Have you ever observed your dog dragging its bottom or coughing, and you wondered, 'Why?' You’re not alone. Worms might be disturbing your dogs.
Most pet owners underestimate worm infestations. Dogs may get worms from dirt, tainted food, or even when playing in the park. Veterinary research reveals that the main reason for dog digestive problems is parasites, including hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms.
However, the signs of worms in dogs are not always obvious. Some dogs lose weight when eating normally. Some could have a drab coat, ongoing itching, or peculiar bowel motions. In puppies, the consequences might be more severe, leading to weakness and stunted development.
Some indications resemble other medical issues, making it challenging to identify the underlying cause. Therefore, knowing the warning signs is necessary. Quick identification helps in better treatment and a healthier dog.
We’ll guide you on the ten symptoms of worms in dogs every pet owner should be aware of, so your furry companion’s life is prolonged before circumstances deteriorate.
How Dogs Get Worms
Before moving on to the symptoms, every pet owner should understand how does a dog gets worms. Dogs might pick up parasites in several ways.
Standard transmission methods include:
● Eating contaminated soil or feces
● Contact with infected animals
● Flea bites (tapeworms)
● Mother's milk (puppies)
● Eating infected prey animals
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association reports, puppies are at the highest risk. The worm larvae might be in the mother’s milk. An infected mother dog passes roundworms and hookworms to the puppies when nursing, even if mom seems perfectly healthy.
Top 10 Signs of Worms in Dogs You Need to Know
Before the condition worsens, you should know the signs of worms in dogs. So, you can take the next treatment steps. Here are the top ten signs to look for in your pet dog:
1. Visible Worms in Dogs' Poop
The most obvious sign is seeing worms in a dog's poop. Finding worms in dog poop isn’t easy, but it's actually helpful because it confirms what you've to deal with. Here are the different types of worms, where each one looks distinct from the other:
● Long strands, resembling white or light brown roundworms, are among the types of worms found in your dog. You might even notice them moving.
● Flat tapeworms can be found in the dog’s bottom or stuck in the fur. They can be several inches long and move when fresh. Tapeworms resemble white rice grains or small, moving segments around your dog's bottom.
● Hookworms are sneaky. With the naked eye, hookworms are challenging to distinguish due to their small size. So you'll need your vet to confirm them with lab tests.
2. Variations in Bowel Habits
One common symptom of worm infestations is diarrhea. The stool can be bloody, watery, or loose. Some dogs experience fluctuations between diarrhea and constipation. Hookworms often cause bloody or dark, tarry stools. It occurs when these parasites feed on blood by sticking to the intestinal wall.
Read More: Understanding Why Your Dog Is Pooping Blood
3. Nausea and vomiting
If your dog starts vomiting frequently, worms could be the reason. Particularly with roundworm infections, you can occasionally observe real worms in the vomit.
Here, the reason is that your dog is facing dehydration. To check this, look for signs such as dry gums, loss of skin elasticity, and intense breathing.
Found any of these symptoms? There are worms in your furry dog.
4. Pot-Bellied Appearance
This one's common in puppies with roundworms. They often have a distended, round abdomen. While the rest of the body seems skinny, the abdomen appears bloated. But don’t worry, it’s treatable.
Adult dogs might not show this as dramatically. They can still be highly infected even if their stomach swelling is less apparent.
5. Weight Loss
It is one of those sneaky signs that creeps up on you. Dog worms eat your pet's food for nutrients. Your dog might eat normally yet still lose weight. Rapid weight loss can result in severe infections. Furthermore, puppies are particularly vulnerable since they require proper nourishment.
6. Dull, Dry Skin
Smooth and delicate skin indicates a healthy dog. However, worm infections make fur look dull, dry, or break easily. Skin is influenced by insufficient absorption of nutrients. You might notice more shedding than usual or even some patchy spots where the hair seems thinner.
7. Lethargy and Weakness
Dogs having worms often lose their usual pep. Your ball-obsessed pup might not be as interested in fetch, or your morning walk buddy might seem less enthusiastic about their daily adventure.
Weakness results from anemia caused by blood loss, particularly from hookworms. Severe cases can cause dogs to have difficulty breathing or might even collapse. That's where you need to contact an emergency vet.
8. Scooting or Bottom Dragging
Dogs dragging their backsides across the floor might have worms. Segments of tapeworm near the anus irritate and itch, causing them to scratch repeatedly. Though scooting could point to other issues, including anal gland difficulties, it's better to treat the problem.
9. Coughing (Particularly in puppies)
Here's something that surprises many people: during a dog's life cycle, roundworm larvae traverse the lungs. Particularly in little pups, this movement might cause coughing.
The cough might be dry or lead to phlegm. Some dogs even get pneumonia from bad roundworm infestations.
10. Pale Gums
Healthy dog gums should be pink. Pale or white gums can indicate anemia from worm infections. Here’s how to check: press your finger against your dog's gum and release. The color should return within two seconds. Slower return times may signal circulation problems.
Prevention and Treatment
Prevention is better than treatment. However, if you notice signs of worms in your dog, it's essential to treat them promptly. Here are key strategies:
● Monthly preventive medications are the most effective approach. Such medications kill worms before they turn into a severe infection. Monthly checkups let pet owners maintain their dog's health.
● Regular vet checkups include fecal tests. Some vets recommend testing twice for puppies and adult dogs for proper examination.
Proper hydration is necessary during worm treatment and recovery. Dogs fighting off infections need constant access to fresh, clean water. The Basin Pet Water Fountain, with its 6L capacity, keeps water fresh and filtered, encouraging your dog to drink more during recovery.
In addition, keep feeding schedules consistent to monitor appetite changes. The Automatic Pet Feeder with WiFi control helps you track eating patterns and maintain regular meal times, even when life gets busy.
For pet owners looking for quality care products, Wopet offers a range of pet health and wellness supplies to keep your dog healthy and comfortable during recovery.
FAQs
Q.1. How long does it take for signs of worms in dogs to become apparent?
Worm symptoms might appear between a few days and several weeks after infection. That’s due to immature immune systems. Apart from adult dogs, puppies show symptoms earlier.
Q.2. Can dogs infect humans?
Yes, particularly children, some dog worms can infect people. Common worms include hookworms and roundworms. So, concentrate on your cleanliness and wash your hands after interaction.
Q.3. Which dogs are more susceptible to worms?
Puppies and outdoor dogs that roam around have weak immune systems. Such dogs likely get worms. Therefore, keep your pet away from these stray dogs.
Q.4. Can worms kill dogs?
A spreading worm disease can be fatal. The severe infection-causing parasite is the hookworm. That’s where early detection and proper care maintain your dog's health and immune system.
Conclusion
Every pet owner should know the signs of worms in dogs. From seeing dog poop to observing the appetite behavior, you can find the infection early.
Treating a dog with worms isn’t challenging if you follow the steps promptly. Giving proper medications, taking care of hygiene habits, and conducting regular checkups keep your pet worm-free.
Have you found any signs of worms in your dog? Don’t delay the treatment. Otherwise, the infection spreads. Also, take quick intervention to keep your pet and family safe.
Your dog relies on you to recognize these warning signs and take action. Visit Wopet for expert recommendations on maintaining your dog's happiness and health, as well as additional pet health advice and premium care products.