Intestinal Worms are common in pets can cause illness or even death in pets. It is estimated that around 80% of dogs and 75% of cats carry intestinal worms. This is not surprising when you consider that some worms can produce up to 30,000 eggs a day and some eggs can survive in the environment for up to 5 years.

Not only do worms make your pet sick, they represent a serious health risk for humans as well. Children especially are most at risk of infection as they are often closest to the family pet.

The good news is worms can be easily prevented by regularly worming your pet.

• Hookworm –Hookworms are zoonotic parasites that can be transmitted from animals to humans.


• Roundworm –Roundworms are zoonotic parasites that can be passed from animals to humans. Children are especially at risk as they become infected with roundworms by playing in dirt or sand that has been contaminated by dog or cat faeces.


• Tapeworm –There are 2 types of tapeworm that commonly affect dogs and cats in far north Queensland.


• Flea Tapewormis the most common tapeworm. As the flea is an immediate host, infection occurs when the pet grooms and ingests a flea infected with tapeworm eggs.


• Spirometra Tapeworm(a.k.a. “the gecko tapeworm”) is more common in cats than dogs. Pets become infected by ingesting intermediate hosts such as geckos and other lizards, mice/rats, frogs etc. Once infected, tapeworms ranging from 1.5m-5m in length can be found in the small intestine. Spirometra causes serious disease in frogs as well which means it is very important to treat your cats. Treating Spirometra requires a high dose of tapewormer – normal worm treatments just don’t work.


• Hydatid Tapewormis rare in Far North Queensland. It is carried by dogs and sheep and can cause life threatening disease in humans.


• Whipworm –On average female whipworms produce over 2000 eggs per day which are passed in the animals faeces. These eggs can survive for up to 5 years in the environment.

• Worm puppies and kittens every 2 weeks until they are 12 weeks old, then monthly until 6 months old.


• Worm dogs over 6 months of age every 3 months with an all wormer tablet.


• Worm cats over 6 months of age every 3 months with an all wormer tablet plus a high dose of tapewormer to kill Sprirometra tapeworm every 3 months. Worm tablets, worm pastes and spot-ons do not kill Spirometra. See your vet for effective worming for your cat.


• Practice good hygiene when cleaning cat litter trays, making sure to clean trays every day.


• Cover sand pits.


• Pick up after your dog during walks.


• Use flea prevention regularly to prevent flea tapeworm.

For further information on your pet’s worming needs, please contact the clinic.