Learn what intestinal parasites are, how puppies get them, and how dog owners can keep their pet safe.

Deworming your puppy is very important. Even in the best of conditions, most puppies will have intestinal parasites. For puppies whose immune system is not yet fully developed, these parasites can cause serious health problems or death.

What intestinal parasites are:

The most common intestinal parasites are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, giardia, and coccidia.

Roundworms are long round worms that look like spaghetti. Their cyst stage is protected by a hard shell and can live outside a host for months or even years. They may be contracted from a contaminated environment and mature once they are inside a host.

Hookworms are small, thin worms that attach to the intestinal wall with ‘hooks’ or ‘teeth’ and drain blood from their host. Severe infestations can cause anemia and death in puppies.

Whipworms are tiny, thread-like worms that live in the colon and in the first section of the large intestine called the cecum, causing irritation in these areas. Whipworm eggs can remain infectious in soil for years.

Tapeworms are long flat segmented worms. They burrow into the intestinal wall and segments may break off and be passed in the feces but the worm can be regenerated from the head. Dogs get tapeworms from ingesting a flea host.

Giardia is a microscopic parasite that attaches to the surface of the intestine. It can be passed from one dog to another through standing water, food, or contaminated areas.

Coccidia is a microscopic parasite that lives in the lining of the intestinal tract. It can be passed from one dog to another through fecal contamination.

How puppies get intestinal parasites:

Dormant larvae can live in the muscles of adult dogs and may be activated by hormones during pregnancy. They are then transmitted from the mother to her puppies before birth or during nursing. Puppies also contract intestinal parasites when they ingest larvae in an environment contaminated with flies, roaches, fleas, rodents, birds, or other hosts and their droppings. In other cases, parasite larvae may penetrate the skin of the puppy.

What to watch for:

Vomiting

Diarrhea or bloody diarrhea

Change in appetite

Lethargy

Weight loss

Dull coat

Bloated abdomen

Worms or evidence of eggs in stool or on fur

What you should do:

Make sure your puppy is on a veterinarian supervised deworming schedule by the age of 2 weeks.

Take adult dogs to the vet and arrange a regular deworming program.

Ask about heartworm preventative that is also effective against some intestinal parasites.

Don’t allow your dog to roam and come in contact with rodents or animal carcasses.

Scoop and clean up after your dog at least once daily.

Keep food and water containers and bedding clean.

Keep your dog free from fleas.

Some parasites can be transmitted from dogs to humans. Children and anyone with a weaker immune system will be most vulnerable. Do not allow your dog to lick you on the face.

Do not walk barefoot in areas where pets relieve themselves.

Practice handwashing after handling your dog.

Ask your veterinarian about other ways to keep you, your family, and your pet safe from intestinal parasites.

Related Reading:

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