13 Top Symptoms Of Worms In Dogs

Dogs frequently struggle with worms, which can result in a variety of symptoms that may be harmful to your pet’s health.

It’s critical to get your dog treated by a veterinarian as soon as you believe that he or she may have worms.

In this article, we’ll look at the numerous signs of canine worms, their origins, and what you can do to keep your pet’s body free of these parasites.

Any pet owner who wants to prevent significant health issues from worm infestation must be aware of the warning indications.

So let’s explore the topic of canine worm infestations and discover ways to maintain your pet’s well-being.

Symptoms Of Worms In Dogs

Symptoms of worms in dogs can vary depending on the type of worm present.

Common symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, poor coat condition, a dull expression, and/or pot-bellied appearance.

Other signs that your dog may have worms include coughing, poor appetite, and lethargy.

If you think your dog may have worms, it is important to consult a veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment.

Learn more about what to do if your dog vomit.

Let’s break it down further…

Common Symptoms Of Worms In Dogs

The following are some common symptoms of worms in dogs you should know:

1. Appetite loss: Since worms compete with the dog for nutrients, they might make the dog less hungry. Loss of weight, a dull coat, and a general lack of vitality can be the results of this.
2. Loss of weight: The presence of worms in the intestines can result in nutritional malabsorption and weight loss. This may be particularly apparent in dogs that have a lot of worms in their system.
3. Diarrhea: In dogs with worm infestations, diarrhea is a typical symptom. When worms are present in the intestines, the digestive system might become irritated, which can result in diarrhea that is often runny, smelly, and contains visible worm segments.
4. Dull coat: Worms may rob a dog of vital nutrients, resulting in a dull and lifeless coat. Hair loss can also happen in serious circumstances.
5. Presence of worms in feces or around the anus: If there are worms present, you might be able to see them in the dog’s feces or near the anus in certain instances. If the dog is carrying a lot of worms, this may be more obvious.
6. Vomiting: As the body works to get rid of the parasites, worm-infected dogs may vomit. This may be particularly obvious if the worms are in the stomach.
7. Swelling in the abdomen: As intestinal worms develop and proliferate in the intestines, they may induce abdominal swelling. This may be particularly apparent in dogs that have a lot of worms in their system.
8. Distended belly: Worms in the intestines can make the abdomen swollen and distended, creating the impression that the person is overweight.
9. Intestinal blockage: In extreme situations, worms can obstruct the digestive tract, resulting in nausea and vomiting as well as stomach pain. This calls for quick veterinarian attention since it is a medical emergency.
10. Anemia: Certain worms, including heartworms, can make dogs anemic by consuming the blood in their circulatory systems. The symptoms of anemia include weakness, exhaustion, and pale gums.
11. Scooting or rubbing the hind end on the ground: Dogs with worms may display scooting behavior, in which they drag their hind end over the ground in an effort to relieve itching or discomfort brought on by the worms in the anal region.
12. Coughing or gagging: Dogs who have certain worm kinds, such as lungworms, may experience coughing or choking. The reason for this is that the worms moved via the respiratory system.
13. Behavior or activity changes: Worms can lower energy levels, which might result in a change in behavior or activity levels. Dogs may lose their customary enthusiasm for their routine activities or become less lively.

It is crucial to remember that some dogs, even those that are afflicted, may not exhibit any signs of worm infection.

For the early diagnosis and treatment of canine worm infections, routine veterinarian examinations and fecal examinations are crucial.

Different Types of Worms Dogs and Their Symptoms

Dogs can get infected by different types of worms, some of the most common ones include:

1. Roundworms: The most prevalent kind of worms to be detected in dogs are roundworms, which can be passed to pups by their mother’s milk or contaminated soil. Vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and a pot-bellied look are among the symptoms.
2. Hookworms: Your dog’s blood is their food source as these worms connect to the intestinal wall. They may result in diarrhea, weight loss, and anemia. Hookworms can, in extreme situations, even result in death.
3. Whipworms: The large intestine is home to whipworms, which are tiny, whip-like worms that eat soft tissues. Weight loss, stomach discomfort, and diarrhea with fresh blood are all symptoms.
4. Tapeworms: Long, flatworms known as tapeworms adhere to the intestinal wall and eat partially digested food. Weight loss, a bad coat, and tapeworm segments visible in the dog’s stool are all symptoms.
5. Heartworms: Heartworms are a type of worm that resides in the blood veins of the lungs and the heart. They are long and thin. Coughing, exhaustion, weight loss, and decreased appetite are among the symptoms.

If you believe your dog has a worm infestation, it’s crucial to periodically deworm your dog and seek advice from a veterinarian.

A veterinarian can identify the particular worm and recommend the best course of action.

Treatment of Worms in Dogs

Here are some common worm treatments in dogs:

Treatment of Whipworms in Dogs

The most common medications used to treat whipworms in dogs include:

• Fenbendazole (Panacur): This is a broad-spectrum dewormer that is effective against a variety of intestinal parasites, including whipworms.
• Milbemycin oxime (Interceptor): This is a monthly heartworm preventative that also helps to control whipworms.
• Praziquantel (Droncit): This is a dewormer that is effective against tapeworms and other intestinal parasites, including whipworms.

