Parasitic worms infect most dogs at some time in their lives. They can damage your pet's health - and, worse still, your family's. Some worms can infect people, and their larval stages can cause a number of health problems with children being most at risk.

That's why every responsible pet owner should make regular three-monthly worming part of their pet-care routine.

There are 2 main groups of worms: nematodes and tapeworms

Nematodes

• Ascarids (roundworms)
• Hookworms
• Whipworms
• Lungworms

Tapeworms

• Flea tapeworm (Dipylidium)
• Echinococcus
• Taenia species
• Mesocestoides species

As you can see, there are a few to worry about! Thankfully, we now have very safe and effective wormers to combat all the species of worm listed above.

Of those listed, the main type which can affect humans (mainly children) is a roundworm called Toxacara canis. Puppies commonly carry this worm, having been infected from their mother through the womb and via her milk. The tiny eggs this worm passes are too small to be seen by the naked eye. Once swallowed by a child however, they can cause retinal (eye) damage which can result in blindness.