Dog worms, also known as internal parasites, come in 5 different types and can be disruptive to your dog’s life. The 5 types are tapeworm, hookworm, heartworm, whipworm, and roundworm. If you are a dog owner, it would be a great idea to understand as much as you can about these worms so that you can recognize the signs and symptoms that tell you your pet has contracted one or more of these parasites. Timely discovery is vital, and keep in mind that not all dog worms are created equal. Each type may need a different type of treatment to get rid of it. Hookworms and roundworms are zoonotic. That says these guys can be transmitted to humans as well. While some worms barely show signs or symptoms of their presence, others cause severe symptoms. Some of those symptoms are weight loss, vomiting, and extremely loose bowel movements. It’s an excellent idea to have your dog’s stool checked every year by your vet, keeping in mind that many worms cannot be seen with the naked eye, while others can. Listed below are some of the common symptoms of a canine worm infestation. However, keep in mind that these signs could also indicate other, much more important problems. You should always see your vet when your dog doesn’t look like he’s a jolly old man.
- opaque coat
- vomiting
- Emergency for missing food
- weight reduction
- low energy
- Pot-bellied appearance
- cough
- loose intestines
Pinworms, also known as Toxascaris leonina, Toxocara canis: There are two varieties of roundworms to worry about. Toxocara canis is the most common form identified in dogs and is the most common type of both. The other variety is Toxascaris leonina. Roundworms negatively affect a dog’s intestines and give them the appearance of being potbellied, especially in very young dogs. They will grow to about 7 inches long and these guys actually have a costume that can make them look like spaghetti. If the infestation gets out of control, it will cause serious buildup and blockage that could lead to the death of the pet. Signs and symptoms of extreme infestation are: dullness, vomiting, severe weight reduction, tummy and diarrhea. Your pups can ingest roundworm eggs from contaminated soil in their food or other items they pick up. The eggs hatch in the intestine, and the larva is carried to the lung area through the bloodstream. The larva then makes its way into the trachea and is swallowed. After they have returned to the intestine, the larvae mature into adults.
Hookworms, also known as Ancylostoma caninium: This type of worm is found in the intestines. Like roundworms, they are susceptible to being transmitted to humans. These types can have an effect on dogs of all ages. A tiny, thin worm that hooks onto the inner wall of the intestine and sucks its victim’s blood through the attachment. Animals become infested with hookworms when they come into contact with the larvae in contaminated soil. Like roundworms, hookworm larvae mature to the adult stage in the intestine. Pups pick up hookworms in the uterus of an infected bitch and she will infest her pups through her milk.
Tapeworms, also known as Dipylidium caninum: This is a worm that looks like a long, flat ribbon, thus giving it its name. And like the previous two mentioned, it also affects the intestines. Looking closely you may discover small pieces of this worm in your dog’s poop. These pieces contain tapeworm eggs. You will need to get a vet-prescribed dewormer for tapeworms. Over-the-counter medications are not effective in getting rid of this threat, so pet medications for less money will not work. Your pet gets tapeworms from dog fleas. The flea larva, grazing on the ground, eats tapeworm eggs. The tapeworm larva will develop into the flea larva and continue on the flea through all life stages of the flea. The adult flea settles on a pet and goes about its business, that is, sucking the blood of its sponsor. While the host grooms itself, the flea is licked and swallowed. The flea carcass is digested, except for the young tapeworm. Find a good place for attachment and the life cycle begins once more. From the time the flea is swallowed until the tapeworm segments can be seen on the pet’s bottom or in the feces, it usually takes about three weeks.
Trichuris vulpis, also known as whipworm: Whipworms are slender, whip-shaped dog worms and this type makes its home in a dog’s colon. You won’t be able to see them with the naked eye. Both they and those mentioned above have to be eradicated with medication prescribed by the veterinarian. There is no over-the-counter treatment available. Whipworm eggs and larvae can be found in a variety of places, including dead animals, dirt, soil, and feces. They are also transmitted by close contact with other animals contaminated with whipworms.
Heartworms, also known as Dirofilaria immitis: This is a dog killer, however it is very preventable. He should have his dog checked annually by having his vet do a blood test. If the test comes back positive, start treatment on your furry friend right away. These types are transmitted as larvae by mosquitoes. It is the mature worm that strangles the muscle and tissue of the heart. The mosquito bites and sucks out the microfilariae of an infected host. The microfilaria grow through two additional stages and then migrate to the mosquito’s salivary glands. The mosquito then gets a blood meal from your pet and these developing heartworm fiends burrow into the victim (your dog) through the small wound from the mosquito bite. Development continues for six to seven months before they become sexually active and can eventually be discovered with a heartworm check. These guys will have located the heart by then.
Any of the worms mentioned above is a health hazard for your dog. Your vet can be your ideal partner in preserving your dog’s well-being regarding worms. Keep a handy for taking a stool to your vet when you take your pet in for their annual vaccinations. Doing this and keeping an eye out for the symptoms listed in the previous paragraphs will keep your furry friend free of canine worms.