Worming
 

PUPS: should be wormed every 2 or 3 weeks up until they are 12 weeks of age. Make sure the product is specifically designed for young pups and produced by a reputable manufacturer eg. Drontal or Paragard.

ADULT DOGS/ADOLENCENTS: from 3 months of age onwards, should be wormed every 3 or 4 months.

Remember, being the cheapest or the dearest product on the market doesn’t necessarily make it the best! Some monthly heartworm and flea products will also control intestinal worms. These products, will not however, treat tapeworms. If using such a product, you will also need to treat your dog for tapeworms separately every 3 months. If in doubt about any of these matters – check with your vet for

Heartworm: 

Queensland  is considered ENDEMIC with regards to heartworm. Dogs and cats living in this area will be exposed to heartworm carrying mosquitoes throughout the year. Any dog that is not on heartworm preventative medication will almost certainly become infected with heartworm within 12 months of exposure. 

Time taken between becoming infected and showing symptoms can vary depending on the level of infection, but in some cases the symptoms can be evident within the first 2 or 3 years of the dog’s life. 

Treatment once the dog has heartworm can be expensive, lengthy and more importantly, it can be debilitating to the health of the dog. 

Fast and inexpensive blood tests are now available that can be performed during a veterinary consultation to determine the heartworm status of your pets.  

Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes – so just because your pet doesn’t mix with other pets, doesn’t mean it will be safe without preventative medication. 

 Your vet can advise you on several options for preventing heartworm infection.  Some of the available treatments are: 

Heartgard – once a month tablet. Does not treat common intestinal worms and an additional worming treatment is necessary. 

Proheart – SR 12 injection – this is a once a year injection that protects against heartworm. Does not treat for intestinal worms and an additional worming treatment is necessary. 

Interceptor – once a month tablet preventing heartworm and intestinal worms. Except tapeworms. An additional treatment for tapeworms is required every 3 months. 

Sentinel – same as with Interceptor but it also sterilizes fleas and prevent flea eggs hatching in your yard.

Whatever your requirements seek advice from your vet as to what will best suit your lifestyle and your pet.  

advice.