How to Choose the Best Worming Products for Your Pet

One of the best ways to choose the appropriate de-worming agents for your animal companion is to have a veterinarian conduct a fecal test on a stool sample from your pet. If making a trip to the vet's office to drop off the sample is a problem, there are "at home" test kits that can be used and then mailed to specific laboratories for analysis. Either manner of testing will help in identifying the worm(s) that are present in your pet's system. However, be forewarned that stool samples are not always 100% accurate as some worms can be difficult to detect.

As is the case with all treatment options for various pet illnesses and/or diseases, always take into consideration the age and current health condition of your animal companion. Some products can be "harsher" than other ones and/or have more potential negative side effects. If you have concerns about using medicated products, there are various "natural" agents available for worm control.

Worm-related products come in the form of pills, chewable "treats," liquid, pastes, and powders. Consider choosing an item that your pet will most easily accept; this will increase the likelihood that they will consume the entire dose, thereby being more effective at managing the worm population. Also, be aware that some worming products must be given to an animal that has been "fasting" and has no food in their system.

Safety concerns related to worming products

As previously mentioned, some worming products can cause harm if administered incorrectly. To avoid this situation, always consider having an annual (if not more often) fecal and blood test performed prior to giving your pet any type of worm medication. This would be the case even if you have your pet on a year-round worm preventative program; this is due to the fact that occasionally there might be a lapse in treatment and/or a dose might not be fully consumed, thereby allowing the worm(s) to enter your pet's system.

Always make sure that the product you are using is safe for your pet species. Don't assume that half of a dose of a cat dewormer will be safe to give to your ferret, rabbit, guinea pig, or other "non-target"/"off-label" animal. Always consult with your veterinarian for such information.

In relation to ferrets, owners should be aware that such pets can be infected with heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms, to name a few that we have already discussed. Ivermectin is a safe choice to use on ferrets. As heartworm can be almost impossible to cure in ferrets, it's a good idea to have them on a regular schedule of Heartguard medication. Half of the small cat dosage is the common recommendation, but check with your veterinarian first.

One specific note of caution for your pet turtles... ivermectin and piperazine, two commonly used deworming products, should NEVER be used on such animals, as the results can be deadly.

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