Symptoms of Worms in Puppies

Many puppy parents face a common and irritating problem, dog worms. It is believed that many puppies are born with dog worms as they get infected by them from their mothers in the womb. Even if most puppies are not infected by their mothers, there are plenty of other ways, by which they could develop symptoms of dog worms. Let us have a look at some of the signs and symptoms of worms in puppies. But, before dwelling in to the symptoms of worms in dogs, we shall have a look at the causes.

Causes of Worms in Dogs
It was a common believe that worms in dogs were transferred by the mother to her puppies in utero. However, there are many parasites in dogs that can infest a puppy through various means. Let us have a look at the causes of worms in puppies.

Symptoms of worms can develop after transmission of Heartworms due to mosquito bites. The Heartworm parasite enters the body of a mosquito after it bites an infected dog. When the same mosquito bites a healthy dog, the parasite is transferred into his body. Thus, developing symptoms of worms infestation.

Puppies that are fed uncooked meat, fish and other meat products get infected with different types of worms in dogs. Apart from meat, puppies are infected by ingesting tapeworms and roundworms larvae from the environment. Rodents and mice are also known to transfer intestinal worms in puppies. Sometimes larvae and eggs of worms are transferred when the puppies come in contact with their mother's coat. It is very easy for puppies to contract an infection in dog kennels. There are many dogs in a dog kennel that may be infected with worms. These worms may get transferred by licking, coming in contact with dog coats, drinking pans, feeding trays, dog beds, etc.

What are the Signs of Worms in Puppies?
There are many symptoms of worms in dogs that you should watch out for. These signs and symptoms will help you keep the infection in check. If left untreated, it may lead to many dog health problems that may lead to death of the puppy. Each and every infection leads to many symptoms of dog worms. We shall summarize some of the common symptoms, that will help you seek immediate medical care.

One of the first sign is bad breath. Also known as 'puppy breath' is a very good sign that may indicate the presence of intestinal worms. The parasitic infection may cause many dental problems in the puppies. Thus, you should seek veterinary help in case your puppy has dental as well as puppy breath problems.

Another common symptoms of worms in dogs is bloating and distended stomach. You may give your puppy a proper and balanced diet, yet those infected with worms will show poor growth and development. The puppy may look weak and anemic as the parasites are sucking away the nutrition from the puppies body. Hookworms in dogs are tiny vampires that suck away the blood of the little puppy, leaving him severely anemic. This may cause the puppy to develop convulsions and frothing in the mouth. The puppy does not grow into a healthy and strong dog, but grows weaker and weaker. Finally, the tiny one dies in case of severe infection. If you are able to help him with medical treatment, he will grow up to be weaker and feeble as compared to other dogs of his age.

Symptoms of worms in puppies also include dry and hot nose, pale lips, gums, watery eyes and hacking cough. The puppy will have red rash or irritated skin that is dry and scaly. The puppy will shed more than normal continuously. He will be hungry continuously and may eat dirt as well as garbage. And some days, the puppy will refuse to eat anything at all. Disturbed sleep and rumbling intestine is one of the symptoms of worms in dogs. The puppy will pass dark-colored urine and have irregular bowel movements. Your active puppy will soon turn lifeless day by day. He will suffer from seizures, champing jaws, and may develop paralysis of the rear limbs.

A few of the signs and symptoms include the following:

• Dull coat
• Excessive weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Pot belly
• Abnormal coughing
• Extremely low energy level
• Diarrhea
• White segments seen in stool indicating presence of tapeworm
• Sticky, hot and ropy saliva in mouth

Treatment of Worms
If you spot any of the symptoms of dog worms, take your puppy to a veterinarian immediately. The veterinarian is the best person to approach for advise on how to treat dog worms. He will carry out a few test and diagnose the problem. The veterinarian will advise you to buy a de-worming medication that will help treating the puppy. You should get your puppy regularly wormed every 2 weeks after they are about 4 to 12 weeks old. When the puppy is between 12 weeks to 6 months old, you should take him for worming every month. Puppies and dogs above the age of 6 months should be wormed every 3 months.

This was all about what are the symptoms of worms in puppies. You should remain highly alert about the symptoms of worms in dogs as it is a matter of life and death for your pet. Take good dog care and shower lots of love and attention on your little pup. This will help keep dog health problems at bay and keep your puppy healthy and happy for life.