Why Regular Worming Matters for Dogs and Cats

Regular worming is an important part of routine healthcare for dogs and cats, but it is also one of the easiest things for owners to lose track of.

Unlike fleas or ticks, worms are not always obvious. A dog or cat can look well, eat normally and still be carrying parasites or shedding eggs into the environment. That is why worming should not only happen when an owner sees worms. It should be part of a planned approach based on the pet’s age, lifestyle, diet and risk.

Worms are parasites that can affect dogs and cats of all ages. Some live in the gut, while others can affect other parts of the body. In Europe, the main groups of concern include roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, whipworms and, in dogs, lungworm. Parasite control should be tailored to each animal’s individual risk, including age, travel, diet, hunting behaviour, flea exposure and contact with other animals.

Illustrative graphic showing common parasite risks in dogs and cats

How dogs and cats pick up worms

Pets can be exposed to worms in several everyday ways. Dogs may pick up parasite eggs or larvae from contaminated soil, grass or faeces. Cats that hunt can be exposed through prey such as mice or birds, while puppies and kittens may acquire some worms from their mother.

Lungworm risk in dogs is different from ordinary gut worms. Dogs may be exposed through contact with slugs, snails or contaminated environments, depending on where they live and their behaviour.

Travel is another factor, pets that travel abroad may be exposed to parasites that are less common or not normally found in Ireland, which is why pre-travel parasite advice is important.

A recent Irish study of untreated and stray dogs and cats in the Greater Dublin area found parasite infection in both species, with researchers noting that free-roaming animals may contribute to contamination of public spaces. In that study, endoparasites (internal parasites) were found in 49% of stray dogs and 39% of stray cats tested.

Why you may not see obvious signs

One of the difficulties with worms is that infection is not always visible.

Some pets may show signs such as:

• vomiting

• diarrhoea

• weight loss

• poor coat condition

• a bloated tummy, especially in puppies or kittens

• scooting or licking around the back end

• visible worms or rice-like tapeworm segments near the tail or in faeces

• coughing, which may be seen with some parasites

• poor growth in young animals

  
  

However, the absence of symptoms does not rule out worms. Adult pets in particular may carry some parasites without looking obviously unwell, which is another reason routine prevention and veterinary advice matter.

Why regular worming matters for people too

Regular worming is mainly about protecting pets, but there is also a wider public health reason.

Some worms can, in certain circumstances, pose a risk to people. The best-known examples are the roundworms Toxocara canis in dogs and Toxocara cati in cats. A 2025 review in Clinical Microbiology Reviews describes human toxocariasis as a zoonotic infection (can affect humans) caused mainly by these parasites.

In simple terms, it happens when someone accidentally swallows tiny worm eggs, usually from contaminated soil or surfaces. This can occur, for example, if someone handles soil, sand or pet areas and then eats or touches their mouth without washing their hands.

The infection is uncommon, and most people who come into contact with these eggs do not become ill, but when it does occur, symptoms can vary depending on where the larvae travel in the body, but many cases are mild.

For pet owners, the key takeaway is not to worry, but to be aware.

Good hygiene such as washing hands after gardening, cleaning up pet waste promptly, and keeping pets on a regular worming plan helps reduce the risk even further.

The risk can be reduced with sensible hygiene, responsible dog fouling control, flea control where needed, and a vet-led worming plan.

How often should dogs and cats be wormed?

There is no single worming schedule that suits every dog or cat.

A young puppy, a hunting cat, a dog that scavenges, an indoor cat, a farm dog, an older pet and a pet that travels may all need different advice.

Guidelines recommend that worm control should be based on the individual animal’s risk. Factors include:

• age

• health status

• diet

• hunting or scavenging behaviour

• flea exposure

• contact with other animals

• access to outdoors

• travel history

• whether there are children or vulnerable people in the household

  
  

This is why it is better to ask your vet than to guess. Not every wormer covers every parasite, and some products may not be suitable for very young, pregnant, elderly or unwell animals.

Puppies and kittens need particular care

Young animals are more vulnerable to parasite burdens than healthy adults.

Puppies and kittens may be exposed to worms early in life, including from their mother. Heavy worm burdens in young animals can affect growth and condition, and may cause signs such as a pot-bellied appearance, diarrhoea or poor weight gain.

Because young pets grow quickly, worming products and doses must be appropriate for their age and weight. Owners should always follow veterinary advice and avoid using products intended for adult pets unless specifically advised.

Hunting cats and scavenging dogs may be higher risk

Lifestyle makes a big difference.

Cats that hunt are more likely to encounter parasites through prey. Dogs that scavenge, eat faeces, roam through farmland, or regularly investigate long grass and damp areas may also have a different risk profile from a dog that spends most of its time indoors or on lead.

This does not mean every outdoor pet will have worms. It means their worming plan should reflect what they actually do day to day.

Fleas and tapeworms are linked

Worming is often discussed separately from flea control, but the two can be connected.

Some tapeworms can be transmitted when a pet swallows an infected flea during grooming. This is why a pet with fleas may also need tapeworm treatment, depending on the case.

If an owner notices small rice-like segments around a pet’s tail, bedding or faeces, they should contact their vet for advice.

Simple ways to reduce worm risk

Regular worming works best when it is part of a wider prevention routine.

Owners can help by:

• picking up dog faeces promptly

• cleaning litter trays regularly

• washing hands after handling pet waste, gardening or cleaning litter trays

• keeping outdoor food and water bowls clean

• treating fleas where needed

• discouraging scavenging where possible

• speaking to a vet if a cat hunts regularly

• asking for parasite advice before travelling abroad with a pet

• using the correct product for the pet’s species, age and weight

Products intended for dogs should never be used on cats unless a vet has specifically advised it, as some ingredients can be dangerous for cats.

When to ask East Limerick Vets

Ask East Limerick Vets about worming if your dog or cat:

• has not been wormed in a while

• is newly adopted

• is a puppy or kitten

• hunts or scavenges

• has fleas

• has vomiting, diarrhoea or weight loss

• has visible worms or tapeworm segments

• is pregnant or nursing

• is elderly or unwell

• is due to travel abroad

Regular worming is about simple, sensible prevention.

A tailored parasite plan can help protect your pet’s health, reduce environmental contamination and give owners peace of mind that they are using the right product at the right time.

Parasite control is included as part of our Pet Care Plans. To find out more click here.