How to Get Rid of Worms in Dogs? – 101 Full Intestinal Parasite Guide

Check out this guide on how to get rid of worms in dogs and what you can do when your furry friend has symptoms. Getting rid of worms is clearly a problem that more pet owners should know about because it occurs quite commonly.

If your dog has worms, there are certain things you should do to help as soon as possible. How common are worms in dogs? A study of canine parasitic worms found that nearly 36 percent of dogs in the U.S. had worms.

In the south-eastern states, the incidents of worms were even greater, with 52 percent of the dogs sampled showing signs of infection. As dog owners, we need to keep track of their dog’s body condition and regularly check for any signs of worms.

Canine Worms Explained For Dog Owners

There are several different types of canine parasitic worms. They include hookworm, tapeworm, roundworm, heartworm, and whipworm. Dogs with adult worms often have more than one worm at the same time.

They are all serious health issues for your dog. The worms can damage your dog’s intestines, heart, and lungs. If left untreated, they can make your dog very ill and even cause death.

It is best to identify the symptoms early and get your dog treated by a veterinarian. There are over-the-counter treatments, but these are not effective for all types of worms.

Newborn puppies that get parasitic worms in their early stages can suffer from poor growth and development. It is crucial to deworm puppies regularly to prevent these worms from causing long-term health problems. Deworming puppies regularly is important for their overall health and well-being.

Tapeworm in Dogs

Tapeworms can cause a variety of health issues in dogs. These parasites can be contracted through the ingestion of infected fleas or by consuming raw meat that contains tapeworm larvae. If left untreated, tapeworms can lead to weight loss, diarrhea, and a weakened immune system in dogs.

Tapeworm eggs will stick to the dog’s intestinal lining and can cause irritation and inflammation. In severe cases, tapeworms can even obstruct the dog’s digestive system, leading to vomiting and abdominal pain. It is important for dog owners to regularly deworm their pets and take preventive measures to avoid tapeworm infestations.

Hookworms in Dogs

Ingesting hookworm larvae from infected dirt can lead to hookworm infection in dogs. These microscopic parasites can penetrate the skin of dogs and migrate through their bloodstream, eventually reaching the intestines, where they attach themselves and feed on blood.

Hookworm eggs are then passed through the dog’s feces, contaminating the environment and potentially infecting other animals. It is important for dog owners to regularly clean up after their pets and maintain a clean living environment to prevent the spread of hookworm infection.

Hookworms can reinfect your dog’s intestinal tract if the environment is not properly cleaned and sanitized. Additionally, hookworm infection can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, weight loss, and anemia in dogs, so it is crucial to seek veterinary treatment if you suspect your dog may be infected.

Heartworm in Dogs

Heartworm disease is very common in many dogs, especially those living in areas with a high mosquito population. Dirofilaria immitis is a parasitic worm that causes it and spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito.

If left untreated, heartworm disease can be life-threatening for dogs, as it affects their hearts and lungs. Therefore, it is crucial for pet owners to take preventive measures such as regular heartworm testing and administering monthly preventive medications to protect their furry companions from this potentially fatal disease.

Treating heartworm in dogs or other wild animals requires a complex and lengthy process that often involves multiple rounds of medication and strict rest. It is important to consult with a veterinarian for the best treatment plan, as early detection and intervention can greatly increase the chances of a successful recovery.

To kill adult heartworms, you need to administer a series of injections or give oral medications prescribed by a veterinarian. These medications work to eliminate the adult worms, but it is important to note that this process can be risky and may require close monitoring of the dog’s health.

Roundworm in Dogs

Raccoon roundworm is a parasite that can infect dogs. It is commonly found in raccoons and can be transmitted to dogs through ingestion of infected raccoon feces or by eating an infected intermediate host, such as a rodent.

The roundworm larvae can migrate to various organs in the dog’s body, causing damage and potentially leading to serious health issues if left untreated. Roundworm eggs can live in contaminated soil or other environmental surfaces, posing a risk to other animals and humans.

Whipworms in Dogs

Whipworm is another worm that can affect dogs. It is a type of intestinal parasite that resides in the large intestine of dogs. Whipworm infections can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, weight loss, and anemia in dogs.

Flea control can help mitigate the risk of whipworm infections in dogs, as fleas can serve as intermediate hosts for whipworm larvae. Additionally, regular deworming and maintaining good hygiene practices, such as picking up after your dog’s poop, can also help prevent whipworm infestations.

By removing any flea larvae from your dog’s environment and ensuring that your dog is on a regular deworming schedule, you can greatly reduce the chances of whipworm infestations. It is important to consult with your veterinarian for the most effective flea control and deworming methods for your dog.

A Few Symptoms of Intestinal Parasites in Dogs

The symptoms of a worm infection can also indicate other problems. To get the proper treatment, it is best to have a veterinarian conduct a professional diagnosis.

Canine parasites can also infect humans. Not treating your dog could mean that you and your family, friends, and neighbors are at risk of infection.

Diarrhea and/or loose stools

Your dog’s stool sample may show signs of diarrhea and/or loose stools, which can be a common symptom of intestinal parasites. However, it’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other factors, such as dietary changes or gastrointestinal issues.

Therefore, it is crucial to consult a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan. As a dog owner, you need to prevent your dog from eating any harmful substances or objects that could potentially cause these symptoms.

