Thinking about worms and parasites isn’t pleasant, but keeping your furry friend protected year-round is important. By knowing what effective prevention looks like and sticking to a regular worming routine, you’re already one step ahead of these nasty pests.
Worms might be tiny, but these squiggly critters can be a huge headache for pet owners, not to mention uncomfortable and even dangerous for your beloved dog or cat. The thought of these tiny invaders setting up home in our pets is enough to make anyone feel squeamish, but understanding how these parasites operate is part of being a brilliant pet parent.
Left untreated, worm infections can cause everything from itchy bottoms and bloated bellies to life-threatening issues like heart and lung damage. Many infestations aren’t visible to the human eye, so your pet could be carrying them without you even knowing.
To keep you in the know, we’ve put together 20 common questions and answers about worms. From the risks for scavengers and hunters to how often you should clean your home, everything you need to know is right here.
General Questions
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Which types of worms are most commonly found in UK dogs and cats?
There are several common worms here in the UK that pet owners should be aware of. We’ve highlighted these pests below:
| Roundworms | Roundworms look like spaghetti and are very common, especially in younger animals. They live in the small intestine, stealing important nutrients and causing “pot bellies”. |
| Tapeworms
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These flatworms anchor themselves to the gut wall. You may spot egg-filled segments in your pet’s fur or bedding. |
| Hookworms | These worms are tiny, with hook-like mouthparts which latch onto the intestinal lining. They feed on blood, which can cause anaemia and weight loss. |
| Lungworm | Lungworm is contracted from slugs and snails and is life-threatening. They travel to the heart and lungs, causing coughing, breathing issues, and blood clotting problems. |
2. How do dogs and cats get worms?
There are numerous ways your pet can become infected, including:
- Accidentally swallowing eggs, larvae, or fleas.
- Eating slugs or snails and licking slime trails.
- Hunting and consuming infected rodents.
- Transmission from their mums as young puppies or kittens (before they’re born or via milk)
3. What is the best way to prevent my pet from getting worms?
It’s impossible to prevent every type of exposure, but there are ways to actively protect your pet against worms. Scooping and safely disposing of your pet’s “business” straight away and stopping them from eating slugs, snails, and rodents will help. Of course, the most effective protection is a regular worming schedule. This breaks the cycle and stops parasites before they get too cosy.
4. My cat loves to hunt; does catching mice increase their tapeworm risk?
Yes. If you’ve got a kitty that loves to leave you ‘presents’, there’s a higher risk of them getting tapeworms. Most owners associate tapeworms with fleas, but hunting is the other major infection route to be aware of.
Rodents like mice, rats, and voles act as intermediate hosts, consuming eggs that then become larvae inside their bodies. When a cat eats an infected mouse, they also consume the parasite, which matures into adult tapeworms in their gut. It’s all very gross, but since you can’t stop a natural hunter, the best prevention is monthly worming treatments.
5. Can humans catch worms from dogs or cats?
Yes – unfortunately, we’re not immune from catching worms off our pets. The most common types are roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms, all of which are zoonotic (meaning they can pass from animals to humans). Before you start worrying, it’s good to know that your risk is actually pretty low with decent hygiene and a regular worming schedule for your pet.
Small children are a bit more vulnerable as they’re more likely to pick up eggs while playing outside. A thorough handwash after pet cuddles and cleaning up their “business” quickly is the best way to keep everyone safe.
Signs & Symptom Questions
6. Why is my dog dragging its bottom along the grass?
This behaviour is known as ‘scooting’. Your dog might do this for a number of reasons, and a tapeworm infection is one of them. These parasites can cause irritation and pain around your pet’s bottom, and scooting is just your dog’s way of trying to relieve that itchy sensation. Other reasons for scooting include blocked or abscessed anal glands, something stuck around the bottom (like mud, poo, or a twig) or a more serious condition like a lump. It’s best to book a vet’s appointment if your dog starts scooting so you can help ease their discomfort.
7. How do I tell if my pet has worms?
Some pets won’t show any symptoms at all, which can make it tricky to know if they’re infected. However, there are a few telltale signs, so keep your eyes peeled. These include:
- Weight loss (even if they’re eating more than usual).
- Dry, coarse fur or a dull coat.
- Weakness and diarrhoea.
- “Pot bellies” in puppies and kittens – their tummies may look unusually bloated.
- Spotting worms in your pet’s poo, vomit, or around their bottom.
8. I saw white specks in my cat’s poo, what are they?
Those white specks are most likely tapeworm segments. They usually look like little moving grains of rice or dried-up seeds, and you might spot them in your cat’s poo or stuck in the fur around their bottom. Cats can pick up tapeworms by accidentally swallowing a flea while grooming, as fleas carry tapeworm larvae. If you discover these grains, it’s time to treat your kitty to stop the cycle.
9. Can worms in dogs cause them to cough?
You may be surprised to hear this, but yes, certain worms can cause a cough. Many owners won’t immediately think of parasites if their dog starts coughing, but types like lungworm are serious and can live in the heart or major blood vessels in the lungs. Even common roundworms can cause a cough in puppies when the larvae move through the lung tissue. Persistent coughing in dogs can be a medical emergency, so always get them checked by a vet.
