Intestinal parasites, commonly known as worms, are a prevalent health concern for dogs. While often unseen in feces and asymptomatic, these parasites can lead to severe illness and, in some cases, pose a risk to human health. Prompt veterinary attention is crucial if you suspect your dog has worms. Bringing a fresh stool sample, and even a physical worm if observed, can aid your veterinarian in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
What Are Intestinal Worms in Dogs?
Worms in dogs are internal parasites, primarily inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. These worms reproduce and multiply within the dog’s system. In the United States, roundworms and hookworms are the most frequently diagnosed worm types. Worm infestations are particularly common in puppies and dogs that frequently interact with other dogs in social settings like dog parks, grooming facilities, or boarding kennels. Although some dogs may exhibit minimal to no symptoms, worms can cause serious health issues and can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Common Types of Worms in Dogs
Several types of intestinal worms can affect dogs, with the following being the most common:
How Dogs Contract Worms
Dogs can acquire intestinal worms through various transmission routes:
- Transplacental Infection: Puppies can be infected with worms, such as roundworms, before birth as the infection passes from the mother dog through the placenta.
- Transmammary Infection: Newborn puppies can ingest worms, like hookworms, through infected milk, particularly colostrum, the first milk produced by the mother.
- Transdermal Infection: Hookworms can penetrate a dog’s skin from contaminated soil, leading to infection.
- Fecal-Oral Infection: This is the most common transmission method, occurring when dogs ingest infected feces. Whipworms, hookworms, and roundworms are frequently spread this way.
- Contact with Infected Soil: Direct contact with soil contaminated by worm eggs or larvae can lead to infection.
- Ingestion of Infected Prey: Eating wild game, small mammals, or fleas that carry tapeworm larvae can transmit the parasite.
- Mosquito Bites: Mosquitoes can transmit heartworm disease to dogs.
Recognizing the Signs of Worm Infestation
The presence of worms in your dog’s stool is the most direct indicator of an infestation. However, worms may also be found in vomit or the surrounding environment. Beyond visual confirmation, several other symptoms can suggest your dog has worms:
- Diarrhea
- Unexplained weight loss
- Muscle wasting, particularly noticeable in puppies
- Blood in the stool, which may appear as fresh red blood or dark, digested blood
- General weakness or lethargy
- Vomiting
- Changes in appetite
- Inflammation or swelling around the rectum or anus
- Visible worms around the rectum
- Scooting their hindquarters along the ground
- Stunted growth rates in puppies
- A pot-bellied appearance or swollen abdomen
- Coughing
- Symptoms of pneumonia
- Anemia
- Reduced exercise tolerance
- Intestinal blockages
When to Seek Veterinary Care
If you observe worms in your dog’s feces, suspect they may have been exposed to an infestation, or notice any of the aforementioned symptoms, it is imperative to schedule an immediate examination with your veterinarian. Bringing the worm itself or a fresh stool sample to the clinic will greatly assist the veterinarian in identifying the specific type of worm and formulating an effective treatment plan. While most worm infections are not immediate emergencies, prompt treatment is essential to prevent the development of more severe symptoms and potential fatalities. Heartworm infections are typically diagnosed through blood tests, chest X-rays, or cardiac ultrasounds.
Preventing Worms in Dogs
A multi-faceted approach can effectively prevent worm infestations in dogs. Many broad-spectrum flea and tick preventative medications also offer protection against heartworm disease and common intestinal worms, although 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 formulated to prevent heartworm disease and treat existing hookworm and roundworm infections. Interceptor Plus also prevents heartworm disease and treats adult hookworm, roundworm, whipworm, and tapeworm infections.
Maintaining good hygiene practices is also vital, especially in environments with numerous pets. After visiting places like dog parks or boarding facilities, cleaning your dog’s paws with a dog-specific shampoo, using pet-friendly wipes, or giving them a full bath can help reduce the risk of parasitic transmission.
References
- What Every Pet Owner Should Know About Roundworms & Hookworms. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2003.
- PetMD. “General Health: Pet Wellness Exams: How to Prepare.”
- PetMD. “Dog Conditions: Digestive: Dog Intestinal Blockage: Signs and What to Do.”
- Chewy.com. Product pages for Credelio Quattro, Heartgard Plus, and Interceptor Plus.
- Chewy.com. Product pages for DermAllay Oatmeal Shampoo and MalAcetic Wet Wipes.
