Intestinal parasites, commonly known as worms, are a prevalent issue in dogs, often going unnoticed due to their microscopic nature. While many dogs may not exhibit obvious symptoms, these worms can lead to severe illness and, in some cases, pose a threat to human health. If you suspect your dog may have worms, prompt veterinary attention is crucial. Bringing a fresh stool sample, and if possible, a physical specimen of a worm, can aid in accurate diagnosis and treatment.
What Are Canine Intestinal Worms?
Worms in dogs are parasitic organisms that typically inhabit the digestive system, also referred to as the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). This tract includes the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Most intestinal worms reside and reproduce within the intestines. In the United States, roundworms and hookworms are the most frequently diagnosed types of intestinal parasites in dogs.
Worm infestations are a common veterinary diagnosis, particularly in puppies and dogs that frequently interact with other canines in environments like dog parks, grooming salons, boarding kennels, or doggy daycare centers. Although some dogs may show minimal to no signs of infection, these parasites can cause serious health problems and can even be fatal if left untreated.
Common Types of Dog Worms
Several types of intestinal worms can affect dogs. The most common among them include:
How Dogs Contract Worms
Dogs can acquire intestinal worms through various transmission routes:
- Transplacental Infection: Puppies can be infected before birth when roundworms pass from the mother dog to the fetus through the placenta.
- Transmammary Infection: Newborn puppies can ingest hookworms present in the mother’s colostrum, the first milk produced after birth.
- Transdermal Infection: Hookworm larvae in contaminated soil can penetrate a dog’s skin, leading to infection.
- Fecal-Oral Transmission: This is the most common route of infection, occurring when dogs ingest worm eggs or larvae from contaminated feces. Whipworms, hookworms, and roundworms are frequently spread this way.
- Consumption of Infected Prey: Eating wild game or small mammals that harbor worm larvae can infect dogs.
- Ingestion of Infected Fleas: Fleas can carry tapeworm larvae, and if a dog ingests an infected flea, they can become infected with tapeworms.
- Mosquito Bites: Mosquitoes transmit heartworm larvae, which develop into adult heartworms in a dog’s heart and lungs.
Recognizing the Signs of Worms in Your Dog
The most direct indication of worms is often their visual presence in your dog’s stool. However, worms or segments of worms may also be found in your dog’s vomit, around their rectal area, or even on their fur.
Beyond visible worms, several other symptoms can signal an intestinal worm infestation:
- Diarrhea
- Unexplained weight loss
- Muscle wasting, particularly noticeable in puppies
- Blood in the stool, appearing as fresh red blood or dark, digested blood
- General weakness
- Vomiting
- Changes in appetite, either increased or decreased
- Lethargy and lack of energy
- Rectal or anal inflammation
- Scooting, where the dog drags its hindquarters across the ground
- Stunted growth rates in young dogs
- A pot-bellied appearance or swollen abdomen
- Coughing
- Symptoms resembling pneumonia
- Anemia, a deficiency in red blood cells
- Reduced exercise tolerance
- Intestinal blockages, a serious medical emergency
When to Seek Veterinary Care
If you observe worms in your dog’s feces, suspect they have been exposed to an infected environment, or notice any of the aforementioned symptoms, it is imperative to schedule a veterinary examination immediately.
Presenting the worm to your veterinarian for identification can be instrumental in developing an effective treatment plan. Similarly, a fresh stool sample will allow for microscopic examination to detect worm eggs. Heartworm diagnosis typically involves blood tests, chest X-rays, or cardiac ultrasounds.
Preventing Worms in Dogs
Preventing worm infestations in dogs can be achieved through a combination of proactive measures. Many commercially available flea and tick prevention products also offer protection against heartworm disease and common intestinal worms, although the specific types of worms covered vary by product. For instance, some broad-spectrum preventatives are designed to protect against fleas, ticks, heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms.
Specific deworming medications are also available. Products like Heartgard Plus are formulated to prevent heartworm disease and treat existing hookworm and roundworm infections. Interceptor Plus offers prevention against heartworm disease and treatment for adult hookworm, roundworm, whipworm, and tapeworm infections.
Maintaining good hygiene is also vital, especially in environments frequented by multiple pets. Regularly cleaning your dog’s paws after visits to dog parks or kennels, using pet-specific wipes or shampoos, and occasional full baths can help minimize the risk of parasite transmission.
References
What Every Pet Owner Should Know About Roundworms & Hookworms. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2003.
