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This article was co-written by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott is a veterinarian with over thirty years of experience. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 and worked as a veterinary surgeon for 7 years. Then, Dr. Elliott worked as a veterinarian in a clinic for over a decade.
There are 17 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 137,561 times.
There are 5 basic types of worms that dogs often get: filariasis and 4 types of intestinal parasitic worms: roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and whipworms. Your veterinarian will know what types of worms are common where you live and how to test and treat your dog for worms. Dogs need to be given specific worm prevention and treatment medications because many types of worms can be fatal to dogs. The following article will guide you to recognize and treat 5 types of worms, although the initial symptoms are often difficult to detect and only manifest when the dog is severely infected or for a long time.
Steps
Recognizing the signs of a helminth infection
- Some intestinal worms can be passed from one dog to another through the “fecal-oral route.” Worm eggs in the feces of an infected dog can be transmitted to the mouth and intestinal tract of another dog. Even if you can’t see eggs or droppings, your dog will unknowingly become infected with worm eggs that live in the grass. Dogs that eat worm eggs when licking their feet will be infected with intestinal worms. [2] X Research Source
- The main route of infection with tapeworms is when dogs inadvertently ingest fleas. [3] X Research Sources
- Although it is not possible to determine the type of worms your dog has, you can monitor the symptoms to see if your dog needs treatment for intestinal worms.
- Roundworms and whipworms can both cause diarrhea. If your dog has frequent and persistent diarrhea, you should take your dog to the vet right away. [4] X Research Sources
- Hookworms and whipworms can both cause blood in your dog’s stool. If you see blood in your dog’s stool, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. [5] X Research Sources
- Tapeworms often appear in dog feces or cling to the hair around the dog’s anus. If you notice a white rice-like object in the stool, your dog may have a tapeworm infection. [6] X Research Sources
- Coughing can be a sign of many other illnesses, so you should take your dog to the vet right away.
- An enlarged abdomen could be a sign of roundworms, while weight loss could be a symptom of roundworms, tapeworms, or whipworms.
- If the shiny coat becomes loose and dull, the dog most likely has ringworm.
- Skin irritation can be a sign of hookworm.
- You can detect anemia by looking at your dog’s gums. Like humans, dog gums are also pink. The gums become pale, indicating that the dog may be anemic due to hookworm and whipworm infection.
- Dogs infected with tapeworms may become agitated, have abdominal pain, or itchiness around the anus, so the dog may drag its butt on the ground. [13] X Research Source
- Dogs infected with hookworms or whipworms may become lethargic. A sudden loss of energy can be a warning sign to take your dog to the vet. [14] X Research Source
- In most areas, an annual blood test is sufficient to detect potential heartworms, as well as to ensure that heartworm preventatives are not harmful to your dog’s health. [17] X Research Source
- With severe filariasis, dogs may exhibit symptoms such as abdominal swelling, dull coat, cough, rapid and labored breathing, or weakness. [18] X Research Sources
- It’s often too late if your dog shows any of the above symptoms because many severe cases can be fatal. Therefore, it is extremely important to take your dog to the vet regularly. [19] X Research Source
Treatment of worms
- Your veterinarian may ask you to collect and bring a sample of your dog’s feces for testing. Your veterinarian will use a stool sample to diagnose and determine the type of worm that your dog is infected with.
- For roundworms and hookworms, you need to give your dog a “dewormer” medicine and for a certain period of treatment, the dog needs to be taken back to the doctor to prevent the risk of reinfection every 3-6 month. [21] X Research Source
- There are many treatments for roundworms and hookworms, including both “over-the-counter” and prescription medications from your veterinarian. Pyrantel pamoate and Fenbendazpe are two over-the-counter medications that treat both roundworm and hookworm in dogs. [22] X Research Source
- Pyrantel is safe for puppies as young as 4 weeks old. However, it is best to consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any medication. [23] X Research Sources
- If infected with roundworm or hookworm, your dog will also most likely need to take monthly heartworm preventatives that contain ingredients that help prevent roundworms and control reinfection. [24] X Research Source
- Praziquantel and Epsiprantel are two drugs commonly used to treat tapeworms. [25] X Research Sources
- Hairworms can be killed with certain drugs such as Fenbendazpe or Febantel. Treatment for hairworms usually lasts for 5 days and treatment is repeated within 3 weeks. Dogs may also need to take a monthly heartworm preventative to prevent ringworm. [26] X Research Sources
- The severity and damage caused by heartworms to the dog’s heart and lungs should be evaluated by a veterinarian to plan appropriate treatment. [28] X Research Sources
- There are several steps in a basic course of filariasis treatment lasting 6-12 months. These steps include oral medication as well as a series of (usually three) injections specifically into the dog’s back muscles. [29] X Research Sources
- Heartworm infection is an extremely serious condition, and even in severe cases, some dogs may not survive even with treatment.
Prevention of helminths
- As a precaution, you should collect a dog stool sample and have it tested at least once a year. [30] X Research Source
- If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors or plays with other dogs, catches and eats raw prey, or you live in an area where worms are common, you should take your dog in for regular stool samples.
- There are many heartworm preventatives available and your veterinarian can advise you on the right type. [32] X Research Source
- The most common heartworm preventatives are available as oral and topical medications.
- Many heartworm repellents also protect against fleas and ticks. There is no cure for all types of parasites, but your veterinarian can help you decide which is best for your dog’s health. [33] X Research Sources
- Dogs need to be given a monthly oral or applied medication to prevent heartworms, although there are injections that can last up to 6 months. This medicine only helps prevent filariasis and has no effect on intestinal worms.
- If you live in an area that doesn’t require heartworm control, simply give your dog medications that help treat intestinal worms such as Pyrantel Pamoate, Fenbendazpe, and Praziquantel. [34] X Research Sources
- There are many oral, over-the-counter and prescription medications that provide effective flea and tapeworm control for dogs. [36] X Research Source
- Although not as effective, you can still use a flea collar and bathe your dog regularly. [37] X Research Source
Advice
- Monitor your dog and contact your veterinarian if a problem is suspected.
- Clean the yard regularly.
- Always consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any medication.
- Every 6-12 months, you should take your dog for tests, including stool and blood tests.
Warning
- Both heartworms and intestinal worms can cause death in dogs if left untreated. You should take your dog for regular checkups or seek professional help if you suspect your dog has worms.
- If your dog has a severe hookworm infection, he or she may need to be hospitalized for intravenous fluids or even a blood transfusion.
- Be careful when handling dog feces because hookworms and roundworms can be transmitted to humans. [39] X Research Sources
- Hookworms can be transmitted to unborn dogs. If your dog is pregnant, you should be especially vigilant for any signs of a worm infection. [40] X Research Source
This article was co-written by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott is a veterinarian with over thirty years of experience. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 and worked as a veterinary surgeon for 7 years. Then, Dr. Elliott worked as a veterinarian in a clinic for over a decade.
There are 17 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 137,561 times.
There are 5 basic types of worms that dogs often get: filariasis and 4 types of intestinal parasitic worms: roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and whipworms. Your veterinarian will know what types of worms are common where you live and how to test and treat your dog for worms. Dogs need to be given specific worm prevention and treatment medications because many types of worms can be fatal to dogs. The following article will guide you to recognize and treat 5 types of worms, although the initial symptoms are often difficult to detect and only manifest when the dog is severely infected or for a long time.
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