Heartworm prevention should begin at 12 weeks of age and must continue the whole of the dog's life.

Older dogs who are not on heartworm prevention must have a test before going onto the tablets. Heartworm preventatives are available either as daily tablets or monthly tablets.

Dogs should be wormed against Roundworm, Hookworm, Whipworm and Tapeworm.

As pups are infected before birth, they should be wormed at 2, 3 and 4 weeks of age with puppy worming syrup. They should then be wormed with an effective broad spectrum wormer at 6 weeks of age and again at 3 months of age. All dogs over 3 months of age should be wormed every 3 months. If heavy worm burdens exist, more frequent worming may be necessary.

Pregnant bitches should be wormed at 6 weeks pregnant, 3 weeks after whelping and at weaning. This program minimise infection of the pups.

Cats need to be wormed regularly to remove intestinal worms.

Kittens should be treated for roundworm and hookworm every two weeks until they are 12 weeks old. After this cats should be treated for roundworm, hookworm and tapeworm every 3 months.

Heartworm can occur in cats although the incidence is very low. Preventatives are available.