Worming Treatments & Prevention

Key Takeaways

• Pets can carry worms even when they look and act completely healthy.
• Common worms in UK pets include roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and lungworms.
• Not all worm treatments cover every worm type, so the right choice depends on your pet's individual risk.
• Some worms, such as lungworm, need a prescription-only treatment available only from a vet.
• Regular worming is a key part of preventative care for dogs, cats and rabbits.

Veterinary worming for dogs, cats & rabbits

Appropriate worming helps protect your pet's health. It also reduces the risk of parasites spreading to other animals and to people in your home.

Worms don't always cause obvious signs. A pet can look and feel healthy and still be carrying parasites. This is why routine, preventative treatment is so important.

At Medivet, our teams can carry out a full parasite risk assessment. We look at your pet's species, age, lifestyle and where you live. From there, we'll recommend a worming plan tailored to your pet.

What are worms?

Worms are internal parasites. They can live in your pet's gut, lungs or other tissue. Most pets will come across worms at some point in their lives.

Common types found in UK pets include:

• Roundworms - very common in puppies, kittens and adult pets
• Tapeworms - often spread by fleas or through eating prey animals or raw meat
• Hookworms - can cause gut problems and anaemia
• Whipworms - more common in dogs; can cause diarrhoea and weight loss
• Lungworms - can be life-threatening if left untreated; requires a prescription-only treatment from a vet

How do pets catch worms?

Pets can pick up worms in a number of ways:

• Contact with contaminated soil, grass or faeces
• Eating infected prey animals or raw meat
• Swallowing fleas that carry tapeworm larvae
• From their mother during pregnancy or nursing
• Hunting or scavenging outdoors
• Contact with slugs or snails, which can carry lungworm larvae in dogs

For species-specific information, visit our pages on worms in dogs, worms in cats and worms in rabbits.

Signs your pet may need worm treatment

Some pets show clear signs of worms. Others show nothing at all. If you have any concerns, it's always worth checking with your vet.

Signs that could suggest your pet has worms include:

• Weight loss despite eating normally
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• A change or increase in appetite
• Scooting or an itchy bottom
• Visible worms in faeces or around the anus
• A bloated or pot-bellied abdomen, particularly in young animals
• Poor or dull coat condition
• Weakness or lethargy
• Coughing or breathing problems, which can be linked to lungworm

If you notice any of these signs, contact your local Medivet clinic. A vet can check your pet and talk you through the next steps.

Different worms require different treatments

Not all worm treatments work in the same way. Different products protect against different parasites.

Many over-the-counter wormers treat common intestinal worms like roundworms and tapeworms. But they don't always cover every parasite your pet could be at risk from.

Your pet's lifestyle, age and location all affect which worms they're likely to pick up.

Over-the-counter vs veterinary worm treatments

Here's a quick guide to the key differences:

Some parasites, including lungworm, need a prescription-only medicine. These aren't available without a vet consultation.

Why choose Medivet for your pet's worming?

Prevention's a lot easier on your pet than treatment. (And a lot less stressful for you.)

Our teams look at your pet's whole picture. We don't just reach for a standard product. We take into account species, age, weight, lifestyle and local parasite risk.

Here's what you get with Medivet:

• Tailored advice based on your pet's individual parasite risk assessment
• Access to prescription-only treatments for parasites not covered by over-the-counter products
• Worming reviewed alongside flea prevention for pets on the Medivet Healthcare Plan
• Advice for every life stage, from puppies and kittens through to senior pets
• Clinics nationwide, so there's always a Medivet nearby

Your pet's worming plan is also reviewed at routine health checks. This means advice stays up to date as your pet's life and habits change.

Fleas and worm prevention

Fleas can carry tapeworm larvae. Keeping on top of flea treatment is an important part of your pet's overall parasite care. Your vet can advise on a combined approach where it makes sense for your pet.

What happens during a worming appointment?

It's a straightforward appointment. Here's what to expect:

1. Lifestyle assessment - your vet asks about your pet's habits, diet and environment
2. Health check - a general check for any signs of illness or concern
3. Parasite risk assessment - based on your pet's lifestyle, location and species
4. Treatment recommendation - the most appropriate approach for your individual pet
5. Ongoing prevention advice - how often to worm and what to look out for going forward

Your vet will talk you through everything at the appointment.