A third of pet owners admit to experiencing a few horrors as a result of not worming their dogs or cats, with some animals even being signed off work as a result
A third of pet owners have confessed to facing some unpleasant situations due to neglecting to worm their dogs or cats. A study involving 2,000 pet owners unveiled that their pets became restless and aggressive when not dewormed. The most common indicators were hair loss from incessant scratching and the discovery of worm segments in bedding and vomit.
Almost a quarter admitted their pet had experienced worms previously, yet the thought of their pet harbouring these parasites still made seven out of ten owners feel uneasy. When presented with a microscopic image of an actual worm, a staggering eight in 10 likened the parasites to creatures from a horror or alien film.
Despite the risks, 19% of pet owners confessed they weren't overly worried about the impact of worms on their pets' health, and a staggering 37% were oblivious to the fact that some worms can infect humans too.
When quizzed about potential symptoms via OnePoll.com, respondents identified an itchy bottom (60%), visible worm segments (46%), and weight loss (46%) as tell-tale signs.
Drontal, the company behind the survey, has launched a series of fictional film posters inspired by ‘alien' invaders residing in your pet's gut. The posters, titled ‘The Purrasite Within' and ‘The Furmidable Infestation', are designed to raise awareness about the issue.
Created by artist Graham Humphreys, known for his work on iconic artworks for A Nightmare on Elm Street, Drawing Blood, and Castle of the Living Dead, the hand-drawn and painted posters feature catchy taglines like ‘a nightmare in nine lives' and ‘your best friend just got unwelcome visitors'.
Luke Gamble, a vet and founder of the global animal health charity, Worldwide Veterinary Service, commented: “If you don't know your pet has experienced worms – and you often won't – due to the lack of signs – then it's understandable you might not be that worried about your animal getting them. But actually, the effects can be quite scary and serious. “
Pet owners confessed to neglecting worming treatments for their pets due to a lack of symptoms. Many struggled with giving their pets the necessary tablets, while others underestimated the risk or were simply unaware of the fact their pets needed worming.
While 36% of pet owners believe in a quarterly worming schedule, 23% think it should be done monthly. Experts suggest that the recommended frequency is either monthly or every three months, depending on the pet's lifestyle.
“Thankfully,” Luke added, “there is a way to defend your pets from these ‘purrasites’ and also get rid of them if they do invade your pet and make an unwelcome appearance in your home.”
He further advised: “To avoid the horrors of parasitic worms invading your pets – and your own bed – it's advisable to stick to a regular routine of giving your beloved pet its worming tablets.
“And keep the ‘horror' of worms firmly in the imagination – and on these posters.”