Treatment of Heartworms in Dogs

The standard treatment for heartworms in dogs is a multi-step process that typically involves the following steps:

1. Stabilization: Before starting treatment, dogs with heartworm disease must be stabilized. This may involve hospitalization, oxygen therapy, and other supportive care measures, especially if the dog is experiencing respiratory distress or other severe symptoms.
2. Adulticide Therapy: Adult heartworms are killed with medication, usually an arsenic-based compound known as melarsomine. The medication is given in two injections, 24 hours apart.
3. Prevention of Microfilaria: Once the adult heartworms have been killed, the microfilaria (baby worms) produced by the female worms can cause severe reactions in some dogs. To prevent this, the dog is treated with a different medication that kills the microfilaria and helps to prevent the further development of the worms.
4. Rest and Monitoring: After treatment, dogs need to be carefully monitored and should be restricted from excessive physical activity for several months to allow their bodies to heal and prevent further damage to their hearts and lungs.

While treatment for heartworms can be successful, it can be a costly and time-consuming process, and some dogs may suffer lifelong heart and lung damage.

The best course of action is prevention, thus dogs should get preventative medicine and undergo routine heartworm testing.

Treatment of Roundworms in Dogs

The treatment of roundworms in dogs typically involves the administration of anti-parasitic medication.

There are several different types of medications available, including:

1. Pyrantel pamoate: This is an oral medication that is given to dogs to treat roundworms. It is usually well-tolerated and effective, but it may need to be repeated several times to fully eliminate the parasites.
2. Milbemycin oxime: This is a medication that is given orally or topically to dogs to treat roundworms. It works by attacking the nervous system of the parasites, causing them to be paralyzed and eventually eliminated from the body.
3. Moxidectin: This is a topical medication that is applied directly to the skin of the dog to treat roundworms. It works by paralyzing the parasites and causing them to be expelled from the body.

It is essential to remember that while these drugs work well to cure roundworms, they do not stop re-infection.

It’s critical to maintain proper cleanliness and a sanitary environment for the dog to reduce the likelihood of reinfection.

Treatment of Tapeworms in Dogs

Dogs with tapeworms are normally treated by giving them oral or injectable deworming drugs.

The precise kind of tapeworm and the extent of the infection will determine the medicine type and frequency of therapy.

Praziquantel, epsiprantel, and fenbendazole are a few typical drugs used to treat canine tapeworms.

Based on your dog’s general health, the kind and degree of the tapeworm infestation, and any other underlying medical concerns, your veterinarian can assist choose the appropriate course of therapy.

Treatment of Hookworms in Dogs

The treatment of hookworms in dogs typically involves the use of antiparasitic medications, which can be given orally or topically.

Some common antiparasitic medications used to treat hookworms in dogs include:

1. Milbemycin Oxime: This is an oral medication that is effective against hookworms, as well as other intestinal parasites such as roundworms and whipworms.
2. Fenbendazole: This is an oral medication that is often used to treat hookworms in dogs, as well as other intestinal parasites such as roundworms and whipworms.
3. Pyrantel Pamoate: This is an oral medication that is effective against hookworms, as well as other intestinal parasites such as roundworms and whipworms.
4. Ivermectin: This is a topical medication that is effective against hookworms, as well as other parasites such as mites and lice.

When giving your dog any kind of medication, it’s crucial to carefully follow your veterinarian’s instructions and to provide the whole course of therapy as prescribed.

In addition to giving your dog antiparasitic medicine, it’s critical to take precautions to avoid reinfection.

These include keeping your yard and kennel clean and clear of waste, managing fleas and ticks, which may also transmit hookworms, and using insecticides on these pests.

It is always advisable to speak with a veterinarian before beginning any dog worm therapy.

They will be able to identify the infection and suggest the best course of action depending on the particular circumstances.

Prevention of Worms in Dogs

Worms can result in major health issues for dogs, so it’s crucial to take precautions to avoid getting sick.

Here are some recommendations to aid with dog worm prevention:

1. Regular deworming: Deworming procedures should be scheduled on a regular basis with your vet to make sure your dog stays worm-free. While older dogs may only require treatment once or twice a year, puppies should receive deworming treatments on a regular basis.
2. Good hygiene: Be careful to immediately wipe up your dog’s feces and properly wash your hands after touching it. Don’t let your dog go in potentially feces-contaminated regions.
3. Avoid polluted areas: Ponds and puddles, which may contain parasite eggs, are poor choices for your dog to drink from. Never allow them to hunt, roll, or play in places where there may be infectious excrement.
4. Control of fleas and ticks: Since fleas and ticks may spread worms to dogs, it’s critical to keep your dog free of these insects. As advised by your veterinarian, use a flea and tick prophylactic.
5. Cook meat thoroughly: Cook all meat thoroughly before feeding it to your dog to kill any worm larvae that may be present.
6. Avoid raw diets: Raw meat and bones may contain parasites, so it is best to avoid feeding your dog a raw diet.
7. Keep your yard clean: Clean up your yard regularly, especially if you have a dog that likes to dig, to prevent the buildup of feces that can harbor worm eggs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, worms in dogs can result in a variety of symptoms, including digestive issues, tiredness, and an inability to maintain an appetite.

Pet owners must be aware of these signs and seek veterinary care if they think their dog may be infected with worms.

Regular deworming and preventative actions, such as maintaining a clean living space for your dog and keeping them away from contaminated locations, can help lower the likelihood that your pet will get an infection.

Don’t wait to get your dog to the vet if you think he has worms.

Many dogs that get quick care recover completely and go on to have healthy, fulfilling lives.

So, keep an eye out for worms and take preventative measures to safeguard your pet.