Summer is a time that many dogs and cats get a chance to roam around outside and experience the great outdoors. Both dogs and cats have predator instincts and many enjoy hunting. However, hunting brings with it unwanted parasites that most pet parents find disgusting at best. Tapeworms might the worst. The owners usually notice flat rice sized segments wiggling out of the pet’s anus. Sometimes they find the dried segments stuck to the animal’s fur around the tail area or on bedding where the pet sleeps. On occasion, the pet will actually vomit up a live or dead worm. While tapeworms aren’t usually life- threatening, they can cause a pet to lose weight, shed excessively and possibly vomit more than normal. Fortunately worming medications for pets are relatively safe and effective and in most cases are easy to administer. Talk to your veterinarian about the best deworming program for your cat or dog.
