7 Signs and Symptoms of Worm Infestation in Dogs

A dog owner's aim is to give his best friend the healthiest, happiest life possible. Yet in the unseen myriad of health issues, one significant threat is due to a typically invisible foe: worms. The tiny nemesis infests dogs, and if left unchecked can cause immense distress and health problems. Luckily, in time detection can be done so you keep the worms from enjoying 'home' stay in your dog's system, happy and free of worms. Let's start from basics:

Ways of Identifying Whether Your Dog has Worms

You would be surprised at how frequent worms are. This can happen to any dog, no matter the age, and most types of worms are curable with ordinary worming tablets. But do you know how to identify whether or not your dog has worms? Let's break it down.

Common Worm Symptoms in Dogs

Here are 7 common symptoms, which may indicate whether your dog has worms or not:

1.Visible worms or eggs in the feces

The most noticeable indication of worms in dogs is the moment you can actually see the worms or their eggs in the stool your dog produces. Roundworms, tapeworms, and some intestinal worms, can be visible to the naked eye, but some cannot; so you may require a vet for a proper identification.

2. Scooting or Scratching Around the Rear

If your dog is dragging himself on the floor or regularly rubs the rear end against the furniture, he might have worms that are irritating the area. Still, such action may be due to other numerous diseases/conditions, such as those affecting anal glands. Consult a vet to identify the right one.

3. Vomiting with Visible Worms

Vomiting is the most obvious symptom resulting from worm infestation when it comes to dogs. At times, the worms may be observed in the vomit, especially when the infestation level is high. In this case, veterinary guidance should be sought.

4. Distended Stomach or Swollen Belly

An enlarged abdomen, especially if roundworms are the case in point is one of the key signs. Most puppies get infested with roundworms as soon as they are born. Take your puppy to the vet for observation, in case you suspect that your puppy's stomach looks bloated, or they act restless and uncomfortable.

5. They have a voracious appetite but are losing weight

Other worms take the nutrient from what your dog eats, so it never gets a full meal. You will even see that your dog can become skinny no matter the amount of food that your dog consumes. It is also an indication of some other health issues.

6. Diarrhoea Containing Blood

Blood stools or diarrhoea is a serious symptom. Opt for immediate vet consultation. This might signal a much more complex condition like hookworm or any parasitic infection.

7. No Symptoms at All

Generally, infestations of worms are asymptomatic, especially for older dogs or in minor cases. Diagnosis can only be made through a faecal exam, which is something your vet can do for you.

How to Treat Dog Infestation of Worms

If you suspect your dog has worms, don't be concerned; it is usually pretty straightforward to treat. With common worms such as roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms, there are combination products available in the form of chewable worming tablets. Usually very palatable to dogs, these may be administered with or without food. However, worming tablets could not be a long term solution to this problem since these kill the worms already existing within the animal but prevent no new ones.

Your pet has to receive regular treatments, especially when being at increased risk. Normally, the vet would recommend worming every three months, whereas in other instances, for example hunting dogs or those whose owners are infants or elderly, it is recommended to carry out monthly treatments. Here is the list of the most common products for worm infestations

Drontal Dog Tasty Bone Tablet .

• Works swiftly in their hosts; typical canine tapeworms & roundworms
• Bone form makes them the most appetising for the dogs
• Can be administered on their own, or with feed, at any time

Panacur Granules for Cats & Dogs

• Subspectrum oral wormer, kills roundworms, and tapeworms
• Compatible both for cats and dogs

Drontal Plus XL Beef Flavour Dog Worming Tablet

• Dedicated for controlling the worms in the dogs
• Maintain your dog healthy as well as protected against beef flavoured tablets

Most of the common intestinal worms can be dealt with by 'broad-spectrum', 'multi-wormer', or 'allwormer' products, but not necessarily heartworm, lungworm, or some tapeworms. Refer to the label and your veterinarian for further information if you are unsure.

