Intestinal parasites, commonly known as worms, are a prevalent health concern for dogs. While some worms are visible in a dog’s stool, many go unnoticed, yet can still cause significant illness. It’s crucial for dog owners to be aware of the signs and prevention methods to ensure their pet’s well-being. If you suspect your dog has worms, a veterinarian check-up is always recommended. Bringing a fresh stool sample or even a visible worm can aid in diagnosis and treatment.
What Are Intestinal Worms in Dogs?
Worms in dogs are internal parasites, primarily residing in the digestive system, also referred to as the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). This tract includes the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, where most worm species live, reproduce, and lay eggs. In the United States, roundworms and hookworms are the most frequently diagnosed types of worms in dogs. These parasites are particularly common in puppies and dogs that frequently interact with other dogs in environments like dog parks, grooming facilities, boarding kennels, or doggy daycare. While some dogs may exhibit no symptoms, worm infestations can lead to severe health issues, potentially becoming life-threatening.
How Dogs Contract Worms
Dogs can acquire intestinal worms through several transmission routes:
- Transplacental Infection: Puppies can be infected before birth as parasites cross the mother dog’s placenta. Roundworms are a common example of this type of transmission.
- Transmammary Infection: This occurs when puppies ingest infected milk from their mother. Hookworms, for instance, are often transmitted to newborns through colostrum, the mother’s first milk.
- Transdermal Infection: Hookworms can penetrate a dog’s skin directly from contaminated soil.
- Fecal-Oral Transmission: This is the most common route, where dogs ingest worm eggs or larvae from contaminated feces. Whipworms, hookworms, and roundworms frequently spread this way.
- Environmental Exposure: Dogs can contract worms by coming into contact with infected soil.
- Dietary Sources: Consuming wild game or small mammals that harbor tapeworms can lead to infection.
- Insect Bites: Mosquitoes can transmit heartworm disease to dogs.
Recognizing the Signs of Worms in Your Dog
Observing worms in your dog’s feces is a primary indicator of infestation. Worms may also appear in vomit or be found around the rectal area. Additionally, several other symptoms can signal a worm infection:
- Diarrhea
- Unexplained weight loss
- Muscle wasting, particularly noticeable in puppies
- Blood in the stool (either fresh red blood or dark, digested blood)
- General weakness
- Vomiting
- Changes in appetite
- Lethargy or lack of energy
- Inflammation or swelling around the rectum or anus
- Worms visible around the rectum
- Scooting their hindquarters across the ground
- Stunted growth rates in young dogs
- A pot-bellied appearance or swollen abdomen
- Coughing
- Pneumonia
- Anemia
- Reduced exercise tolerance
- Intestinal blockage
When to Seek Veterinary Care
If you notice any signs of worms in your dog’s stool, suspect they have been exposed, or observe any of the aforementioned symptoms, it is imperative to consult your veterinarian immediately. If you find a worm, bringing it to the vet’s office can help with accurate identification and the development of a tailored treatment plan. A fresh stool sample should also be provided for diagnostic testing. While most worm infections are not immediate emergencies, prompt treatment is crucial to prevent the progression of symptoms and potential life-threatening complications. Diagnosing intestinal worms often involves identifying microscopic eggs in fecal samples. Heartworm infections, however, are typically diagnosed through blood tests, chest X-rays, or heart ultrasounds.
Preventing Worms in Dogs
Implementing preventative measures is key to protecting your dog from intestinal parasites. Many broad-spectrum flea and tick prevention medications also offer protection against heartworm disease and common intestinal worms, though the specific worms covered can vary by product. For instance, Credelio Quattro provides comprehensive protection against six types of parasites: fleas, ticks, heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms.
Specific deworming medications are also available. Heartgard Plus is effective in preventing heartworm disease and treating hookworms and roundworms. Interceptor Plus prevents heartworm disease and controls adult hookworm, roundworm, whipworm, and tapeworm infections.
Maintaining good hygiene is also vital, especially in areas with high pet traffic. Regularly cleaning your dog’s paws after visits to dog parks or boarding facilities with dog shampoo, such as DermAllay Oatmeal Shampoo, or using pet-safe wipes like MalAcetic Wet Wipes, or even a full bath can significantly reduce the risk of worm transmission.
References
What Every Pet Owner Should Know About Roundworms & Hookworms. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2003.
