Intestinal Worms in Dogs and Cats: Warning Signs and Deworming

Intestinal worms in dogs and cats are very common, and they often go unnoticed at first. A swollen belly, abnormal stools, a dull coat or weight loss should raise concern. This article covers the three most common parasites, how they spread in hot climates, good hygiene habits, regular deworming and the mistakes to avoid.

1. The Three Most Common Intestinal Worms

Roundworms

These are long, round, whitish worms, sometimes visible in vomit or stool. They mainly affect puppies and kittens, which are often infected at a very young age. They cause a distended belly and stunted growth.

Tapeworms

These are flat worms made up of segments. Small white segments, resembling grains of rice, may sometimes be seen near the anus or in the fur. The animal may drag its bottom along the ground.

Hookworms

These small worms attach to the intestinal wall and feed on blood. They can cause anaemia, with pale gums and marked fatigue. They are especially dangerous in young animals.

2. Symptoms of Intestinal Worms in Animals

Some animals show no visible signs. Others display one or more of the following symptoms:

• diarrhoea, soft stools, sometimes mucousy or bloody;
• vomiting, sometimes with worms;
• weight loss despite a good appetite, or on the contrary loss of appetite;
• dull, dry, bristly coat;
• swollen belly, especially in puppies and kittens;
• itching around the anus;
• pale gums and low energy.

Sign observed	Possible parasite	What to do
Swollen belly in a young animal	Roundworm	Consult and deworm
Grains of rice near the anus	Tapeworm	Treat, and control fleas
Pale gums, extreme fatigue	Hookworm	Consult promptly
Bloody stools	Hookworm or another cause	Consult without delay

3. How Worms Spread in Hot Climates

In a warm country like Tunisia, the mild climate helps parasites and fleas survive in the environment.

• Fleas: an animal that swallows a flea while grooming can pick up tapeworm.
• Prey: rodents, birds and leftover raw meat or offal can pass parasites to hunting cats and stray dogs.
• Soil: eggs and larvae are found in earth, sand, gardens and faeces. They spread through licking paws or contact with the skin.
• Water: puddles, stagnant basins and contaminated water can carry infection.
• The mother: puppies and kittens can be infected before birth or through milk.

4. Protecting the Whole Family: Hygiene and Risks for Humans

Some worms that affect dogs and cats can also infect humans, especially children who play on the ground and put their hands in their mouths. A few simple habits go a long way in reducing the risk.

1. Pick up faeces every day, including in the garden and on the terrace.
2. Clean the litter tray regularly and wash your hands afterwards.
3. Have children wash their hands after playing and cuddling pets.
4. Do not let the animal lick the faces of toddlers.
5. Wash bowls, baskets and blankets at a high temperature.
6. Treat fleas in the home and on all animals in the household.
7. Avoid raw meat and uncooked offal.

5. Regular Deworming for Dogs and Cats

Deworming dogs and cats should be carried out regularly throughout their lives. The schedule depends on age, lifestyle and environment. Puppies and kittens are treated very early, at close intervals, according to the vet's protocol. An animal that goes outside, hunts or lives in contact with other animals will be treated more often than an indoor pet.

Situation	Recommended approach
Puppy or kitten	Close-spaced treatments from a very young age
Pregnant or nursing female	Protocol set by the veterinarian
Adult that goes outside or hunts	More frequent treatments
Indoor adult	Regular treatments, adjusted schedule

Weigh your animal before treatment, as the dose depends on body weight. The vet may also suggest a faecal test to identify the parasite involved. To choose a suitable product and a reliable schedule, consult a vet for dogs or, for your cat, a vet for cats.

6. Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting for visible signs: an animal can be infested without any symptoms.
• Giving a dog product to a cat, or the reverse: some are toxic to the other species.
• Guessing the weight and under- or overdosing.
• Using home remedies such as garlic or seeds, which do not replace a dewormer and can be dangerous.
• Forgetting fleas, even though they keep tapeworm going.
• Treating only one animal in the household.
• Stopping the protocol too early in puppies or kittens.

In Summary

• Watch for signs: swollen belly, abnormal stools, dull coat, weight loss.
• Deworm regularly, with a product suited to the species, age and weight.
• Fight fleas at the same time and pick up faeces.
• Wash your hands and protect children.
• Consult a vet if stools are bloody, gums are pale, or a young animal is very weakened.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if my dog or cat has worms?

Check the stools, belly, coat and weight. You may see worms or segments near the anus. Only a vet can confirm, sometimes with a faecal test.

Can very young puppies or kittens be dewormed?

Yes, and it is even recommended, as young animals are often born infected. Treatment must be adapted to age and weight. Ask your vet for the protocol.

Can worms from dogs and cats be transmitted to humans?

Some can, especially to children through contact with soil or faeces. Good hand hygiene, picking up faeces and regular deworming greatly reduce the risk.

Conclusion

When it comes to intestinal worms in dogs and cats, consistency matters more than urgency. A well-monitored animal stays healthy, and the family is protected. Talk to your vet to set up a schedule suited to your companion and its lifestyle.

Need a professional opinion? If in doubt or in an emergency, find a veterinarian near you on TunisieVet.