Could my dog be infected with worms?
As your pup sniffs, barks, and scratches its way through life, not a care in the world, eating everything it wants, rolling around in unpleasant things, doing all the things that make being a dog fun. Then out of nowhere, you might notice unpleasant visitors hanging around for the trip. One such unwelcome hanger-on can be worms.
Thankfully, you can look for and guard your dog from worms early. This can keep them from progressively getting worse, which makes life better for you and your dog.
Symptoms and signs your dog may have worms:
* Diarrhea, especially if you notice blood in it.
* An itchy bottom. If you notice your dog rubbing its rear on the floor or against furnishings, it may be irritated by worms in this area. Another possibility is that they are having issues with glands in these areas, not with worms.
* Worms or eggs in the dog’s feces – Yes, this is the most common way to notice if your dog has worms. Keep in mind, though, that not all types of worms can be seen by the naked eye.
* Vomiting, perhaps you’ll even see visible worms.
* Dull fur
* Appetite loss
* Dehydration leading to more thirst and as a result, more frequent urination.
* Noticeable worms in the fur or in the vicinity of the rear – Tapeworms might look like small moving segments in these areas, which can later dry out.
* Weakness, more hunger, loss of weight – If your dog is infected with worms, the worms are robbing your dog of necessary nutrition. Your dog could be eating but still be weak or constantly hungry, and even could be losing weight.
* Bloated belly – This is a common sign when puppies have had worms transmitted from their mother.
How dogs can acquire worms:
Heartworms many times are transmitted from mosquito bites. Tapeworms can come about from swallowing contaminated fleas or other insects. Hookworms can come from ingesting their eggs or larvae. They might be transferred from inside the womb of an infected mother. If the larvae are in water, consuming contaminated water can end in hookworm infectivity. Watch where your dog consumes its water from and keep it from drinking dirty water. Roundworms can contaminate a mother’s fetus. Ingesting contaminated dead animals can also result in roundworms. Whipworm contamination occurs from eating or drinking infected water or food.
Preventing worms in your dog: Have your vet test your puppy early on, as early as 3 weeks after their birth. They could already be infected with worms and need quick action. Take your dog to your vet once a year for examination and have a stool sample taken. Regularly give your dog products that prevent roundworms and heart-worms. Use products that keep fleas away from your dog. Fleas can transmit tapeworms to your dog if they ingest them. Keep your dog away from wild animals or other likely sources of parasites, like drinking from puddles or other dirty water sources. Keep your home and carpets clean. Prevent your dog from eating dead animals. Carcasses can spread worms. Keep your dog from eating feces. This is the most likely way a dog can get intestinal parasites.
If your dog shows warning signs of having worms, please visit your vet to determine what the issue could possibly be. Treating your dog with the best treatment can keep your dog healthy and prevent problems down the road.
Might your dog have worms? Are you keeping your house and carpet clean for your dog?