Newly Acquired Animals Worm immediately, after 2 weeks, and then follow above recommendations. Foster and Smith suggest that owners of newly acquired puppies and kittens should obtain the deworming history of their new pet and contact their veterinarian to determine if additional deworming is needed. Roundworms and hookworms of cats and dogs can cause serious disease in people, especially children who may not have good hygiene habits. Treating your pet for worms is important for your pet s health as well as yours. Many veterinarians would agree that at a minimum, animals should have an annual fecal examination performed.
Fecal examinations are advantageous.
By having a fecal examination performed, you will know if your pet has intestinal parasites. If she does, you may need to change her environment and access to other animals. You will also know what type of parasites she has so the proper medication will be selected to kill all of them. Just as we have our cholesterol and blood pressure checked more often as we grow older, it is suggested our older pets need some routine checks too. Diabetes, kidney disease and some hormonal diseases occur much more frequently in older animals.