Intestinal worms are one of the most common — and most preventable — health threats facing cats and dogs. Left unchecked, a worm burden can cause weight loss, digestive problems, and serious illness, especially in puppies and kittens. Staying on top of intestinal worming prevention is one of the simplest ways to keep your pet healthy and comfortable all year long.
Common Intestinal Worms in Cats and Dogs
Several types of intestinal worms can infect household pets. The most frequently encountered include roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. Each species behaves differently inside your pet's gut, but all of them compete for nutrients and can damage the intestinal lining over time.
Roundworms are especially prevalent in young animals. Puppies and kittens can actually be born with roundworm larvae passed from their mother, which is why early and consistent worming prevention matters from the very first weeks of life.
Tapeworms, on the other hand, are closely linked to flea infestations. A pet that swallows an infected flea during grooming can develop a tapeworm infection within weeks. This is one reason why flea and tick prevention and worming prevention go hand in hand.
How Pets Pick Up Worms
Worm eggs and larvae are present in soil, feces, and even on contaminated surfaces. Your dog only needs to sniff or lick the ground during a walk to ingest infective eggs. Cats that hunt rodents or insects are equally at risk, since prey animals often carry larval stages of several worm species.
Some worms, like hookworms, can penetrate a pet's skin — usually through the paw pads — without being swallowed at all. Indoor-only cats are not immune either; eggs can be tracked inside on shoes or clothing.
Because exposure is virtually unavoidable, relying on treatment only after an infection is detected leaves your pet vulnerable. Routine prevention breaks the worm lifecycle before it causes harm.
Signs Your Pet May Have Worms
Many worm infections start silently. A healthy adult dog or cat can carry a low worm burden with no obvious symptoms, which is why regular prevention is more reliable than waiting for visible signs.
When symptoms do appear, they typically include:
- Unexplained weight loss or a pot-bellied appearance
- Diarrhea, sometimes with blood or mucus
- Vomiting — occasionally with visible worms
- Scooting or dragging the rear end along the ground
- A dull, rough coat and general lethargy
In puppies and kittens, a heavy worm burden can lead to anemia, dehydration, and stunted growth. Early intervention is critical for young animals.
Quick tip: Set a recurring reminder on your phone for your pet's next worming dose. It's easy to lose track, and a missed treatment leaves a gap in protection that worms can exploit.
How Often Should You Worm Your Pet
Most adult cats and dogs benefit from intestinal worming treatment every three months — roughly four times a year. This schedule keeps worm numbers low and prevents heavy infestations from developing between doses.
Puppies and kittens need more frequent treatment. A common guideline is to worm every two weeks until twelve weeks of age, then monthly until six months old, before transitioning to the standard quarterly schedule.
Pets with higher exposure — those that hunt, scavenge, or live with young children — may benefit from more frequent dosing. Consistent timing is the key to effective long-term protection.
Choosing the Right Worming Treatment
Worming products come in tablets, chewables, topical spot-ons, and oral pastes. The best format depends on your pet's species, size, and personal tolerance. Some dogs happily take a flavored chewable, while many cat owners find a spot-on far less stressful.
Look for a broad-spectrum wormer that covers roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms in a single dose. Combination products that also address heartworm or fleas can simplify your pet's prevention routine even further. Browse our range of cat worming treatments and dog worming products to find an option that fits your pet's needs and your budget.
Always choose a product formulated for your pet's species. Dog-specific ingredients can be toxic to cats, so never share treatments between animals without confirming the product is safe for both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can humans catch worms from their pets?
Yes. Some intestinal worms, including roundworms and hookworms, are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted to people. Children are at highest risk because they are more likely to come into contact with contaminated soil. Keeping your pet on a regular worming schedule is one of the best ways to protect your whole household.
Do indoor cats still need worming prevention?
They do. Worm eggs can enter your home on shoes, clothing, or even potting soil. Indoor cats that occasionally catch a household insect or are exposed to fleas can also become infected. Quarterly worming is a low-cost safeguard even for pets that never go outside.
Is it possible to over-worm a pet?
When you follow the product's recommended dosing schedule and weight guidelines, over-worming is not a concern with modern treatments. Giving more than the recommended frequency without reason is unnecessary, but sticking to a quarterly routine for adults is both safe and effective.
Protecting your pet from intestinal worms doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. Stock up on affordable, vet-grade worming treatments at Discount Pet Medication and keep your cat or dog covered year-round. If you're unsure which product suits your pet best, have a quick chat with your vet for a personalized recommendation.