Vomiting due to worm infestations

Infected dogs can ingest worm eggs by licking contaminated surfaces or eating infected prey. Once the eggs are ingested, they hatch into larvae in the dog’s intestines and can cause vomiting as a result of the infestation.

Small worm segments can be found using a microscopic examination of the dog’s fecal samples. These segments are often white and resemble grains of rice, indicating a possible worm infestation.

Weight loss in adult dogs

Most dogs will start losing weight if they are not consuming enough calories to meet their energy needs. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a poor diet, underlying health issues, or even stress.

Therefore, it is crucial to seek professional advice for proper diagnosis and management. Regular deworming treatments are necessary to keep your dog healthy and free of intestinal worms, per your veterinarian’s advice.

Visible worms in your dog’s feces

Other dogs can have visible worms in their feces, which is a clear indication of an infestation. However, some dogs may not show any visible signs of worms, making regular deworming treatments even more important.

Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine can also help keep your dog in optimal health. Your dog can get infected with parasites through infected soil or even their mother’s milk if they were born from an infected mother.

Respiratory issues in infected dogs

Untreated dog worms can cause severe lung disease in dogs, leading to respiratory issues such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. This is because certain types of worms, like heartworms, can migrate to the lungs and cause damage.

It is crucial to seek veterinary treatment if you suspect your dog has worms to prevent further complications and ensure their overall well-being. Dog scooting is another sign of affected dogs and should also be taken seriously.

Does Your Dog Have Worms?

There are many symptoms that could indicate that your dog is infected with worms. These can be confusing and also indicate multiple other problems. It’s important to monitor your dog’s general health at all times and seek veterinary advice if you have any concerns.

How to diagnose worms in dogs? Some signs of infection include diarrhea, stools with traces of blood and stools with mucus. Unexplained weight loss is also a concerning symptom. Any signs of abdominal discomfort or enlargement may indicate worms.

Discomfort around the anus and scooting along the ground indicating itchiness may be caused by worms. Vomiting, lethargy and a change in behavior are also things to watch out for.

Whatever the symptoms, it’s best to seek the advice of a veterinary professional. A veterinarian may test a stool or fecal sample to confirm a diagnosis. They may also identify any other health issues your dog needs treatment for.

How Do Dogs Get Worms?

Most worms are passed from dog to dog via an intermediary. Some worms are transferred when their eggs are consumed in feces or soil. A dog may eat rodents or birds that have eggs in them.

Some intestinal parasites are passed to dogs by mosquitoes. Fleas spread other people between dogs. Eating infected fleas or other parasite-carrying insects can also transmit these parasites to dogs.

If a puppy sniffs other infected dog feces or licks contaminated soil, they can also become infected with worms. Additionally, dogs can contract worms by ingesting contaminated water or food that contains worm larvae. Furthermore, dogs can also acquire worms through contact with other infected animals.

Dog poop from other infected animals can also contain worm larvae, so it is crucial for puppy owners to clean up after their pets to minimize the risk of infection. Furthermore, practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands thoroughly after handling dogs or their waste, can help prevent the transmission of worms from dogs to humans.

How to Get Rid of Intestinal Worms in Dogs

Your veterinarian can prescribe treatments. The usual treatment for dogs with worms is a de-wormer. This is a broad-spectrum treatment that kills a range of worms. Plus, the medication can come in various forms.

Tablets, powder, creams, and chewable pills. There’s a treatment available for your dog whatever their preference for taking medicines. Treatments should be repeated in order to prevent re-infection and to protect your dog and family from harm.

Deworming medications

Deworming medication is the most effective worm treatment available for both humans and animals. It works by killing or paralyzing the worms, allowing them to be expelled from the body through bowel movements. Additionally, deworming medication can help prevent the spread of infections and improve overall health by reducing the burden of worms in the body.

Caring for Your Dog

Sometimes, caring for your dog is simply about observing them. If there are any strange symptoms then you now know how to get rid of intestinal worms in dogs. Seek the advice of your veterinarian. Check out our blog for more great advice on caring for your dog.

Preventative treatments

Don’t let your dog eat other dog’s poop when you take him or her to the dog parks.. This can help reduce the risk of your dog getting infected with intestinal worms. Additionally, make sure to regularly clean up after your dog to prevent them from ingesting any parasites or harmful bacteria found in feces.

Keeping your dog’s skin clean will prevent worms from entering their body through open wounds or bites. Regularly bathing your dog with a gentle, dog-specific shampoo and brushing their fur can help remove any eggs or larvae that may be present on their skin.

Additionally, maintaining a clean living environment for your dog, including regularly washing their bedding and toys, can help prevent the spread of intestinal worms.

Flea prevention

Infected flea bites need to be treated promptly to prevent the transmission of tapeworms, which can be contracted by ingesting fleas. Regularly checking your dog for fleas and using flea prevention products can help minimize the risk of infestation.

Clean the infected animal flesh because fleas tend to shed eggs and larvae in their surroundings, including on the fur and skin of your dog. Vacuuming your home frequently and washing any infested bedding or furniture can help eliminate flea eggs and larvae from the environment.

Additionally, using a flea spray or powder specifically designed for household use can further aid in preventing reinfestation. Flea prevention is crucial because you can find microscopic eggs in hidden corners and crevices throughout your home.

Last Updated on 26/12/2023 by Karen Snow