Some types of worms can cause a range of symptoms in dogs. Prevention, regular testing, flea treatment and hygiene are the best ways to protect your pup against these parasites.
Symptoms of some worm infestations are clear, such as seeing long, flat (tape-like) segments in your dog’s stool or their vomit. Other symptoms are less obvious, but still important to watch for.
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Signs of Worm Infestation
If your dog has been feeling lethargic and uninterested in their usual activities, it could be a sign of worms. Similarly, if they have been loosing weight rapidly it is also a possible indicator of a worm infestation. Another telltale sign is a bloody stool, or the presence of what look like spaghetti-like shapes in their faeces (those are tapeworms).
Most worms can be picked up by dogs through direct contact with infected poo, but some can be passed from mother to puppy during birth (ringworm) and others are spread via mosquito bites (heartworm). Puppies should be dewormed more often than adults as they are more likely to pick up parasites from their mothers. Other symptoms of a worm infection include; a change in appetite, loss of energy, and a paunch or belly appearance.
Weight Loss
Often, intestinal worms (roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms) do not cause any noticeable symptoms in adult pets. But for puppies, a heavy infestation can cause malaise and loss of appetite. In very severe cases learn more that they can even lead to weight loss and a pot-bellied appearance.
Occasionally, pet owners will see worms or segments of worms in their dog’s feces or vomit. But this is more common with puppies that have a heavy roundworm burden and should not be relied upon as an indication of a problem.
Intestinal worms spread by contact with contaminated soil and then through the ingestion of eggs. Tapeworms spread the same way, and fleas that ingest tapeworm egg segments can later transmit them to dogs. Luckily, if your pet is on the right parasite prevention, these worms cannot survive for long.
Loss of Appetite
Many intestinal worms spread through their host’s faeces, but some species of worms also leave eggs behind in the soil. Dogs often eat these eggs, especially puppies, and can become infected with a wide variety of parasites this way.
Some types of worms can affect your pet’s appetite, either by making them less hungry or by stealing nutrients from their food. A loss of appetite is a common sign of a worm infestation, particularly in young dogs.
Prevention, regular testing and flea treatments offer the best hope for keeping your furry family members worm free. Even so, it’s always a good idea to bring a stool sample to your vet when you think your dog might have worms, so they can use microscopic examination to confirm or rule out a worm infection.
Change in Coat
If your dog’s fur seems dull or lackluster, it could indicate a worm infestation. Puppies are often born with worms or contract them while in their mother’s womb or from being nursed.
Worms can also affect the skin. A rash or itchy, flaking skin is indicative of a parasitic infection. You may even see tiny moving segments, called fecal worms, in your dog’s fur or around the anus. Dried worms, which look like a piece of rice, or hard yellow specks are more likely to be seen in the feces, but you’ll need a vet for a proper diagnosis.
Worms are a concern for many pet parents, but with the help of your vet and regular preventative care, it’s relatively easy to keep them at bay. Good hygiene, such as picking up after your dog and preventing them from sniffing or eating wild animal carcasses, can help reduce the risk.
Vomiting
Some types of worms can cause vomiting in pets. If your pet is suddenly vomiting or shows signs of being unwell, it’s a good idea to get them checked out. Vomiting is often associated with a worm infestation as worms can block nutrients and make your pet feel sick.
Some worms can be seen in a dog’s stool, especially tapeworms that shed body segments that look like rice. Also keep an eye out for fecal scooting, a bloated appearance and chronic diarrhea.
Although minor worm infestations rarely produce noticeable symptoms, making de-worming a part of your pup’s health routine and visiting the vet regularly is a great way to prevent serious problems. It’s also important to practice basic hygiene by picking up poop and keeping the home and yard clean.