We all want our furry best friends to be happy and healthy. But sneaky health problems can develop inside your dog, like worms. Ignoring these unpleasant parasites might lead to major problems.
The key is to watch for signs your dog might have worms. Ignoring them can lead to long-term health problems down the road.
In the United States, various regions have a higher prevalence of specific worm species. Some worm species are more common in certain regions, such as the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Coast. Therefore, residents of these places should exercise extreme caution!
You should arm yourself with knowledge about worm symptoms. Keeping your dog healthy and active is possible if you arm yourself with knowledge.
What Are Worms in Dogs?
Worms in dogs are parasites that often inhabit a dog’s digestive system, also known as the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The GIT includes the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Most worms live in the intestines, where they lay eggs and multiply.
Worms are a common health issue for dogs, especially puppies or dogs that spend time with other dogs at parks, grooming or boarding facilities, or doggy day care. In the U.S., roundworms and hookworms are the most common types.
While some dogs show no symptoms, worms can cause serious illness and even be life-threatening.
Types of Worms in Dogs
Several types of worms can infect dogs, including:
Roundworms
Roundworms, also known as ascarids, are common in dogs, especially puppies. The most significant species, Toxocara canis, affects dogs and can be transmitted to humans (zoonotic). T. canis is often passed to puppies from their mother during pregnancy. Toxascaris leonina is less common and more often seen in older dogs. Studies show that about 15% of the U.S. population has been exposed to T. canis.+
Hookworms
Various hookworm species infect dogs. Ancylostoma caninum is common in tropical areas, while A. braziliense infects dogs in the U.S. Southeast and Gulf Coast. Uncinaria stenocephala affects dogs in colder regions near the Canadian border.
Tapeworms
Dogs contract tapeworms, or cestodes, by ingesting fleas or infected prey. Dipylidium caninum is the most common tapeworm affecting dogs and cats. Other tapeworm species infect dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors or in rural areas.
Whipworms
Whipworms attach to the inside of a dog’s large intestine. Their eggs can survive in moist environments for a long time.
Giardia
Giardia is an intestinal parasite caused by protozoa, resulting in symptoms similar to those of intestinal worms. According to the CDC, Giardia is the most common intestinal parasitic disease in the U.S., infecting up to 45% of dogs.
Heartworm
Heartworms are spread by mosquito bites and affect a dog’s heart and lungs. The disease, caused by Dirofilaria immitis, involves large worms that can grow over a foot long and multiply in a dog’s heart and lungs for years.
How Do Dogs Get Worms?
Dogs can get worms through several methods:
- Transplacental Infection: Puppies can get infected before birth through the placenta, such as with roundworms. Studies show that up to 80% of puppies are infected this way.
- Transmammary Infection: Puppies can ingest hookworms through their mother’s milk.
- Transdermal Infection: Hookworms can enter through a dog’s skin from infected soil.
- Fecal-Oral Infection: Dogs can contract worms by coming into contact with infected stool. This is a common way for whipworms, hookworms, and roundworms to spread.
- Infected Soil: Worm eggs can be present in the soil.
- Eating Infected Animals: Dogs can get tapeworms by eating wild game, small mammals, or fleas.
- Mosquito Bites: Mosquitoes can transmit heartworm disease to dogs.
How to Know if My Dog Has Worms
You can often tell if your dog has worms by checking their feces. Worms may also be seen in your dog’s vomit or on their fur. Other symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Muscle wasting
- Blood in stool
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Change in appetite
- Lethargy
- Inflammation of the rectum/anus
- Worms around the rectum
- Scooting on the ground
- Slower growth in puppies
- Pot-bellied appearance
- Coughing
- Pneumonia
- Anemia
- Exercise intolerance
- Intestinal blockage
If you’re asking, “Can I get worms from my dog?” the answer is yes, so be aware of the symptoms in yourself as well!
When to Call Your Vet
If you see worms in your dog’s stool, or if your dog shows any symptoms, contact your vet immediately. While most worm infestations are not emergencies, timely treatment is crucial to prevent severe symptoms or death.
Bring a fresh stool sample and, if possible, the worm to your vet for identification. Diagnosing worms often involves finding worm eggs in the stool. Heartworms are diagnosed with a blood test, chest X-ray, or heart ultrasound.
Preventing worms in dogs involves several methods:
Heartworm Prevention: In this regard, chemical preventatives such as Heartgard Plus® or Simparica Trio™ are provided to dogs on monthly basis to protect them against heartworm and intestinal worms.
How to Prevent Worms in Dogs
Preventing worms in dogs involves several methods:
- Heartworm Prevention: In this regard, chemical preventatives such as Heartgard Plus® or Simparica Trio™ are provided to dogs on monthly basis to protect them against heartworm and intestinal worms. Heartworm prevention can also be given by injection at the vet.
- Flea Prevention: Products like Bravecto® prevent tapeworms by controlling fleas.
- Routine Deworming: Pregnant dogs should be dewormed regularly.
- Hygiene: Maintaining cleanliness, especially in places with many pets like dog parks, can prevent worm infestations. Washing your dog’s paws and giving baths after such outings can help.
Conclusion
Worms are a common problem in dogs but can be managed with proper care and prevention. Knowing the types of worms, their symptoms, and prevention methods can help keep your dog healthy. Regular vet check-ups and maintaining hygiene are key to preventing worm infestations.
