Fighting Intestinal Worms in Australian Farm Dogs

Tanya

G'day everyone, welcome back to Worms in Working Dogs. I'm Tanya, and I'm here with Jock. Today we're diving into a topic that's, well, not the most glamorous, but super important for anyone with farm dogs—intestinal worms.

Jock

Yeah, cheers Tanya. It's one of those things, isn't it? You don't really think about it until you see the signs. And honestly, I reckon most folks would be surprised—like, around 80% of Aussie dogs have some kind of intestinal worm. That's wild.

Tanya

Yeah, and it's not just one type either. We're talking roundworm, whipworm, hookworm, and the common flea tapeworm. All of 'em can be lurking in your working dogs, even if they look pretty healthy on the outside.

Jock

And the thing that gets me is how prolific these worms are. Some of the adult worms can pump out, what, 20,000 eggs a day? And those eggs can just sit in the dirt for, like, five years. That's a long time to be waiting for a new host.

Tanya

Yeah, it's a bit gross when you think about it. I mean, you might not even notice at first. Jock, you had a story about your dog, didn't you?

Jock

Yeah, so, I remember with my old kelpie, I started noticing his coat was looking a bit dull, and he was dropping weight even though he was eating the same. At first, I thought maybe he was just getting older, but then I saw he was a bit pot-bellied and, you know, just not himself. Turns out, it was worms. I always thought you’d see them in the droppings straight away, but sometimes it’s just those subtle signs.

Tanya

Yeah, and sometimes you do see the actual worms or those little white segments in their droppings, but a lot of the time it's just those little changes—like pale gums or even tail skidding. It's easy to miss if you're not looking for it.

Jock

So, how do these worms actually get into our dogs? It's not just from eating dodgy stuff, right?

Tanya

Yeah, it's a few different ways. Uncooked meat is a big one, but they can also pick up worms from rodents, or even just from the ground. Like, whipworm larvae can get in through the skin if your dog's lying on the grass. And then there's fleas—especially with the tapeworms.

Jock

And it's not just the dogs at risk. I mean, people can get infected too, especially kids who are always playing with the dogs and maybe not washing their hands after. It's a bit scary when you think about it.

Tanya

Yeah, I remember the first time I actually saw worms in my dog's droppings. I was honestly shocked at how easy it seemed for them to get infected. Like, you do your best to keep things clean, but just a bit of contact with contaminated soil or even a flea can be enough.

Jock

Yeah, and sometimes it's just from sniffing around or eating something off the ground. Even if you think your kennels are clean, those eggs can hang around for years. Makes you realise how important it is to stay on top of it.

Tanya

So, let's talk about what you can actually do to keep your dogs healthy. Regular worm treatments are a must, but there's a bit more to it than just giving them a tablet every now and then.

Jock

Yeah, for sure. Flea control is a big one, especially in summer. Those spot-on treatments from the vet are probably the best bet. And then, keeping the kennels and sleeping areas clean—like, I try to clean out the kennels every couple of days and keep an eye out for any signs of fleas or mice.

Tanya

Yeah, and don't forget about controlling mice and rats, since they're hosts for some of these worms. And picking up dog poo from the yards and around the kennels—it's not the most fun job, but it really helps keep the worm burden down.

Jock

And if you've got farm cats, make sure you're worming and flea-treating them too. They can spread worms just as easily. Oh, and washing your hands before eating—especially after handling the dogs or cats. I know it's basic, but it's easy to forget when you're busy.

Tanya

Yeah, and feeding your dogs proper pet food instead of letting them hunt for their own meals makes a difference too. Keeps them healthier and less likely to pick up worms from vermin.

Jock

And just on worming—pups need it every two weeks from birth, then monthly from three to six months, and after that, every three months. But it's always best to check with your vet about which product to use and how often, 'cause it can depend on the dog's weight and what worms are around in your area.

Tanya

Yeah, that's a good point. I always double-check with the vet, just to be sure. Anyway, that's about it for today. Keeping on top of worms is a bit of work, but it's worth it for healthy, happy dogs.

Jock

Yeah, absolutely. Thanks for tuning in, everyone. We'll be back with more tips for keeping your working dogs in top shape. Catch ya next time, Tanya.

Tanya

See ya, Jock. And thanks everyone for listening. Take care of your dogs, and we'll chat soon!