Worms are one of those things most pet owners don't think about until there's a problem. But intestinal worms are common in New Zealand dogs and cats, and some can spread to people, especially children. The good news is that regular treatment is quick, simple and affordable. This guide covers the worms found in NZ, the signs to look for, how often to treat, and which products cover what.
The worms that matter in New Zealand
- Roundworm. The most common worm in puppies and kittens, which often pick it up from their mother. Roundworm eggs can also infect people, which is why regular worming matters in homes with young children.
- Hookworm. Feeds on blood in the gut and can cause anaemia, particularly in young animals.
- Whipworm. Mainly affects dogs and can cause ongoing diarrhoea. Eggs survive in soil for a long time.
- Flea tapeworm. Pets catch it by swallowing infected fleas while grooming. If you see small, rice-like segments around your pet's bottom, this is the usual culprit, and it means you have a flea problem too.
- Sheep measles tapeworm. Dogs catch it from eating raw sheep or goat meat or offal. It doesn't make dogs sick, but infected dogs spread it to sheep, causing costly damage for farmers.
- Lungworm. Can affect cats that hunt, as they pick it up from prey such as birds and rodents.
What about heartworm?
Heartworm isn't found in New Zealand, so pets living here don't need heartworm prevention. If you're taking your pet to Australia or overseas, talk to your vet well before you go.
Signs your pet may have worms
Many pets with worms show no signs at all, which is why regular treatment matters. When symptoms do appear, they can include:
- worms or rice-like segments in poo or around the bottom
- scooting or licking the bottom
- diarrhoea, vomiting or a dull coat
- weight loss despite a good appetite
- a pot-bellied look in puppies and kittens
How often should you worm?
- Puppies and kittens: every 2 weeks until 12 weeks old, then monthly until 6 months old.
- Adult pets: at least every 3 months. Monthly spot-on treatments make this easy, as fleas and worms are covered at the same time.
- Farm dogs and dogs fed raw sheep or goat meat: monthly with a praziquantel-based tapeworm treatment, as recommended by Ovis Management. Any dog visiting a sheep farm should be dosed at least 48 hours beforehand.
Treat every pet in the household at the same time, and keep on top of fleas. Without flea control, pets keep getting reinfected with flea tapeworm.
Flea and worm treatments we stock
Spot-on treatments are applied to the skin on the back of the neck. There are no tablets to hide or spit out, which makes them a favourite with cat owners in particular.
Moxiclear Flea & Worm Spot On for Dogs. A monthly treatment covering roundworm, hookworm and whipworm, along with fleas, lice, ear mites and sarcoptic mange. It's water resistant, so swimming and baths won't wash it off. Sold in packs of three, so one pack covers one dog for three months.
Moxiclear Flea & Worm Spot On for Cats. Covers roundworm, hookworm and lungworm, plus fleas and ear mites. Available in 3 and 6 packs, with separate sizes for kittens and adult cats.
PetScience Easi-Spot for Dogs and PetScience Easi-Spot for Cats. Contains selamectin, and treats roundworm, lungworm and ear mites as well as fleas and their eggs and larvae. Suitable from 8 weeks old, with a kitten and puppy size available.
Important: you'll also need a tapeworm treatment
Neither spot-on treatment kills tapeworm. To cover flea tapeworm and sheep measles tapeworm, use a tablet containing praziquantel alongside your spot-on. Your vet can supply one. For most town pets, a tapeworm dose every 3 months is enough. Farm dogs and raw-fed dogs need it monthly.
Getting the dose right
- Weigh your pet before you buy. Dosing is based on weight, and guessing often leads to under-dosing.
- Never use a dog product on a cat. Dog and cat versions contain different strengths, and some dog flea products are toxic to cats.
- Check the pack for the minimum age and weight before treating puppies and kittens.
- Note the date on your calendar or set a phone reminder, so the next dose isn't missed.
Not sure which product suits your pet? Call or pop into our Oxford store and we'll talk it through with you.
Feeding raw? Read this
Raw feeding is safe when done properly, but raw sheep and goat meat can carry the sheep measles tapeworm. New Zealand also has rules on feeding offal to dogs to protect its hydatids-free status. Buy raw food from a supplier that makes pet food to MPI requirements, like the frozen range we stock. If you feed your own homekill, freeze sheep or goat meat at -10°C or colder for at least 10 days, or cook it thoroughly. Read more in our guide to the benefits of feeding raw food.
Keep worms out of your home
- Pick up dog poo promptly and clean litter trays daily.
- Wash hands after handling pets, especially before eating.
- Stop pets scavenging dead animals and carcasses.
- Treat fleas regularly. See our guide to treating fleas in NZ.
Shop flea and worm treatments
Browse our flea and worm treatments, with delivery across New Zealand and click and collect from Oxford, North Canterbury. Or get in touch and tell us about your pet. We're happy to help you choose.
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, see your vet.