10. Can a worm infestation be fatal in a dog or cat?
Yes, a severe, untreated infestation can be fatal, especially in puppies, kittens, or weak animals with lower immunity. Lungworm can be very dangerous as it can cause life-threatening damage to your pet’s heart and lungs if not caught in time.
Prevention & Treatment Questions
11. What is the fastest way to get rid of worms in pets?
By using a high-quality, fast-acting worming treatment on your cat or dog. Most products start working in just a few hours, so your pet will be able to flush them out naturally. However, to prevent future infection, you must worm your pet on a regular basis. Don’t forget to thoroughly clean your home too, as that’s where microscopic worm eggs can lurk! Your pet might pick up worms again if you’ve not done a proper clean.
12. Do supermarket wormers work as well as vet-prescribed ones?
Yes. Bob Martin products are made using ingredients that have been tested (for at least five years) and approved by vets before they’re even sold online and in pet shops – so you know you’re in safe hands.
If a worming treatment seems “ineffective”, it’s often because your pet has been reinfected by their surroundings. A huge part of the process is treating your home, too; those pesky worm eggs can linger in pet bedding, carpets, and soil for months. Regularly ‘scooping the poo’, washing bedding, and cleaning with a pet-friendly disinfectant is just as important as the treatment itself.
13. How often should I treat my pet for worms? (table)
How often you give your pet worming treatments comes down to your pet’s age and lifestyle. The team at ASL Vets recommends the following guidelines to ensure your pet stays safe and protected year-round.
| Pet Age or Lifestyle | Treatment Frequency | The Reason |
| Puppies & Kittens | Every 2-3 weeks (until 12 weeks old) | They have low immunity and often pick up worms from their mum. |
| Young Pets | Monthly (up to 6 months old) | To keep them protected while they are growing and exploring. |
| Adult Dogs & Cats | Every 3 months | This is the general recommendation for most adult pets. |
| Hunters & Scavengers | Monthly | Pets that catch mice or scavenge are at a much higher risk of reinfection. |
Remember, every pet is different, so it’s worth having a chat with your vet to discuss the right routine for your furry friend.
14. Are worming tablets or spot-ons best for pets?
This depends on your pet and their nature. Worming tablets are highly effective, but only if your pet actually swallows them! Some owners struggle with worming tablets, as their pets are experts at spitting them out. If your pet is none the wiser when their worming tablet is hidden in food, then that’s great. Spot-on treatments are applied directly to the skin on
the neck, immediately behind the head, where it can’t be licked off. Not all treatments cover all worm types, so always check the packaging or speak to your vet for guidance.
15. Can I use my dog’s worming treatment on my cat (or vice versa)?
No. Never, ever do this. Treatment dosages are precisely formulated for a specific species’ age and weight, so you must never swap treatments. Many all-in-one dog products that treat fleas and worms contain permethrin. While it’s safe for dogs, it’s highly toxic and can be fatal for cats. To keep your furry friends safe, stick to species-specific products for their exact weight. Head to your vet and use their professional scales if you’re unsure of their weight, as it’s the most accurate way to ensure they’re getting the right dose.
Other Worming Questions
16. How often should I clean my house if my pet has worms?
We’d advise vacuuming carpets and rugs, and washing all pet bedding at 60°C daily for at least a week. Don’t forget to scrub hard floors and thoroughly clean pet food and drink bowls using an animal-friendly disinfectant. This is your best bet for eliminating those horrible microscopic eggs! You can also go a step further by using a home and furniture flea spray like Bob Martin’s Clear Plus Home Spray to tackle eggs lingering in carpets and soft furnishings.
17. Why did I see more worms in my pet’s poo after the worming treatment?
This is effectively a ‘purge’ and a positive sign that the worming treatment is taking effect. If your pet is heavily infested, you’ll likely see more worms expelled (dead worms and segments) after treatment. Multiple worming treatments may be required to break the full lifecycle. Always refer to brand guidance when treating your pet for worms.
18. Can dogs and cats get worms again after being wormed?
Unfortunately, yes. The best way to prevent reinfection is to keep your home thoroughly clean (use a pet-friendly disinfectant), give their bedding a regular hot wash, and keep a consistent schedule for their worming treatment. When you stay on track with a routine, you’re effectively ‘resetting’ their protection, which will help eliminate any new invaders!
19. What happens if I’ve got an indoor cat? Do they still need worming treatment?
While there’s definitely less risk for indoor cats compared to outdoor cats, worms can still hitch a ride into your home via clothing, shoes, insects, or other pets – and it just takes one microscopic egg to kick things off. To keep your cat fully protected, it’s best to worm them on a regular basis. Treatment every three months is generally advised for indoor cats.
20. Should I still worm my pet if they seem unwell?
If your pet has a fever or an upset stomach, always wait until they’re better before giving them a worming treatment. If you think it’s worms that are making them poorly, or are unsure what the cause could be, book an appointment with your vet for advice.
Photo by Nick Mundackal on Unsplash
