Does My Dog Have Worms?

Like many teenagers, dogs like to have fun and not worry about consequences. This means they eat things they’re not supposed to, roll around in things they shouldn’t, and in general, be a dog. Unfortunately, many of these things can attract unwanted visitors like worms into your dog’s life.

Fortunately, early detection of worms keeps it from getting worse, thereby reducing the discomfort caused to the dog.

Symptoms for dogs with worms:

* Dull coat

* Appetite loss

* Dehydration

* You see worms or eggs in dog’s feces – This is the most common way to confirm that your dog has worms. However, not all kinds of worms are visible to the naked eye.

* Visible worms in fur, or area around dog’s rear – Tapeworms, in particular, may appear as small moving segments, which later dry out to resemble grains of rice (nice visual image, huh?).

* Scratching or rubbing of rear on the ground or against furniture – if your dog shows signs of itchiness around the rear, it may be irritated by worms in the area. However, this could also be due to problems with glands unrelated to worms.

* Your dog is vomiting, possibly even with visible worms.

* Bloated stomach or belly – This common symptom is often seen in puppies who receive worms from their mother.

* Weakness, increased appetite, constant hunger, weight loss – If your dog has worms, the worms are stealing your dogs nutrition. Your dog may be weak or constantly hungry, and in severe cases, may be losing weight.

* Diarrhea, especially with blood in it.

How a dog gets worms:

• Heartworms are usually transmitted by mosquito bites.
• Tapeworm infection is often caused by ingestion of infected fleas.
• Hookworm infection can be caused by ingestion of the eggs or larvae. Such infection can also be caused to the fetus inside the womb of an infected mother. If there is hookworm larvae in water, drinking such water may also result in hookworm infection.
• Roundworms can also infect the fetus while inside the womb. Ingestion of infected animals can also cause round worms.
• Whipworm infection occurs from contaminated water or food.

Find out how to prevent worms in your dog.

If symptoms in your dog indicate worms, take him/her to the vet to diagnose the condition. Provide your dog with proper treatment to avoid complications.

Not the information you were looking for? See more symptoms for dogs.