What's the Worst That Could Happen if I Don't Deworm My Pet?

Intestinal parasites are the worst-case scenario not only for the un-dewormed pet but also for its human family. We recommend deworming your pet at Pet Pavilion in Abu Dhabi regularly for one reason and one reason only: Zoonotic worm infestation.

In other words, these wriggly parasites can be transmitted from animals to humans, so you must ensure your pets are free of them at all times to keep your furry and non-furry little ones safe.

Below is more information about deworming, including frequency, worm varieties, and treatment options.

How Often Should You Deworm Your Pet?

If you just got a dog and aim to keep it worm-free, we recommend a standard monthly check-up at our veterinary clinic as a primary preventive measure. Depending on your pet's condition, our vet may or may not administer a dewormer.

Conversely, if your pet has an active infestation or infection, the vet may prescribe and administer specific doses of the dewormer. The frequency, in this case, would depend on the worm type and the medication used to get rid of them.

Types of Zoonotic Parasites

Some pets get zoonotic parasites in utero, while others catch them while walking or playing outdoors. Below are some of the most common types associated with pets.

· Hookworms

Hookworms are prevalent in warm cities like Abu Dhabi. They are a genuine health risk transmitted when pets or humans step on soil containing cat or dog feces filled with hookworm larvae.

These parasites may live inside your fur baby’s intestines, burrow inside human skin, and enter the eyes through hand-to-eye contact. Seek immediate treatment if you experience itchiness and notice signs of an infection after your dog/cat gets the worm.

· Roundworms

Roundworms are also intestinal parasites whose species range in the thousands. Different varieties have adapted to different climates, so you may assume these worms inhabit this part of the UAE. The eggs of these worms are hardier than the worms themselves, surviving under extreme climates—under the soil in the scorching sun or the frigid tundra.

They lie in wait to infect humans and their pets, especially puppies. Once they enter the body through ingestion, they reach the intestines, where the eggs hatch and form cysts.

· Tapeworms

A tapeworm infection is more common in developing countries, but it’s not unheard of in the UAE. Your pet may require deworming in Abu Dhabi after coming in contact with unsanitary conditions through food, water, or surfaces. These mediums may contain tapeworm eggs, which may be detrimental and, in severe cases, life-threatening for your pet.

The lifecycle of a tapeworm involves passing through fleas. If a human doesn’t wash their hands after touching a pet with fleas, they may also develop a tapeworm infection.  Rectal itching and unexplained weight loss are some of the most common symptoms of this infestation.

How to Diagnose a Pet with Suspected Worms?

If your pet has one of the above worms, bring them to our vet immediately for a fecal exam. While you can see tapeworms and roundworms through your naked eye by peeking at your pet’s poop, other worms or parasites in their fecal matter require microscopic stool testing.

The Two Ways to Deworm a Pet

Deworming kills the intestinal parasites living inside your pet’s body. A dewormer is administered orally and topically or through an injection. Your vet must identify the parasite(s) before prescribing a dewormer, as there’s no one-size-kills-all for these worms.

You can deworm your pet at home or the clinic.  

· At-Home Treatment

Over-the-counter or prescribed dewormers are used as pills or applied like topical creams. They might do the trick, but you should check with a vet if your pet has allergies, sensitivities, or pre-existing diseases.

· Veterinary Treatment

We highly recommend seeking a professional to avail worm prevention or treatment for your pet. They might prescribe or administer a deworming agent and ask you to bring them back, depending on the frequency of the medication, which is mostly governed by the type of parasite infecting your pet.

Start right here at Pet Pavilion, Abu Dhabi’s finest all-pets clinic, for annual and monthly check-ups and deworming treatment through traditional and alternative medical interventions. Bring your pet in for an examination and explore the gentlest and most efficient route for diagnosing and treating a parasitic infection.

Reach out for inquiries related to our deworming services in Abu Dhabi.

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