Introduction
Intestinal worms are a common health concern for dogs. Worm infections can cause discomfort, illness, and even be life-threatening if left untreated. As a dog owner, it’s important to be able to recognize the signs of a worm infection, know how dogs can pick up worms, and understand the different treatment options. This article will provide an overview of the most common intestinal worms found in dogs, including roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms. We’ll discuss how dogs get infected, symptoms to look out for, diagnostic testing, conventional treatment methods, home remedies, and steps you can take to prevent worm infections in your dog. With the right information, dog owners can keep their pets happy, healthy, and worm-free.
Common Intestinal Worms in Dogs
There are four main types of intestinal worms that commonly infest dogs:
Roundworms
Roundworms are extremely common parasites in dogs. The scientific name is Toxocara canis. Puppies are most likely to be infected, with almost 100% of puppies harboring roundworms. Roundworms look like long strands of spaghetti and can grow up to 7 inches long in a dog’s intestines. They are transmitted when dogs ingest worm eggs from contaminated soil, feces, or infected rodents. Roundworms can cause diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, or failure to thrive in puppies. They can even migrate to the lungs and lead to pneumonia in severe cases.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms are flat, segmented intestinal parasites that attach themselves to a dog’s intestines. The most common tapeworm in dogs is Dipylidium caninum. Tapeworms are transmitted when a dog swallows an infected flea. They can cause irritation around the anus, mild diarrhea, or vomiting. Tapeworm segments may be visible in a dog’s feces or around their anus.
Hookworms
Hookworms are tiny worms that bury their heads into the lining of a dog’s small intestine. They suck blood and tissue to nourish themselves. Ancylostoma caninum is a common species of hookworm. Dogs get infected by ingesting larvae from soil contaminated by feces. Hookworms can cause blood loss, diarrhea, weight loss, anemia, and even death in young puppies. Hookworms are a major health concern in dogs.
Whipworms
Whipworms are named after their whip-like shape. They reside in the cecum and colon of dogs. Trichuris vulpis is the scientific name. Dogs get whipworms by ingesting worm eggs from contaminated soil or feces. Whipworms don’t usually cause serious illness, but may lead to mild diarrhea or weight loss. Their numbers build up over time if not treated.
How Dogs Get Intestinal Worms
Dogs most commonly get intestinal worms by ingesting microscopic eggs or larvae from contaminated soil, water, or feces. Worm eggs and larvae are microscopic in size but exist virtually everywhere in the environment. They can be easily picked up anytime dogs eat, lick, or sniff around infected surfaces.
Some common ways dogs can ingest worm eggs or larvae include:
- Drinking contaminated water sources like puddles, ponds, or streams
- Eating or licking soil in areas where other infected dogs have defecated
- Sniffing or licking feces or infected surfaces
- Eating intermediate hosts like fleas, mice or raw meat infected with worm larvae
- Transmission from mother to puppies in utero or via milk
Due to their ubiquity in the environment, it’s easy for dogs to be exposed to worm eggs or larvae virtually anytime they are outdoors. Good preventative care is key to reducing risk.
Symptoms of Worms in Dogs
Intestinal worms can cause a variety of concerning symptoms in dogs. Some of the most common signs of a worm infestation include:
- Diarrhea – Worms irritate the gastrointestinal tract and can cause diarrhea, which may be loose and watery or contain mucus or blood.
- Vomiting – Vomiting may occur if worms cause intestinal blockages or inflammation.
- Weight loss – Worms steal nutrients from the dog’s diet, which can lead to weight loss despite a normal appetite.
- Dull coat – Parasitic infections deprive the dog of essential nutrients, causing the coat to become dull and dry.
- Abdominal swelling – Roundworms and hookworms can cause the belly to appear swollen or bloated.
In puppies, heavy worm infestations can cause slowed growth and development. Dogs with worms may also scoot their rear along the ground due to anal itching. Owners should monitor their dog’s symptoms and consult a veterinarian if worms are suspected.
Diagnosing Worms
There are a few ways veterinarians can diagnose an intestinal worm infection in dogs. The most common diagnostic tool is a fecal exam. For this test, the vet will take a stool sample from the dog and look at it under a microscope to check for worm eggs and larvae. Some types of worm eggs and larvae can be identified by their unique appearance under the microscope. This allows the vet to determine what kinds of worms may be present.
In some cases, an intestinal worm infestation is obvious without a fecal exam. Worms may be visible in a dog’s vomit or stool. Roundworms and tapeworms can sometimes be seen in vomit. Long worm segments from tapeworms may also pass through a dog’s stool and be observed. Seeing worms is a clear indicator that the dog needs deworming treatment.
There are also antibody blood tests that can check for worms. These can be good for identifying difficult to diagnose worms like heartworms. But fecal testing is still the most common diagnostic method for intestinal worms.
