It’s a common belief that pets who live entirely indoors are safe from parasites. After all, they don’t roll in the mud or snack on random things outside—so what’s the risk, right? Actually, quite a bit. Even indoor cats and dogs can become hosts to internal parasites without ever stepping paw outside.
At 108 Avenue Animal Hospital, we often meet surprised pet owners who assumed their pets were protected simply by being indoors. The truth? Worms don’t always wait for an outdoor invitation.
Sneaky Ways Indoor Pets Pick Up Worms
Even the cleanest home can expose pets to intestinal parasites. Here are some surprising sources:
- Fleas: These tiny pests often carry tapeworm larvae. If your indoor pet swallows a flea while grooming, that’s enough to start an infection.
- Shoes and Bags: You may unknowingly track in parasite eggs from parks, public places, or soil.
- Raw Food or Table Scraps: Raw meat, undercooked food, or certain leftovers can contain roundworm or hookworm larvae.
- Other Pets or Visitors: If you’ve got an outdoor pet or host visiting animals, they can bring parasites in with them.
This is why the team at 108 Avenue Animal Hospital emphasizes regular preventative care—even for pets that never leave the house.
So, How Often Should You Deworm An Indoor Pet?
For most adult indoor cats and dogs, deworming every 3 to 6 months is a good general guideline. However, the ideal frequency depends on factors like:
- Your pet’s age and breed
- Whether they live with other pets
- Their diet and grooming habits
- Any history of parasites or recurring symptoms
Kittens and puppies should be dewormed more frequently—usually every 2 weeks until 12 weeks of age, then monthly until 6 months. Senior pets and immunocompromised pets may also require closer monitoring.
Want a personalized deworming schedule? The veterinary team at 108 Avenue Animal Hospital can assess your pet’s risk and recommend a safe, effective plan tailored just for them.
Signs Your Indoor Pet Might Already Have Worms
Sometimes, the symptoms are subtle. Here’s what to watch for:
- Visible worms in feces or around the tail
- Scooting or excessive licking of the rear
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Sudden weight loss despite normal eating
- Dull coat or bloated belly
Some pets show no signs at all, which is why routine fecal testing is important. If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, it’s time for a check-up.
What Deworming Treatment Is Right For Your Pet?
Not all worms are the same—and not all medications treat them equally. Roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms all require different ingredients or treatment approaches.
Over-the-counter dewormers are often broad-spectrum, but not always effective or safe. At 108 Avenue Animal Hospital, we only recommend veterinary-approved dewormers that are properly dosed for your pet’s weight, age, and lifestyle. We also run fecal tests to identify exactly which parasite we’re dealing with, ensuring targeted and effective treatment.
Prevention Is Easier (And Cheaper) Than Treatment
Routine deworming and fecal checks aren’t just about keeping your pet healthy—they’re also about protecting your household. Some parasites can be transmitted to humans, especially children, seniors, or immunocompromised family members. Regular prevention is safer, simpler, and more cost-effective than treating a full-blown infection later.
Need to set up your pet’s deworming schedule? The team at 108 Avenue Animal Hospital is here to help with expert care, friendly advice, and customized wellness plans.
Call us today at (604) 581-1108 to schedule an appointment or ask questions about your pet’s parasite protection. Indoor or not, your pet deserves complete care.
