Different types of worms can affect dogs. They do not transmit to humans, with the rare roundworm exception noted below. Puppies should be vaccinated against worms initially and all dogs should be regularly wormed. Regular worming is normally done by including worming tablets in the dog's food usually every six months, and sometimes more frequently, for example 3-4 months, in younger dogs depending on which treatment is used. Then the dog's faeces should be checked for worms, which will usually look like rice or sometimes long white string. For these types, if this continues to be the case after a second elimination, then the dog should be taken to the vet for appropriate treatment.
Occasionally, despite preventive treatments, dogs can still become infected. Worms require a vet's diagnosis and treatment, but being alert to the types, causes and treatment is useful as a further preventive measure and particularly as some symptoms might be noticed before any physical evidence appears.
Dog faeces are a source of worms and should always be cleaned up regularly. Puppy faeces in particular can carry roundworm and should always be removed quickly. For some worm infections, vets may require a stool sample.
Once worms have been diagnosed and treated, most worm treatments are effective quickly and do not cause any side-effects other than occasionally vomiting for a short time in some dogs. Only the more rare forms of worms may take longer to treat, assuming the dog has no other health complications. Hookworm and whipworm can prove difficult to eradicate, dependent on the scale of the infection. Heartworm is rare as it usually arises from mosquito bites but requires immediate vet attention.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms are transmitted through fleas and infect the intestine. They are a nuisance on sheep farms due to their frequent occurrence around sheep, though sheep are treated against them.
The eggs usually appear, look like white rice and can sometimes be found near the dog's rectum or on its bedding. The dog may scratch and excessively lick the area. If untreated they cause loss of weight and appetite and can lead to stomach pain.
Tapeworms indicate fleas' presence, which will require treatments as well, which should include the dog's bedding and potentially all soft furnishings in the keeper's house, depending on the scale of any infestation.
Amongst flea prevention measures, checking a dog's skin for lumps or wounds while bathing is a useful precaution.
Roundworms
Roundworms can reside in adult dogs without causing illness. They are quite common in puppies, who get them from their mother, especially if she is not particularly healthy pre-pregnancy. Many female dogs are vaccinated when pregnant to reduce the likelihood of infection. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, bloating, gas and a much-increased appetite.
Roundworms can be transmitted through faeces and in some instances can lead to rare eye infections in children.
Hookworms and Whipworms
These worms have similar causes and symptoms. Both are ingested via dog faeces, which might be through licking a paw that has stepped in faeces.
Symptoms of both include diarrhoea, blood in the victim's stool, gas, much-increased appetite, a dull coat and bloating. Hookworms are bloodsuckers and can cause anaemia in the dog. Whipworms are fairly rare.
Heartworms
Heartworms usually infect a dog by it being bitten by a mosquito. An infected dog needs immediate treatment by a vet. Symptoms are coughing, breathing difficulties, lethargy, unusual tiredness and loss of appetite. Treatment might be administered on a monthly basis following veterinary diagnosis.
Similar Parasites Affecting Dogs
Two other similar parasites both require vet advice and treatment. Though not worms, they are included here to raise awareness of the causes and symptoms. They are mainly found in puppies rather than adult dogs.
Coccidia are caused by eating faeces and infects the dog's intestines. Symptoms include vomiting, loose stools, diarrhoea, bloating and loss of weight.
The giardia germ usually affects puppies and originates from drinking polluted water. It feeds on the small intestine and causes diarrhoea, bloating, stomach cramps and loss of weight.
Being informed about the symptoms and causes is important to maintaining dog health and helping prevent these unpleasant occurrences.
