Table of Contents
Pictures of intestinal worms
Symptoms of worms
How do pets catch worms?
How to get rid of worms
How to prevent worms returning
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What do worms in pets look like?
- By Hannah
-
- February 2, 2026
- 3 MIN READ
Have you ever wondered what those pesky worms lurking in your pet's system actually look like? Well, you're in luck! Read on to see photos of intestinal worms, their symptoms in your pet, and treatment options.
Pictures of intestinal worms
Worms to the naked eye (specifically tapeworms, which are very common in pets), look more like grains of rice than an actual worm. Here are the four main types of worms and what they look like under the microscope:
Symptoms of worms
Identifying worm infestations in your pets can be challenging, as symptoms may vary depending on the type of worm and the severity of the infestation. However, here are some common signs to watch out for:
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Visible worms: In some cases, you may actually see worms in your pet's stool, vomit, or around their anal area (Fun…!)
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Changes in appetite: Worm infestations can cause a loss of appetite or increased hunger in pets.
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Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss or failure to thrive despite a normal diet may indicate a worm infestation.
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Dull coat: A lacklustre or unkempt appearance of your pet's coat can be a sign of poor health, potentially due to worms.
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Diarrhoea or vomiting: Digestive disturbances such as diarrhoea or vomiting may occur in pets with severe worm infestations.
How do pets catch worms?
Worms can get into your pet through lots of different ways, such as contaminated food, water or soil. Worms eggs or larvae can live in outside water bowls or food waste on the ground and once your pet swallows, worms develop inside them.
If your pet has had contact with animals who have worms, this can lead to your pet also being infected. Or for those smaller furballs, worms can easily spread from mother-to-pet. This transmission can happen during pregnancy or nursing.
A recent flea infestation could be the answer your pet has worms. Tapeworms can live in fleas and once ingested by your pet, bosh, worm infestation too. In the case of Heartworm, a potentially fatal parasite, can be transmitted through mosquito bites. So you're best off deworming your pet regularly to avoid worms full stop.
How to get rid of worms
If you suspect that your pet has worms, it's crucial to seek veterinary advice for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Here's how worms are typically treated in pets:
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Deworming medications: Tablets like Itch Wormer Tablets for dogs and Itch Wormer Tablets for cats will kill all common intestinal worms and prevent newly hatched larvae from growing and multiplying - YAY!
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Follow-up testing: In some severe cases, follow-up testing by a vet may be recommended to confirm that the worm infestation has been successfully treated.
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Supportive care: Depending on the severity of the infestation and any accompanying symptoms, your vet may provide supportive care to help your pet recover, such as fluids for dehydration or dietary adjustments.
How to prevent worms returning
Preventing worms from returning after treatment is essential for maintaining your pet's health and preventing reinfestation. Here are some tips to help prevent worms from returning:
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Regular deworming
Follow a regular deworming schedule for your pet to prevent new infestations using Itch Worming Tablets
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Flea control
Since fleas can transmit certain types of worms, such as tapeworms, it's essential to implement a comprehensive flea control program for your pet. Itch Flea Treatment for Dogs and Itch Flea Treatment for Cats kills all adult fleas and halts all other flea life stages in their tracks!
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Keep in mind where worms might be
As we've mentioned, worms can live in many different places but that doesn't mean you can't protect your pet from these areas. Avoid letting your pet eat food off the ground and drinking from dirty water. To find out where else your pet can catch worms click here.
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Hygiene practices
Regularly clean to remove faeces from the garden and keep bedding clean and dry.
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Prevent hunting
Minimise your pet's exposure to potential sources of infection, such as hunting or scavenging for prey, which may carry parasites.
Understanding what worms look like in pets and recognising the symptoms of worm infestations is essential for prompt diagnosis and treatment. By being vigilant and proactive about your pet's health, you can help prevent and address worm infestations effectively. Here's to happy, healthy pets free from those pesky parasites!
Protect your pet from worms.
Intestinal worms can cause serious health issues for your pet and your family, but with a regular de-worming schedule you can protect your pet, home and family from these persistent parasites.
Itch Wormer tablets kills all common intestinal worms and prevent larvae from hatching and multiplying, until your pet's next regular treatment.
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Worming
Identification
What are worms in pets?
Worms are sadly a common concern for pet owners. These parasites can infest our furry companions, leading to discomfort and potential health issues. Here we'll unravel the world of worms in pets, addressing what they are, what causes them, whether all dogs and cats need worming, how to treat worm infestations, and most importantly, how to prevent them. By the end, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to keep your pets super healthy and worm-free.
Worming
Treatment
How often should you worm your pet?
Intestinal worms are no picnic. They can cause a whole host of health problems in your pets including diarrhoea, tummy pain, weight loss and anaemia. In extreme cases, they can even be fatal. As if that’s not bad enough, they can also do some serious damage to people too! So often do you need to give your pet worming treatment? The answer depends on various factors, including the type of pet, their age, lifestyle, and risk of exposure. Carry on reading to find out more...
Worming
Prevention
How to deworm your pet?
Intestinal worms are nasty wrigglers that can be a real bother for you, your family and your pet. Fortunately, you can prevent this being a problem with a regular pet worming routine. Follow our advice on regularly deworming your cat or dog to say goodbye to ringworms, tapeworms, whipworms and hookworms in no time.