Parasites are not just deeply uncomfortable; they can be extremely dangerous for dogs. However, one huge issue when it comes to parasites is that it can be quite difficult to tell whether or not your dog is infested.
The symptoms of worms in dogs can be quite similar to those caused by other conditions. To avoid all that, you need to know what to look for.
So, to learn more about worms in pet dogs and how to treat them, we thought it would be beneficial to have all the needed information compiled in one article. Give it a read!
Worms in dogs
Worms are tiny parasites that can be quite common in dogs, especially puppies. They can also cause a wide array of health issues.
Most of these parasites stay in your dog’s intestines, feeding off their blood and nutrients.
Some of the most common types of worms in dogs are roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms, and heartworms.
They are all gastrointestinal parasites, which basically means they live in the intestinal tracts of their victims.
Heartworms, however, infest the hearts and lungs of dogs, presenting with a completely different series of symptoms from intestinal parasites.
Today, we will cover mostly intestinal parasites, while also touching on the subject of heartworms, which deserves its own spot due to the seriousness of the condition.
Signs and symptoms
There are plenty of signs of worms in dogs. Some of them are quite specific to certain species of worms, whereas other symptoms, like weight loss, anemia, malaise, and changes in appetite, are a bit more general and can be symptoms of many other diseases and conditions.
Below, you have a very comprehensive list of all the symptoms your dog could experience.
Symptoms of worms in dogs
- weight loss
- anemia
- diarrhea
- loss of appetite
- weakness
- pneumonia
- skin inflammation
- dermatitis
- inflamed rectum
- malaise
- loss of growth (especially in puppies)
- loss of condition
- post-bellied appearance
- coughing and lethargy
Way too many puppies are born with worms, and they are infected by their mothers transplacentally; others are infected right after, while nursing.
This is exactly why conscientious breeders need to follow a deworming schedule under the close guidance of veterinarians, and why puppy owners are obliged to understand the signs.
If your puppy isn’t naturally growing, and it has a pot-bellied appearance, or shows any of the other symptoms of worms in dogs, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian to check if the worms, or something else, might be the culprit.
Worms can easily affect adult dogs. Heartworms are especially dangerous for dogs, no matter the age, and can be quite fatal if left untreated.
Signs of heartworms in dogs also include coughing, reduced activity, as well as malaise. Intestinal worms can be spotted through a wide range of symptoms, depending on the type.
For instance, some worm larvae can migrate through the skin, which could lead to dermatitis and skin inflammation.
In larger numbers, most worms can cause anemia and weakness, malaise, and changes in appetite and coat condition.
Among all these, weight loss is also quite common. Severe infestations can also lead to other conditions, such as pneumonia.
Ultimately, you could even see physical evidence of worms in your dog’s feces or around their rectum.
Worms, as well as worm segments, could look like grains of rice and small pieces of spaghetti, but bear in mind they might not always be visible.
How do pets end up with worms?
Dogs can easily contract worms in different ways, and it all depends on the species of worm. Here are some of the most important types:
- transplacental (before puppies are born, via the placenta)
- transmammary (when puppies are nursing, they are transmitted via their mother’s milk)
- Transdermal (through the skin)
- contact with certain infected soil
- contact with infected feces
- Eating wild game
- fleas
- mosquitos
Puppies could get parasites from their mothers, either during pregnancy or while nursing.
Roundworms, for example, could cross the placental barrier, which leads to many puppies being infested at birth. Puppies can easily ingest hookworms with colostrum, the nutrient-rich milk puppies drink right after birth.
Hookworms can be easily transmitted through infected soil. Transdermal infection happens when this parasite penetrates the skin, as dogs lie on infected ground.
The eggs are often ingested by dogs, since they play, sniff, and groom themselves in infected areas.
Infected feces are whipworms, hookworms, roundworms, and other parasite transmitters, which is why it’s important to keep a good hygiene around dog poop.
Of course, other forms of transmission can include eating infested game, accidental ingestion of fleas (tapeworms), or mosquito bites (heartworm).
Diagnosing worms in dogs
It is true that knowing the symptoms of worms could help you identify an issue. However, the only way to tell whether or not your dog has worms, and what kind of worms, is to go and consult your veterinarian.
With microscopic imaging, as well as diagnostic tests, your vet can establish if your dog has worms or another serious condition. It’s always good to bring a fresh sample of your dog’s stool to your vet appointment.
As soon as your vet has fully figured out what kind of worm your dog has, you might finally be able to treat it with the right amount and kind of medication. In some of the most severe cases, other steps could also be required to stabilize your dog until the parasites have been fully cleared from their system.
What’s the main harm worms can cause?
When left untreated, your dog could get seriously ill. Not only do worms rob your dog of essential nutrients, but they can also damage your dog’s internal organs and be fatal.
That’s also one of the reasons why it’s crucial to discuss with your veterinarian, especially if you suspect your dog has an infestation.
How to treat worms in dogs
Right now, you probably wonder how to efficiently get rid of worms in dogs. All in all, always preoccupying yourself with all the parasites that might infest your dog is quite unsettling.
Before you even reach for the deworming medications, you should make sure you consult your veterinarian about the medication that might be the most effective for your pup, as well as any other type of care.
Also, bear in mind that puppies could end up being infested with more than one species of worms, in which case a wide combination of treatments or a deworming medication that targets all worms might be necessary.
The drugs approved for the treatment of intestinal parasites include fenbendazone, milbemycin, moxidectin, piperazine, pyrantel, oxantel, praziquantel, epsiprantel, and nitroscanate.
How often should you treat your dog for worms?
Since worms are mainly prevalent in puppies, your puppy should go through a deworming treatment at least once a month, until they are four months old.
As adults, your dog might not need proactive deworming, as long as they are up to date on their monthly heartworm medication. In fact, most types can easily protect against intestinal parasites.
Deworming is only needed if they are diagnosed with an infestation. If you’re the proud owner of an adult dog and are deeply concerned about worms, you should talk to your vet about your dog’s specific circumstances, just to make sure they are effectively protected.
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