Dog Health Worms

Dogs are quite prone to contracting various types of worms, or internal parasites.
Roundworms and tapeworms are the most common types. Other types of worms are hookworms, heartworm and whipworms.

Roundworms can infest puppies when they are quite young. Tapeworms have a tendency to come about when fleas are around. Thankfully it is possible to see roundworms and tapeworms with the human eye in the stools. Your vet will likely ask for a stool sample if you have presented with the suspicion that your dog has worms. Your vet can advise on an appropriate form of dog worms treatment.

How to tell if your dog has worms?
You may notice worms in your dog’s stools. If this is the case then take a stool sample to your vet for microscopic analysis. Your dog will also likely display some or all of the following symptoms of worms:

Diarrhea
Blood in stool
Loss of weight
Dull coat
Vomiting,
Low energy
Coughing
“Pot belly” appearance
Loss of appetite

Please note that worms do not always cause symptoms right away so it is important to always be on the lookout for any signs of worms in your dog.

Tapeworms are contracted through the ingestion of fleas or through eating wildlife which have tapeworm or fleas. Tapeworms must be treated with prescription medication.

Roundworms generally infest puppies rather than adult dogs. This can happen during pregnancy by being passed from mother to puppies.

Hookworms suck blood from the intestine by sticking to the walls. Dogs can get hookworm from contaminated soil and it can also be contracted in the uterus. The stools must be examined under a microscope to diagnose hookworms.

It should be noted that hookworm and roundworm can be transmitted to humans (zoonotic).

Heartworm can be avoided through the use of regular heartworm preventative treatment. See your vet for details and recommendations.

If you notice your dog displaying any of the above symptoms or simple feel he is not acting like himself, it is best to see a vet before the possible worm problem becomes serious.

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