Deworming

Our team believes in the importance of preventative care like deworming. Parasites pose a risk not only to your pet but to your entire family. With parasites, seeing isn’t always believing because they are often undetectable to the naked eye. Your pet should be dewormed regularly, with puppies, kittens, and other high-risk pets needing more frequent doses of the medicine.

How was my puppy/kitten exposed to worms?

Puppies and kittens get worms through their mother’s milk, so they must be dewormed more frequently than adult pets. Starting when puppies are 2-weeks-old and kittens are 3-weeks-old, they should be dewormed biweekly. Around the 8 to 12-week mark, they can be switched to monthly deworming.

Which dewormer is right for my pet?

Our veterinary team will recommend a dewormer that works best for your pet, which usually comes in the form of a tablet that can be hidden in their food. These medications kill various parasites that live in your pet’s gut and other body parts without causing harm. We recommend deworming at least once or twice a year, depending on your pet’s risk of infection. In addition, ensuring your pet takes a monthly parasite preventive can give them more broad-spectrum protection against infections.

What are the signs of a parasite infection?

If you suspect your pet is infected with worms, it’s important to bring them to our hospital as soon as you can. Treating a parasite infection early can make a world of difference in how it affects your pet’s overall health. If you notice any of the signs below, please contact us at 613-258-5745:

• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Bloody stool
• Excessive tiredness
• Vomiting