How Anthelmintics Work

Anthelmintics (products for worm infestations) are meant to kill the existing worms in the system of your dog. However, they do not work with residual protection and hence will require you to continue dosing regularly for the rest of its life. If a regular worming treatment is continued, the chance of your dog being infested with worms is reduced.

You will want to use the correct amount of the worming tablet for your puppy. Not sure how much your dog weighs? Call your vet for guidance. Puppies and adults are not the same, and there are other dogs that will require repeated treatment if more at risk of infection.

What's At Risk?

The following are some of the reasons why there is a higher predisposition of a dog getting worms:

• Being a Newborn Puppy: Puppies can get worms through the mother via milk or pregnancy. Eggs of roundworms stay dormant within the mother's system and become activated to infect the pups.

• Contact with Infected Soil: Hookworm and roundworm eggs survive for a long time in soil. Infection takes place in the case of dogs when they ingest infected soil.

• Fleas: Tapeworm infestation can occur when swallowing a flea while on a 'grooming spree',. Keeping away a flea is one of the most important preventive measures against a tapeworm infestation.

• Hunting or Ingesting Wildlife: The risk of dogs getting infected by worms coming from other wild animals is higher for those dogs that hunt or scavenge wildlife. For instance, tapeworms usually find their habitation on the body of wild animals and enter into the dog's system through these fleas.

Types of Worms in Dogs

Here is the overall view of some of the most common kinds of worms found in dogs:

Roundworms

These are long, noodle-like worms that may reach up to 12 inches long. Roundworms are mostly seen in stools from a dog and often produce bloated bellies in puppies.

Hookworms

These are small, thin worms which attach themselves to the walls of intestines and might cause internal bleeding leading to blood in the stools and in some cases anemia. Hookworms lay eggs that cannot be seen, only visible with a microscope.

Tapeworms

Sometimes, tapeworms may also appear as flat and elongated in the faeces of your dog. They resemble small rice-like segments; most of them contain eggs. Eggs also tend to cling onto fur around the anus. Generally, tapeworms are picked up from fleas.

Whipworms

Whipworms are long and narrow, taking up residence within the large intestine. These worms are not readily found and it may take more than one fecal sample for a diagnosis to be made.

Lungworm

Some pets ingest Angiostrongylus vasorum through slugs and snails. This worm is fatal as a parasitic worm and will need medical intervention.

Heartworms

Heartworms are potentially fatal but very rare in the UK. Mosquitoes pass heartworms, and they are only detectable by blood tests. Prevention of heartworm can be accessed from your vet.

How to Prevent and Treat Worms

Prevention of worm infestation on your dog starts with good hygiene and regular worming treatments:

Pick Up After Your Dog

For a long time, eggs in dog feces may still be present. Always clean up your dog feces to prevent this infection. Check out our range of convenient poo bags and poop scoops to make cleanup easy.

Wash Hands Often

Wash your hands after handling your pet , especially in preparation for food so you do not become a victim.

Worm Puppies Early

The puppies must be wormed at two weeks of age and then every 2-3 weeks after that. Thereafter, they should be wormed monthly up to six months of age. Use a regular spot-on flea treatment, like Frontline Plus or Advantage, to protect your pet from fleas and tapeworms.

Household Flea Sprays

Use home flea sprays, like Indorex Defence Spray, or frontline home guard to prevent fleas from getting into your house and living areas.

Human Vulnerability

While worms in dogs are a pet issue, many species of worms present a potential threat to humans. Roundworm eggs are a disease if ingested. Hookworms cause either skin or intestinal disease if larvae are picked up by walking barefoot over infected soil. Tapeworms are rare but can cause hydatid disease, which is very serious if cysts form in vital organs. In your best interest and that of your dog, hygiene needs to be adequately assured besides worming regularly.

Conclusion

First step to make your dog healthy and fit is to keep your dog free of worms. Proper prevention measures are to be followed for your dog in case your dog carries worms. This will help them remain healthy and happy for a very long time. Thorough visits to the vet, hygiene, and timely worming treatments will ensure a worm-free dog for you. Consult a vet If you suspect that your dog has worms or they need a worming treatment or not.