Does My Dog Have Worms?

If you have a pet dog, then, you must have a basic idea about the common health problems that can affect the animal. One of the most common dog illnesses is worms, that are parasites that live within its body. Even though, intestinal parasites (whipworm, hookworm, roundworm and tapeworm) are commonly found in dogs, there is another type of parasite called heartworm, which infests the heart and blood vessels. Dog worms may not cause any symptoms in the early stages of infestation. Even though, the dog has any mild symptoms, you may not notice them. Dog worms, if left untreated, may cause severe symptoms and in some cases, may also spread to humans. So, it is very important to get it treated at the earliest. This will be possible, if you have a basic understanding of the various aspects of this dog health problem, called dog worms. If you too have the same doubt, i.e., does my dog have worms?, then, read on.

Dog Worm Symptoms

As mentioned above, if you have a basic idea about the symptoms of dog worms, you may be able to identify this problem. This early detection is always beneficial in treating the condition at the earliest. This avoids worsening of the condition, thereby reducing the discomfort caused to the dog. While, intestinal worms in dogs may not cause fatal complications, heartworms can cause such problems and so, the latter condition has to be treated as soon as it is detected. In general, dogs with worm problems may exhibit symptoms, like, dull coat, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, blood in stools, dehydration, etc. In some cases, affected dogs may also develop pot bellies.

If the dog is infested with roundworms, the most common symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting and pot belly. You may also find the worms in the dog's poop. These worms are almost four to five inches in length and white in color. In case of whipworms, the dogs may lose weight and may also experience recurring diarrhea, blood in stools, anemia and inflammation of the colon. Sometimes, the poop may contain eggs. Another common type of dog worm is tapeworm, which causes vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss in dogs. In this case, the affected dogs experience intense discomfort, along with itching. Tapeworm segments are often seen in dog's poop as uncooked rice grains (white, flat and small).

Unlike other types, hookworms cause itchy feet that may develop rashes too. The dog may also have cough and wheezing, apart from diarrhea and vomiting. The poop may also turn red or black. Hookworms, if left untreated, may even lead to death in puppies. In case of heartworms, symptoms may not appear in the early stages. With time, the dog develops lethargy, cough, loss of appetite, weight loss, protruded chest, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in stools, dull coat and even blindness. Now, you know the answer for the question, why does my dog have worms in his poop? The next paragraph will provide you with information about how they get infected.

How do Dogs Get Worms

While, heartworms are transmitted by mosquito bites, tapeworm infection is often caused by ingestion of infected fleas. Hookworm infection can be caused by ingestion of the eggs or larvae. These larvae can also burrow the skin and enter the body, causing infection. Such infection can also be caused to the fetus inside the womb of an infected mother. If there is hookworm larvae in water, drinking such water may also result in hookworm infection. Roundworms can also infect the fetus, while, inside the womb. Ingestion of infected animals can also cause roundworms. In case of whipworms, infection occurs from contaminated water or food. If you are wondering how to treat your dog's worms, the following paragraph will provide you with some information.

While, some worms are visible to naked eyes, some others are microscopic in nature. So, if you find worms in the dog's poop, then, identifying dog worms and the type of infection will be easier. Otherwise, microscopic evaluation of the feces is done. So, if you notice any symptoms of worms in dogs, then, contact your vet immediately and provide the right treatment for your dog. The most common medications used are for deworming and you have to follow the treatment plan to eradicate the problem completely. The type of medication may change with the type of infection. You may also resort to some home remedies for dog worms (only after seeking the opinion of your vet).

In short, if the dog shows any symptoms of worms, take him/her to the vet and diagnose the condition. Provide the dog with proper treatment to avoid complications. Now, as you have a basic idea of dog worms, you can help others like you, who have questions like, does my dog have worms.