Treating Intestinal Worms
The main treatment for intestinal worms in dogs are anthelmintic medications. These anti-parasitic drugs will kill adult worms as well as prevent larvae from maturing, effectively breaking the worm’s life cycle. Some common anthelmintics prescribed by veterinarians include:
- Fenbendazole
- Milbemycin oxime
- Moxidectin
- Praziquantel
- Pyrantel
Anthelmintics are available as oral tablets, topical solutions, or injections. The exact medication and dosage will depend on the type of worm present and the dog’s weight. These deworming medications are very effective when given properly.
It’s important to treat all pets in the household when one dog has intestinal worms. Even dogs without symptoms can harbor worm eggs or larvae and serve as a source of reinfection. Some anthelmintics are safe to use preventatively in adult dogs. Puppies generally require more frequent deworming as part of their routine veterinary care.
In most cases, a single dose of the anthelmintic medication will clear the intestinal worm infestation. Your veterinarian may recommend a repeat dose 2-4 weeks later to kill any newly hatched worms or larvae. Regular deworming may be advised to prevent reinfection until the environment is clear of worm eggs.
Prevention
There are several steps pet owners can take to help prevent intestinal worms in dogs:
Routine deworming – One of the most effective ways to prevent worms is to deworm puppies starting at 2 weeks old, then every 2 weeks until 12 weeks old, then monthly until 6 months old. Adult dogs should be dewormed at least 2-4 times per year based on risk factors. Consult with your vet on the appropriate deworming schedule for your dog.
Clean up feces – Promptly picking up and disposing of dog feces prevents contamination of soil and grass with worm eggs and larvae. Dogs can be reinfected if they come into contact with areas contaminated with feces.
Control fleas – Treating dogs monthly with flea control products breaks the flea life cycle and prevents tapeworm infection, which fleas transmit. Keep dogs off flea-infested areas.
Wash hands – Washing hands thoroughly after handling dogs or picking up feces helps prevent human infection with worms like roundworms and hookworms that can spread to people.
When to See a Vet
While deworming medication from a vet will treat most cases of worms in dogs, it’s important to monitor your dog’s symptoms and seek veterinary care if their condition worsens or fails to improve. Puppies with worms often need earlier intervention since they are more vulnerable to complications.
Contact your vet promptly if your puppy continues passing worms or eggs after a course of deworming medication. Puppies under 6 months old can decline rapidly if intestinal worms drain their nutrition and cause anemia or other problems. Don’t wait to bring in a puppy with any ongoing symptoms or worm sightings.
Likewise, contact your vet if an adult dog’s symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, dull coat, or lethargy persist after they finish deworming medication. Certain symptoms like coughing or blood in the stool also warrant immediate veterinary care to check for heartworms or other concerns requiring diagnosis and treatment.
While judicious use of over-the-counter dewormers is appropriate, anything more than short-term or intermittent symptoms means it’s time to consult your vet. They can provide prescription-strength deworming products if needed, or pursue other testing and treatment if worms don’t appear responsible for the dog’s continued illness.
Outlook and Prognosis
For most healthy dogs, the prognosis for full recovery from intestinal worms is good with prompt and proper treatment. However, some worms can cause serious complications if left untreated, so it’s important to seek veterinary care as soon as worm symptoms arise.
Roundworms and hookworms can cause life-threatening problems like intestinal blockages or blood loss. Heartworms can lead to heart failure and lung disease if not eliminated. Whipworms and tapeworms may cause more chronic issues like weight loss, vitamin deficiencies, and bowel inflammation. Giardia protozoa can produce severe, chronic diarrhea.
With timely diagnosis and correct deworming medication, the outlook is very positive. Puppies, older dogs, and those with weakened immune systems are most vulnerable to complications. Completing the full course of prescribed medication is important to fully eliminate the worms. Ongoing prevention through monthly heartworm medication and periodic fecal testing is key to avoiding reinfection.
With vigilant pet parents who stay up to date on deworming and seek prompt veterinary care when issues arise, most dogs recover fully and thrive after treatment for intestinal worms.
Conclusions
There are several common intestinal worms that can infect dogs, including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. These parasites are contracted through contaminated soil, stool, or fleas and can cause symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and lethargy. While alarming, most worm infections are treatable with proper deworming medication prescribed by your vet. Through routine fecal screening and preventative care, intestinal worms can be avoided or caught early.
Prevention is key when it comes to protecting your dog against parasitic worms. Maintain sanitary living conditions, promptly remove dog waste, control fleas, and administer heartworm and intestinal parasite preventative medication as prescribed. Deworming puppies multiple times in their first year and annual fecal exams for adults will help detect and treat any worms early. Stay alert for symptoms of an infection and see your vet if you suspect your dog may have intestinal worms.
While intestinal worms can be disruptive and unpleasant, the prognosis is good when caught and treated early. With routine deworming, prevention, and veterinary care, most dogs go on to make a full recovery and live a long and happy life free of worms. The information in this guide will help dog owners understand the common worm risks, how to prevent infections, and what to do if worms are suspected. Stay diligent year-round when it comes to your dog’s parasite prevention and health.