Worms in dogs and cats: how to recognize them, prevent them and protect your companion

Intestinal worms are very common parasites in dogs and cats, whatever their age or lifestyle. Even a cat living exclusively in an apartment or a dog that seems perfectly healthy can be affected.

Most of the time, an infestation goes unnoticed. Yet these parasites can cause digestive problems, weight loss or, in the youngest animals, sometimes serious consequences.

Fortunately, a few simple steps help limit the risks.

What is an intestinal worm?

Worms are parasites that live mainly in the animal's intestine and feed on the nutrients in its body.

There are several families of worms. The most common are:

• roundworms (such as ascarids and hookworms);
• flatworms, the best known of which is the tapeworm.

Each parasite has its own way of spreading, but all require appropriate treatment.

How does a dog or cat get worms?

There are many ways of becoming infected.

Your companion can be infected:

• by swallowing eggs present in the environment;
• by licking its paws after a walk;
• by eating prey (rodent, bird…);
• by swallowing a flea carrying tapeworm;
• through its mother, before birth or during nursing, for certain parasites.

That is why even an animal living mainly indoors is not completely safe.

What are the symptoms?

Some animals show no visible signs.

When symptoms do appear, you may notice:

• diarrhea;
• vomiting;
• weight loss despite a good appetite;
• a swollen belly, especially in young animals;
• a dull coat;
• tiredness;
• itching around the anus, which can lead to "scooting" (the animal drags its rear along the ground).

Worms, or tapeworm segments resembling small grains of rice, may also be visible in the stools or around the anus.

Health risks

A heavy infestation can lead to:

• chronic digestive problems;
• stunted growth in puppies and kittens;
• anemia with certain parasites;
• a decline in general condition.

Some species of worms can also be passed on to humans, especially young children. Good hygiene and regular deworming help limit this risk.

How can I tell if my pet has worms?

The absence of symptoms doesn't necessarily mean the absence of parasites.

Your vet may suggest a stool test to identify certain worms, but this test does not always detect every infestation.

That is why prevention remains essential.

Should pets be dewormed regularly?

Yes, regular internal antiparasitic treatment is recommended.

How often depends in particular on:

• the animal's age;
• its lifestyle;
• its access to the outdoors;
• whether there are children or vulnerable people in the household;
• your vet's recommendations.

Puppies and kittens need a specific deworming protocol during their first months of life.

The link between fleas and tapeworm

Few owners know it, but fleas can transmit a worm called the tapeworm.

When a dog or cat grooms itself and swallows a flea carrying this parasite, it can become infected.

That is why an animal with fleas often needs to be dewormed in addition to the external antiparasitic treatment, following your vet's recommendations.

How to prevent worms

A few simple measures help limit the risks:

• deworm your pet regularly, following veterinary recommendations;
• pick up feces on walks;
• keep living areas clean;
• control fleas effectively;
• wash your hands after handling feces or cleaning the litter box.

When should you see a vet?

A consultation is recommended if:

• your pet has persistent diarrhea;
• it vomits frequently;
• it is losing weight for no apparent reason;
• you see worms in its stools;
• it is a young puppy or kitten with digestive problems.

Key points

Intestinal worms are very common in dogs and cats and often go unnoticed.

Regular prevention, combined with a suitable antiparasitic treatment and good hygiene, effectively protects your companion while limiting certain risks for the whole family.

Good to know

Even a cat that never goes outside can have worms. The eggs of some parasites can be brought in on shoes, and a single flea brought into the house can be enough to transmit a tapeworm. That is why vets also recommend appropriate deworming for cats living exclusively indoors.

Read also

Some fleas can transmit tapeworm when your pet swallows them while grooming. If your dog or cat has fleas, see also our guide Fleas in dogs and cats so you can treat both your companion and its environment.