Worms in Puppies

Worms are tiny little parasites, that can cause discomfort and health problems to your puppy. Many puppies are usually born with worms due to the transfer of worms from their mother. These worms are present in the intestinal part of the puppy. Previously, it was believed that worms are passed to puppies only from their mothers. However, it is not true and puppies can be infested with worms due to many other means. These worms migrate in the form of eggs from infected carrier like mice to the puppies' body. These worms are even passed through feces. Worms are ingested in puppies even from environment. Worms in puppies should be treated quickly to avoid further health complications, because these worms can cause damage to vital organs like heart and lead to serious health consequences. However, worms in puppies is quite a common problem and is easy to deal. Some of the symptoms of worms in puppies are:

• Bloated abdomen
• Loss in weight
• Mucus covered feces
• Anemia
• Weakness
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Lack of energy

Worms in Puppies
To kill worms in puppies, it is necessary to identify the type of worm the puppy is affected with. Roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms and heartworms are different types of worms that are found in puppies. A brief discussion on each of these worms in puppies in given below.

Roundworms: These are most common type of worms in puppies and are generally passed in the form of egg/larvae from the mother of the puppies, i-e, if their mother is infected. Roundworms can also be passed through feces of other infected dog/puppy. Roundworms in puppies are intestinal parasites and they grow up to a length of 13 centimeters.

Hookworms: Hookworms in puppies are very tiny worms, that attach to the intestinal walls of the puppy and suck blood. These worms can enter into puppy's body through its skin and reach its intestine. Hookworms are found in moist areas and even humans can get infected by them.

Heartworms: Mosquitoes are the carriers that can infect your puppy with heartworms. As the name suggests, heartworms attack the heart of the puppy and cause serious fatal problems. Heartworms in puppies should not be neglected and a timely appropriate treatment is necessary.

Tapeworms: One more type of common worms in puppies are tapeworms. Tapeworms in puppies are transferred by fleas. Other carriers of tapeworms can be rodents and birds. Tapeworms can be seen in the feces of the puppy and they are white in color with a size equal to that of a small grain of rice. These worms are present in the intestine of the puppy and grow up to a length of 15 centimeters.

Whipworms: Whipworms in puppies are not so easy to detect. Frequent fecal tests need to be done to ensure if the puppy has been de-wormed properly.

Treatment for Worms in Puppies
If you suspect that your puppy is infected by worms then consult a veterinarian. Veterinarian will ask you to get the fecal samples of your puppy, to confirm the presence of any type of worm. Sometimes, fecal samples do not prove useful in diagnosing the presence of the worm and the veterinarian will take a blood sample of the puppy. The veterinarians provide appropriate medication to treat worms in puppies. These de-worming medications are very useful and your puppy will be free of worms very soon. Preventive measures should be taken for getting rid of worms in puppies. Veterinarians recommend that all the puppies should be given the de-worming medications after six weeks of their birth.

Worms in puppies can cause serious threat to the puppy health if it not treated at the earliest. Getting rid of worms in puppies is very easy and once done the puppy can lead a healthy life again. Read more on dog worms and puppy care.