Recognizing Worm Infestations in Dogs and What You Can Do

Could Your Dog Be Suffering from Worms?

Worm infestations rank among the most frequent health issues affecting dogs. The encouraging news is that the majority of worm cases respond well to treatment.

While certain worm species may remain silent until a dog's health is already compromised, most produce symptoms that are relatively easy to spot.

Do you know how to tell if your dog has worms and what you can do about it?

Indicators of a Possible Worm Infection

Worms or eggs seen in stool. This is the most frequent indication of infection. Still, some varieties cannot be seen with the unaided eye.
Worms visible in the coat or near the dog's hindquarters. Tapeworms especially can show up as tiny wriggling segments that dry out and look like rice grains.
Scratching or rubbing the rear area. When a dog drags its bottom along the ground or furniture, infection may be causing itchiness. However, itching can stem from other reasons as well.
Worms seen in vomit.
Swollen or bloated belly. This is frequently observed in puppies that contract worms from their mother.
Lethargy, increased appetite, persistent hunger, and weight loss. Worms take nutrients away from their host.
Diarrhea, especially containing blood.

How Worm Infections Are Transmitted

From the mother. Newborn puppies can be infected by their mothers. Roundworm eggs create inactive cysts in adult dogs. These eggs cannot be treated as they are, but they become active once the host dog becomes pregnant. A mother dog's milk can also transmit roundworms to her puppies.
From soil. Roundworm eggs and hookworm larvae are able to survive in dirt. A dog that contacts contaminated soil can become infected.
From fleas. Immature tapeworms can live inside fleas, infecting a dog that swallows fleas during grooming.
From hunting. Wild animals can carry worms. A dog that hunts or eats wildlife may become infected.

Common Worm Species Affecting Dogs

Several worm species can affect dogs, ranging from roundworms and whipworms to heartworm, which can sometimes be fatal.

Roundworms may reach six inches in length. They inhabit the intestines and look like small, noodle-like pieces in feces. They lead to swollen bellies and pose a particularly serious issue for puppies.
Hookworms are slender and tiny. They attach or "hook" into the intestinal lining and are not always visible without magnification. Hookworms can lead to internal bleeding, causing bloody stool or anemia.
Tapeworms are flat, long worms that reside in the intestines. Portions of the tapeworm detach and become visible to the naked eye as rice-like grains once they dry.
Heartworms are among the most dangerous because they are so difficult to identify. They spread through mosquito bites. Typically, until the larvae mature and gather inside the dog's heart, they cause no symptoms or signs of illness. But the heart damage that results can be fatal. Indicators of heartworm infection include weakness, coughing during exertion, severe weight loss, fainting, coughing up blood, and eventually congestive heart failure.
Whipworms are thin and thread-like. They live in the large intestine. Adults might be visible without magnification, but they do not usually show up in feces, making detection difficult. Microscopic examination of multiple fecal samples may be required. Whipworms are among the hardest worms to get rid of, but they can be treated.

Treating Your Dog

If you suspect your dog has worms, bring your pet to the veterinarian. Safe and effective treatments exist, and your vet will likely prescribe one.

For the most common worm types, there are combination medications available as flavored chewable tablets.

Iverhart Max tablets are used to treat common worm conditions. The tablets contain three active ingredients: ivermectin, to prevent heartworm; pyrantel pamoate, to treat roundworms and hookworms; and praziquantel, to treat tapeworms.
Selamectin is also used to treat and prevent heartworms, hookworms, and roundworms.
Milbemycin oxime is used to prevent heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, and some whipworms.
Praziquantel is used to treat tapeworms.

Some veterinarians even suggest that particularly susceptible dogs receive monthly tablets as a worm preventive.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author's knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.