot on the floor to scratch.
• Vomiting and diarrhea: Frequent digestive issues could indicate worms.
• Swollen abdomen and weight loss: Severe infestations can impact your dog's digestive system.
• Dull, lifeless coat: Worms rob the body of nutrients, which can affect the quality of the fur.
• Visible parasites: Small white dots or full worms may appear in your dog’s stool or around the anus.

Important to note: Many dogs show no symptoms despite having worms. Regular check-ups and deworming are essential to keep your dog healthy.

A worm infestation in dogs can manifest through various symptoms, such as:

• Itchy anus: Your dog may drag its bottom across the floor to scratch itself.
• Vomiting and diarrhea: Frequent gastrointestinal problems can indicate a worm infestation.
• Bloated belly and weight loss: Even if your dog is eating normally, it may lose weight and have a bloated belly.
• Dull coat: Malnutrition from worms can cause the coat to become dull.
• Visible parasites: Small white dots or even whole worms may be visible in the feces.

However, it is important to know that many dogs do not show obvious symptoms, even if they are heavily infested with worms. Therefore, regular check-ups and deworming are important, even if there are no visible signs.

How often your cat should be dewormed depends on whether they go outdoors or prefer to stay inside:

Outdoor cats: Since they sniff, eat, or hunt all sorts of things outdoors, we recommend deworming every 3 months.
Indoor cats: They have less exposure to potential worm sources, so once a year deworming is sufficient.

If a worm infestation is detected, you should act immediately: administer the first deworming treatment on Day 0, repeat it on Day 14, and ideally, a third time on Day 28 – especially if your cat is an outdoor cat or lives in a rural area. This will provide the best protection!

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The frequency of deworming depends on your dog's lifestyle and risk of infection:

• Dogs with frequent outdoor exposure or contact with other animals: every 3 months
• Dogs that are only walked on a leash: once a year
• If a worm infestation is confirmed: immediate deworming with a repeat treatment after 14 days

Special cases:

• Puppies: starting at 2 weeks of age, then every 14 days until 2 weeks after weaning
• Young dogs (up to 1 year): monthly
• Pregnant females: about 40 and 10 days before giving birth
• Nursing females: 2 and 4 weeks after birth, as well as when weaning the puppies

Every dog is unique – your veterinarian can provide advice and offer a suitable recommendation. Alternatively, regular fecal examinations can help detect a worm infestation early.

In the case of a worm infestation, visible parasites can sometimes appear in the dog's excrement. These may be visible in the form of small white dots or even whole worms. The exact appearance can vary depending on the type of worm, and it is advisable to consult a vet for a precise description of the appearance of dog feces in worm infestations and to make sure that it is a worm infestation. This way, you can make sure you get the right treatment for your dog.

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• To administer deworming syrup to a cat, you can follow these methods:
  1. Using a syringe (without a needle): Draw the required amount of syrup into a syringe. Gently hold your cat, carefully open its mouth, and slowly squirt the syrup into the side of the mouth, near the back teeth. Make sure your pet swallows the syrup.
  2. Mixing with food: If your cat allows it, you can mix the syrup with some of its favorite food. Be sure not to use too much food, so your cat consumes the entire dose. If there are multiple animals in the household, ensure no other cat eats the food to avoid double dosing.
  3. Applying to the paw: Some cats will lick the syrup off if it's applied to their front paw. This method is useful for cats that are reluctant to take the syrup directly.
  Important Notes:
  • Deworming syrup should only be used in consultation with your veterinarian. The vet will decide if your cat needs deworming and which product is appropriate. Not every type of worm can be treated with every medication.
  • Always read the syrup's instructions carefully to ensure the correct dosage and application. The cat's weight is crucial to avoid over- or underdosing.
  • Extra caution is required for pregnant or young cats and those with health issues. Your vet will recommend the best treatment.
  Tip: Reward your cat after administering the syrup to make the experience more positive.
  If your cat refuses the syrup, consult your vet—there are alternative forms of medication such as tablets, pastes, or spot-on treatments.
  

Roundworms are common in dogs. About 22.4% of the dogs examined are infected with Toxocara canis. The likelihood of transmission depends on various factors:

• Contact intensity: The closer the contact with your dog, the higher the risk. People who cuddle with their dog or let them sleep in the bed are particularly at risk.
• Age and immune status: Children and immunocompromised individuals are more vulnerable to infection.
• Deworming status: Regular deworming of your dog significantly reduces the risk of transmission.

Although transmission is possible, you can greatly reduce the risk through good hygiene and regular veterinary check-ups.