There are a number of different worms which can infest dogs and cats, including roundworm, hookworm and tapeworm. Although they may not be visible, our pets are commonly infected with worms.

ROUNDWORMS

Toxocara spp. & Toxacaris leonina

This is most common type of worm to affect dogs and cats. Studies show that up to 30% of dogs and 70% of puppies are infested with Toxocara canis^1,2 and a recent Irish study showed that 32% of cats were infested with Toxocara cati³.

Pets can become infected in a number of ways: by eating soil contaminated with eggs, by hunting and by eating rodents.Puppies and kittens can be infected from their mother’s milk.

Infection does not usually cause symptoms in adult dogs and cats, but can cause serious disease in puppies and kittens, including weight loss, diarrhoea and respiratory problems.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Roundworms can lay up to 200,000 eggs per day!

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Human risk:

Toxocara spp. worms (AKA roundworms) can affect humans if eggs are accidentally ingested. Children are most at risk, as they may play in areas such as sandpits and gardens where worm eggs are commonly found. The parasite can cause a variety of problems, including damage to the liver, lungs or eyes.

HOOKWORMS

Ancylostoma tubaeforme, A. Braziliense, Uncinaria stenocephala

Hookworms are relatively uncommon in pet dogs and cats in Ireland.

Infection can occur through eating larvae from the environment. The adult worms in the intestine feed off blood and some blood may pass in the faeces which typically turns faeces a blackish colour.

TAPEWORMS

Tapeworms are less common than roundworms, and do not usually cause symptoms. The two main types of tapeworm found in pets in Ireland are Dipylidium caninum (flea tapeworm) and Taenia species.

Dipylidium caninum (flea tapeworm)

Pets become infested by ingesting fleas. Good control of fleas will prevent this tapeworm.

Taenia species.

Pets become infested by hunting and eating rodents or eating uncooked meat / carcasses. If your cat regularly hunts AND eats rodents, ask your vet about treatment for Taenia spp. tapeworms.

So how do I protect my pet against worms?

Various products are available for treating worms. Your veterinary practitioner is best placed to advise you on the most suitable product for your pet. For further information about protecting your pet, click here.

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1. Overgaauw et al., Veterinary and public health aspects of Toxocara spp. Veterinary Parasitology 2013, 398–403.

2. Beugnet. Helminthoses digestives des carnivores domestiques. EMC, Veterinaire, Gastroenterologies, 0300, 2010.

3. Power, C. et al. The prevalence of gastrointestinal and cardio-respiratory parasites in stray dogs and cats in Ireland. Poster presentation at ESCCAP Europe Congress, April 2018.