Intestinal parasites, commonly known as worms, are a frequent health concern for dogs, particularly puppies and those who frequent social settings like dog parks or boarding facilities. While some infections may go unnoticed, worms can lead to severe illness and, in some cases, can even pose a risk to human health. Recognizing the signs and understanding the prevention methods are crucial for maintaining your dog’s well-being. If you suspect your dog has worms, a prompt veterinary examination, ideally with a fresh stool sample, is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment. A veterinary checkup is always the best course of action when you have concerns about your dog’s health.
What Are Worms in Dogs?
Worms in dogs refer to parasitic infections, primarily affecting the digestive system, also known as the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). This tract includes the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, where most intestinal worms reside, reproduce, and multiply. In the United States, roundworms and hookworms are the most prevalent types of intestinal parasites found in dogs. Although many dogs may not exhibit obvious symptoms, these parasites can cause significant health issues, ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening conditions.
Common Types of Worms in Dogs
While various types of worms can infect dogs, the most common include:
- Roundworms (Toxocara canis, Toxocara leonina): These are large, spaghetti-like worms that live in the small intestine. Puppies can be infected before birth through the mother’s placenta or shortly after birth through her milk.
- Hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum, Uncinaria stenocephala): These small, blood-sucking parasites attach to the intestinal lining. Puppies can contract hookworms from their mother’s milk or through skin contact with infected soil.
- Whipworms (Trichuris vulpis): These worms live in the large intestine and colon, feeding on blood. They are typically spread through contaminated soil.
- Tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum, Taenia pisiformis, Echinococcus spp.): These long, flat, segmented worms live in the small intestine. Dogs usually acquire tapeworms by ingesting infected fleas or by eating infected prey animals.
- Heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis): Unlike intestinal worms, heartworms reside in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. They are transmitted through mosquito bites and can cause severe, potentially fatal, cardiovascular disease.
How Do Dogs Get Worms?
Dogs can contract worms through several transmission routes:
- Transplacental Infection: Puppies can be infected with certain worms, like roundworms, from their mother while still in the womb.
- Transmammary Infection: Newborn puppies can ingest worms through their mother’s milk, particularly the first milk known as colostrum, which is common for hookworm infections.
- Transdermal Infection: Hookworms can penetrate the skin, entering the dog’s bloodstream from contaminated soil.
- Fecal-Oral Infection: This is the most common transmission route, where dogs ingest parasite eggs or larvae from contaminated feces, soil, or environments. This method spreads whipworms, hookworms, and roundworms, among others.
- Ingestion of Infected Prey: Eating wild game or small mammals that harbor parasite cysts, such as tapeworms, can infect dogs.
- Flea Infestation: Ingesting fleas that carry tapeworm larvae is a common way for dogs to get tapeworms.
- Mosquito Bites: Mosquitoes transmit heartworm larvae to dogs during feeding.
How Can You Tell if Your Pup Has Worms?
Visible worms in your dog’s stool are often the most apparent sign of an intestinal parasite infection. You might also find them in vomit, around the rectal area, or in the environment. However, many worm infections are not visible to the naked eye, so observing other symptoms is crucial.
Key symptoms of worms in dogs include:
- Diarrhea, which may contain blood.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Muscle wasting, especially noticeable in puppies.
- Vomiting, which may sometimes contain worms.
- A poor or unkempt coat.
- Changes in appetite, either increased or decreased.
- Lethargy and weakness.
- A pot-bellied appearance or swollen abdomen, particularly in puppies.
- Coughing, which can be a sign of migrating worms or heartworm disease.
- Anemia, leading to pale gums and exercise intolerance.
- Intestinal blockages, a serious condition that can occur with heavy worm infestations.
- Scooting their rear end on the ground, an attempt to relieve irritation around the anus.
When To Call Your Vet
If you observe any signs of worms in your dog’s stool or notice any of the aforementioned symptoms, it is imperative to contact your veterinarian immediately. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent the parasites from causing more severe health complications or even becoming life-threatening.
Bringing a fresh stool sample and, if possible, a sample of the worm to your vet’s office can significantly aid in identifying the specific parasite and formulating an effective treatment plan. Microscopic examination of fecal samples is the standard diagnostic method for most intestinal worms. Heartworm infections are typically diagnosed through blood tests, chest X-rays, or heart ultrasounds.
How To Prevent Worms in Dogs
Preventing worm infestations is key to maintaining your dog’s long-term health. Many commercially available flea and tick prevention products also offer protection against common intestinal worms and heartworms. For instance, products like Credelio Quattro provide comprehensive protection against six types of parasites, including fleas, ticks, heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Other specific deworming medications, such as Heartgard Plus and Interceptor Plus, are designed to prevent heartworm disease and treat or control various intestinal worms like hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms.
Maintaining good hygiene practices is also vital, especially in environments where multiple dogs gather. Regularly washing your dog’s paws after walks, using pet-specific wipes, or giving them a bath can help remove potential parasite eggs or larvae. If your dog has ingested something potentially toxic, understanding how long before symptoms appear is crucial, and immediate veterinary attention should be sought. Similarly, recognizing signs of a turned stomach in a dog can help you respond quickly to emergencies. Early detection and intervention for conditions like parvo in dogs are also critical for a positive outcome.
References
- What Every Pet Owner Should Know About Roundworms & Hookworms. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2003.
- Intestinal parasites, or worms. PetMD.
- Roundworms. PetMD.
- Hookworms. PetMD.
- Diarrhea. PetMD.
- Weight loss. PetMD.
- Blood in the stool. PetMD.
- Credelio Quattro. Chewy.
- Heartgard Plus. Chewy.
- Interceptor Plus. Chewy.
- Intestinal blockage. PetMD.
- X-rays for dogs. PetMD.
- Dog ultrasounds. PetMD.
