From Furry Friends to Family Safety: The Need for Monthly Deworming in Dog Ownership

Did you know that nearly one in four dog owners never deworm their dog? 

As devoted pet owners, we cherish the companionship and unconditional love our furry friends bring into our lives. However, a recent study conducted by researchers on Australian dog owners' attitudes and practices has shed light on a concerning issue – the potential transmission of worms from dogs to humans. The findings reveal that many pet owners may unknowingly be jeopardising their pets' health, as well as their family's, by not adhering to best practices for controlling canine intestinal worms.

Zoonotic diseases, those that can be transmitted from animals to humans, pose a real risk to public health. Dogs can act as carriers of various intestinal worms, such as roundworms and hookworms, which can be transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated faeces or contaminated soil. This alarming revelation underscores the urgency of taking preventive measures to safeguard both our beloved pets and our families.

Professor Rebecca Traub, a distinguished expert in Veterinary Parasitology and a member of the Australian Companion Animal Zoonoses Advisory Panel, is advocating for responsible pet ownership. Her primary recommendation is to adopt a monthly deworming routine for dogs to minimise the risk of zoonotic disease transmission and prevent exposure to potentially dangerous parasites. 

To ensure the well-being of our pets and family members, Professor Traub outlines essential guidelines that every dog owner should follow:

• Regular Veterinary Health Checks: Schedule routine visits to the veterinarian to monitor your pet's overall health and detect any signs of worm infestations early on. Early detection is vital for timely treatment and prevention of further complications.

• Practising Good Hygiene: Proper handwashing after handling pets and disposing of pet faeces safely can significantly reduce the risk of worm transmission. Simple hygiene practices can go a long way in safeguarding the health of everyone in the household.

• Monthly Deworming: Implement a monthly deworming routine for your dogs using veterinarian-recommended products. This proactive approach can effectively control worm infestations and minimise the risk of zoonotic diseases.

• Year-Round External Parasite Treatment: Don't forget to protect your pets from external parasites like fleas and ticks throughout the year. These parasites can also carry diseases and pose health risks to both pets and humans. Pet Lovers Club’s pet parasite protection keeps your pets safe from fleas, ticks, worms, and heartworms – for 30% less! 

• Avoid Raw Meat Diets: Refrain from feeding your pets raw meat diets, as this practice can expose them to additional parasites and potential health hazards.

By following these recommendations, dog owners can play an active role in preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases and protecting the health of their pets and loved ones. Responsible pet ownership, coupled with regular veterinary care and monthly deworming, is the key to ensuring a safer and healthier environment for everyone. Let's prioritise the well-being of our pets and families and take proactive steps to keep them safe from the threat of parasitic worms.

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