Intestinal parasites, such as worms, are very common among dogs and puppies, especially when they spend a lot of time outdoors. There are four species of worms that can infest puppies, each causing different symptoms and life-threatening problems. However, by monitoring the signs and symptoms of the presence of these parasites, by having the animal tested at the vet's office, you can know if the puppy is suffering from parasites and treat him promptly.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Observe the Symptoms
Step 1. Pay attention to the presence of nematodes
Virtually all dogs, including puppies, are sooner or later infested with these worms, because they are the most common among canids. Puppies are particularly susceptible to mother-borne nematode infections, both while still in the womb and through milk. However, even eating small animals, such as mice, can cause infestation. Although many dogs are completely asymptomatic, the signs described below may indicate a serious infection in the puppy:
- Diarrhea;
- He retched;
- Weight loss;
- Dull coat;
- Swollen abdomen
- Cough, which indicates that the worms have moved to the lungs
- White or tan colored worms, several centimeters long in the puppy's stool.
Step 2. Identify hookworms
These parasites "attach themselves" to the intestinal lining of the animal which, by licking or cleaning itself, has ingested the eggs or larvae present in the soil. Hookworms can cause malnutrition and death, especially in puppies; it is therefore essential to monitor the signs of infection and intervene promptly. Unlike roundworms and tapeworms, these parasites are difficult to see in stool. However, you can recognize its presence by observing other disturbances and signs such as:
- Diarrhea;
- Weight loss.
Step 3. Look for whipworms
Just like roundworms, these parasites also hide in the puppy's intestines and suck their blood. Infestation occurs through the ingestion of eggs present in the soil and other substances, such as faeces. However, they do not cause severe blood loss unless the colony is very large, which could even lead to the dog's death. Puppies can pick up whipworms from the ground or by licking themselves. Many specimens show no signs, but bloody diarrhea can indicate a severe infestation and you should take your pet to the vet immediately.
Be aware that the vet examines the dog for whipworms and other worms during each follow-up visit
Step 4. Watch out for tapeworms
Puppies can contract these worms in many ways, such as by eating an infested mouse or flea. However, the infection can also occur by licking or spending time outdoors. Tapeworms feed on the food present in the dog's intestines and can break apart, making their presence evident in the stool or around the puppy's anus. These parasites are generally not dangerous, but they do cause you to lose a lot of weight if the infestation is severe. Look for typical signs of a tapeworm infection:
- Presence of segments of worms, similar to grains of rice, around the dog's anus or in its faeces
- Skin irritation, which causes the animal to drag its butt on the ground or other rough surfaces, such as a carpet;
- The dog licks or nibbles its butt;
- Presence of segments of worms in the vomit;
- Slimming.
Step 5. Monitor the dog for Dirofilaria immitis
Puppies can become contaminated through mosquito bites, worms reach the heart and lungs through the bloodstream. Heartworm is a dangerous parasite for dogs, regardless of their age; the necessary care is expensive and sometimes the animal can even die. However, infestation can be prevented with some drugs at an affordable price. Many specimens do not show any symptoms in the early stages of the disease, because the parasites take about six months to become adults; however, these are the signs that can occur in puppies as young as six months of age:
- Slight persistent cough;
- Little willingness to exercise;
- Fatigue after moderate activity;
- Decreased appetite;
- Weight loss;
- Swollen abdomen due to the presence of excess fluids
- Heart failure.
Step 6. Know the risks your puppy runs
Worms, which are intestinal parasites, are very common among dogs at an early age, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors. By knowing the risk factors, especially with regard to heartworm and hookworms, you can quickly identify the infestation. Puppies often contract worms:
- By ingesting the eggs or larvae of parasites present in the soil or by licking themselves;
- Eating birds, rodents, or other dead animals
- From fleas;
- From the mother, while they are still in the womb.
Part 2 of 3: Avoid the Worms
Step 1. Give your puppy preventative medications
The first thing to do to manage parasitic infestations is to prevent them. By giving your dog some medicine monthly, you are able to keep him healthy, happy and free from worms.
- Be aware that most heartworm prophylactic medications also contain generic worm medications, which help control hookworm, tapeworm and whipworm infestations. To buy these relatively inexpensive worm treatments, you need a veterinary prescription.
- Give your dog the medication at the same time each month. If you find that you cannot afford this type of therapy, talk to your vet to agree on a possible installment payment. If you forget to give the medicine, do it as soon as you remember.
Step 2. Maintain good hygiene practices
Keeping the dog and the environment in which it lives clean is another fundamental factor of prevention. By collecting the pet's feces, cleaning the garden and common areas, you can minimize the risk of intestinal parasite infestations.
- Collect and seal puppy droppings in a plastic bag. throw them in a bin out of the reach of animals and children.
- Clean the areas where the puppy or other pets fulfill their physiological needs, such as the litter box or the floor in case of "accidents".
- Avoid contact with dead or wild animals and their droppings. Try to keep your puppy from eating dead or wild animals, such as mice, raccoons, or other game, as they can potentially transmit worms. Keep your dog away from other animals' feces, as they are a vehicle for transmission.
- Consider hiring a specialized company to clean your garden of feces if you don't want to do it yourself.
Step 3. Check and manage fleas
Worms are often the result of a flea infestation on the animal. Find solutions to get rid of these insects, both inside and outside the house, to improve the health of your four-legged friend and avoid intestinal parasites.
- Give your puppy oral or topical products to manage the presence of fleas on his body. You can use prescription or over-the-counter medications available at pet stores.
- Clean your house thoroughly by vacuuming and spraying insecticides on furniture, baseboards, window sills and carpet.
- Remember that outdoor treatments are generally not necessary if you keep the flea population in your home under control. If the garden is heavily infested, rely on a specialist company to get rid of it.
Part 3 of 3: Treating the Infestation
Step 1. Make an appointment with your vet
In addition to the annual checks that can detect the presence of worms, you should have your dog examined whenever you suspect or notice some signs that suggest an infestation. The veterinarian is able to diagnose the type of parasite, providing timely and adequate treatment, before the situation deteriorates.
- Call the vet's office if you are unsure about these parasites. If your dog has had any infestations in the past, let the clinic staff know that you have noticed the same signs again.
- Remember that some parasites, especially heartworms and hookworms, can be fatal to puppies, so don't delay and ask your veterinarian for immediate help.
- Be aware that although there are many over-the-counter worming medications, many products do not kill parasites like tapeworms. In these cases, prescription medicines are needed.
Step 2. Give your puppy medication against most worms
Based on the diagnosis, the dog needs to be dewormed with medication. Follow your vet's directions to make sure you get rid of the infestation completely. In addition, the dog may be subjected to:
- Heartworm medications that also contain generic worm products;
- A combination of antiparasitic medicines that treat tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms and whipworms with a single tablet;
- The injectable or oral praziquantel against tapeworms.
Step 3. Get your puppy for heartworm treatment
Unlike other worms, these often require more treatment than taking medicine. Although prevention remains the best technique for controlling these parasites, the vet may also decide to hospitalize the puppy and give him the following treatments to stabilize and cure him:
- Limit physical activity, to reduce the rate at which the heart and lungs are damaged;
- Therapies for related diseases;
- Surgical intervention;
- Medicines, including pain relievers;
- Verification test after treatment;
- Preventive drugs.
