Potentially Harmful Worms in Dogs – Symptoms, Treatments and Preventive Measures

Dogs are considered to be the best friends of human beings because they love us unconditionally. They even protect our houses from burglars. But most of the time we are not able to take care of the furry pal as we would like to and that is not because of our negligence but due to some things that are not in our control. One of them, which should be vigilant about are worms. There are different types of worms that affect dogs, including: gastrointestinal worms like hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms and roundworms. Heartworms also are one of the most lethal worms that can cause death of the pet.

vs-worms-in-dogs

How Do Puppies Acquire Worms? 

Worms are transmitted into puppies through their mothers. It can even be due to worm eggs found in dirt and also in fleas that the dogs might have. Irrespective of the age of the doggy, whenever he comes in contact with worms it results in poor health of the furry pal.

Symptoms Of Worm Infection 

It is very difficult to see most of the worms through naked eyes. Hence, it becomes very difficult to recognize the symptoms. But some of the prominent ones include:

  • Bloating stomach
  • Diarrhea
  • Dull coat
  • Loss of energy
  • Reduced appetite
  • Skin irritation or discoloration
  • Spitting of blood
  • Vomiting
  • Weight loss

Treatment Of Worms 

If you observe these symptoms in dogs, then the best thing is to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. He/she will conduct an examination to determine exactly the type of worm that is feeding off the dog. They will suggest dog deworming treatments with follow-up visits till the problem is resolved. The veterinarian visit is the best time to establish a schedule for regular worm treatments. Preventive treatments ensure that the furry pal is free from these parasites. There are certain dog owners who might use home remedies or combine natural ways in combination of worming treatments to combat worms. To learn the effectiveness of different deworming treatments, consult with your veterinarian.

Preventive Measures

  • Ensure that the doggy does not get in close contact with other animal feces, which can minimize the risk of contracting worms.
  • If you have more than one pet ensure that he is properly inspected and wormed.
  • Routinely remove animal droppings from the backyard.
  • If you feed the doggy outside, then ensure that the leftover food is thrown safely so that stray animals do not spread worm eggs in the food.

So, how do you plan to combat worms in your doggy today?