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Intestinal worms are common in many animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, reptiles, birds and even fish. Regular deworming is essential to protect your pet’s health and minimise the risk of transmission to humans. Puppies and kittens are particularly vulnerable and can sometimes carry worms before they even reach their new home. These parasites spread through infected faeces, meaning pets can pick them up anywhere from backyards to parks. Severe worm infestations can lead to digestive issues, malnutrition and anaemia. However, infections don’t always cause noticeable symptoms, making routine prevention the key to keeping your pet (and yourself) healthy.
Regular deworming eliminates existing worms, but reinfestation can occur easily, making year-round treatment essential. Some worms, like roundworms, reproduce rapidly, with a single parasite capable of laying up to 200,000 eggs daily within weeks of infection. Maintaining a consistent deworming schedule helps prevent the spread of eggs in the environment, reducing the risk for both pets and people. The most common worms in dogs include: roundworm, tapeworm, whipworm and hookworm.
The short answer is yes, many worms are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from animals to humans. Different worms cause different diseases and each have their own symptoms. Whilst anyone can become infected by intestinal worms, children and the immuno-compromised are at greater risk. One of the most important ways to reduce human exposure is regular deworming of pets. Consistent prevention keeps both pets and people safe from parasitic infections. Beyond that, there are other ways you can minimise the risk of exposure, this includes: cleaning-up pet faeces daily; regular handwashing; keep sandpits and garden areas covered; stop pets from scavenging or hunting.
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