Due to their indiscriminate palettes and close proximity to the ground, the dogs we know and love are easy carriers of worms. The effects of worms can range between inconvenient or gross to frighteningly problematic or potentially fatal. To help dog owners guard against close contact with worms, we offer the following guide to internal parasites.
Part of the Territory
Because they feed off blood or other nutrients in the intestinal tract, worms can be extremely unpleasant for both dogs and their owners. Luckily, diagnosing and treating symptoms caused by internal parasites is fairly uncomplicated. However, very young dogs or those suffering from poor nutrition are considered high risk.
What We Look For
Among the most common worms in dogs, we see the following more often:
- Roundworms
- Hookworms
- Whipworms
- Tapeworms (typically transmitted by fleas)
The stuff of nightmares, these worms can be long and pale (roundworms), equipped with biting mouthparts (hookworms), or an especially thin head used for burrowing into the walls of the intestines (whipworms).
Parts of worms may be seen in dog feces, or they may be present in the vomit of dogs suffering a major infestation of roundworms. Worm eggs aren’t visible to the naked eye, so fecal labs are critical in accurately diagnosing worms in dogs.
How It Happens
Worms show up in dogs of all ages and lifestyles. They may be present anywhere in the environment where other dogs have excreted waste. Inadvertently swallowing microscopic eggs off the ground, or picking them up in the fur, are highly likely sources of worms. Worms can penetrate dog skin and migrate to the intestines.
Another source of worms is, of course, scavenging dead animals. As mentioned, tapeworms can be passed by fleas if a dog eats a tapeworm infected flea. Pregnant and lactating mothers can also pass worms to their puppies in the womb or while nursing.
Routine Screenings
Because some symptoms of worms don’t impact daily wellness, fecal tests are usually part of a dog’s annual wellness exam. You might never see problems related to worms, but over time, worms can cause or worsen anemia, bloody or mucus-like diarrhea, bloated belly, vomiting, and weight loss. Early intervention is typically less expensive and more effective.
Monthly parasite prevention medication can safeguard a dog’s health. In the absence of a regular parasite prevention medication, we will prescribe a medication that targets the exact worm and/or treats a range of intestinal parasites.
Looking Ahead
Not only are worms in dogs potentially problematic to canine health and wellness, worms can lead to problems among human family members as well. As such, regular fecal tests, year-long parasite prevention medication, and de-worming medications are critical to everyone’s safety and health.
If you have any questions about worms in dogs, or need to request an appointment, please call us at (985) 646‑2025. Our staff at Brownswitch Pet Hospital is always here to help.