Is it necessary to deworm my puppy or kitten?
Unless your puppy or kitten has already been tested for worms and other diseases as well as treated for them, you should deworm. If your pet has tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, or other maladies, it can become contagious to other animals in your home and require you to treat all of your pets as well. It’s a simple test that involves a fecal sample and you can usually get the results the same day from your veterinarian. Treatment is also pretty reasonably priced and can help your pet stay healthy while not spreading worms to other animals.
90% of all puppies are infected with roundworms. Dogs of any age can get roundworms from an environment contaminated by the feces of infected animals. Roundworms live in the intestines of infected dogs, causing obstructions and depriving them of nutrients. Serious infections may be fatal to puppies. Signs of roundworm infection in dogs include: diarrhea, weakness, difficulty breathing, dull scruffy coat, and Pot Belly. Though not as common as roundworms, hookworms are potentially more lethal. Hookworms feed on the intestinal walls of your dog. Dogs may be infected with hookworms by ingesting eggs or larvae in contaminated soil or feces. Hookworm larvae also infect dogs by penetrating directly through their skin. Signs of hookworm infection in dogs include: dark or bloody diarrhea, weakness, pale gums, weight loss, and sudden death.
