In our region the most common worms in cats and dogs are roundworms and tapeworms.
Roundworms look a little bit like spaghetti, tapeworms are flat and segmented.
1. HOW DOES MY DOG OR CAT CATCH THESE ROUNDWORMS ?
Young puppies or kittens get infected via the maternal milk ; 3 weeks later, the adult worms are present in the neonates' intestines and they produce large amounts of eggs which are excreted with the feces and contamine other animals or man. Dogs and cats can also be infested by eating mice, birds or other small animals.
Treatment : deworm puppies and kittens regularly, at least once a month, depending on the medication used.
2. INFECTION WITH TAPEWORMS :
Tapeworms are excreted by infected animals with their stools : other dogs or cats can be infected simply ba sniffing at these stools. Sometimes infectious segments stay in the animal's fur (especially around the anal region). Mice, fleas and other animals can be carriers of tapeworms as well.
Treatment : use a deworming medicine that also works against tapeworms (many medications are effective on roundworms, but not against tapeworms. Ask your vet for details)
CAN THESE WORMS BE DANGEROUS FOR PEOPLE ?
Yes. Roundwormeggs are very resistant and can stay infectious for years ! If people (mainly children) get infected (especially on playgrounds), roundworm-larvae can reach different vital organs like the liver or the lungs where they cause inflammation. In some severe cases larvae can be localised in the child's eye or even the brain !
Most of the tapeworms are harmless for people, except for the fox tape worm (Taenia echinococcus)
which can be transmitted to man via dog or cat feces or contaminated berries from the woods. Severe hepatitis, pneumonia or brain infection can be the consequence of this infection in people.
HOW CAN WE AVOID THESE INFECTIONS ?
- By deworming our cats and dogs regularly (at least every 3 months)
- Wash berries you have picked in the woods
- Do not touch stray dogs and cats in southern regions
- Do not feed raw meat or organs to your pets
