There are five main types of worms a dog owner needs to know: heartworm and the four types of intestinal worms, roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms. Your vet will certainly be able to tell you which of these are typical of the area in which you reside and will be able to diagnose and treat these parasites. Specific medications are needed to prevent and treat these annoying worms, as some may even compromise the life of your faithful friend. This article gives you some guidelines for recognizing and treating all five types of worms, although it is important to point out right away that parasitic diseases are often difficult to detect, unless the dog is very infested or has been infested for a long time..
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Signs of Worms
Step 1. Learn about intestinal worms
Roundworms, tapeworms, whipworms and hookworms are found in the intestinal tract of dogs and end up covering the feces of infected dogs. The presence of these parasites produces some common symptoms among them which in some cases can be identified.
- Some are passed from dog to dog in what is termed "fecal-oral transmission". Their eggs are excreted from an infected dog through the feces and enter the intestinal tract of another animal through the mouth. Even if it is not possible to see the eggs and if there is no excrement on the ground, some of these could be in the grass and attach themselves to the dog walking in their midst. The animal then licks its paws and ingests the eggs which begin to infect the intestine.
- In particular, tapeworms are transmitted by dogs who accidentally ingest fleas.
- Even if you can't determine what type of intestinal worm has infected your pet, keeping an eye on these symptoms can help determine if treatment is needed.
Step 2. Monitor the animal's feces
Intestinal worms are often detected by observing changes in the dog's stool. In particular, pay attention to one of the following problems:
- Roundworms and whipworms can cause diarrhea. If your dog suffers from this ailment often or for a prolonged period of time, it is advisable to have him examined by the vet.
- In the case of hookworms and whipworms, there may be blood in the stool. In this case, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- You can often see segments of tapeworms in the stool or clinging to the hair around the dog's anus. If you notice foreign bodies in the animal's excrement that resemble grains of white rice, it probably means that there is an infestation of tapeworms.
Step 3. Check for vomiting
A dog with intestinal parasites can vomit often, especially if they have roundworms or tapeworms.
Step 4. Pay attention if the dog coughs
In some cases, parasite infestation can cause the dog to cough, especially if the worms are roundworms.
Coughing can be a symptom of several health problems, so if your dog starts coughing, it's a good idea to take him to the vet right away for a check-up
Step 5. Keep an eye on any physical changes
If the animal suddenly becomes swollen in the abdominal area or loses weight rapidly, both are signs of intestinal worms.
A swollen belly may mean roundworms, while weight loss may also suggest tapeworms or whipworms
Step 6. Look at the fur and skin of your faithful friend
Some intestinal worms can be identified by the impact they have on the dog's shiny coat or by the condition of his skin.
- If the coat is usually shiny but suddenly becomes dull and dull, it could indicate the presence of roundworms.
- On the other hand, irritated skin could be a sign of hookworms.
Step 7. Make a note of whether the dog produces excessive flatulence
If you see that it produces more gas than usual, it can be an additional sign of parasites, especially whipworms.
Step 8. Make sure it's not anemic
Since these parasites take vital nutrients from your pet, they can cause iron deficiency.
You can control anemia by looking at their gums. In dogs, the gums are usually pink, as in humans. If you see them pale, the animal is probably anemic, a disease that can result from both the presence of hookworms and whipworms
Step 9. Observe the behavior of your furry friend
If you suffer from intestinal parasites, you will most likely behave differently than usual. Eg:
- If the dog has a tapeworm infestation, the dog is agitated, suffers from abdominal pain or itchy around the anus, consequently it tends to drag its butt along the ground in an attempt to reduce discomfort.
- In the presence of hookworms or whipworms, he can become lethargic. A sudden drop in energy can be a warning sign that should prompt you to take him to the vet for a visit.
Step 10. Take the animal to the vet to undergo a routine check for heartworm
It is a blood parasite that is transmitted from one dog to another through the bite of a mosquito. Unlike the other types of worms described in this article, the first stage infection of this parasite shows no symptoms, the dog can appear and act normally for years. For this reason, it is important to regularly analyze the dog's blood to ward off heartworm disease.
- In almost all regions, an annual blood test is sufficient to identify possible cases of heartworm disease and, if necessary, to be able to prescribe preventive drugs to ensure that the dog does not get sick.
- When the infection is already in the advanced stages, the dog may show symptoms such as swollen belly, dull coat, cough, rapid or labored breathing or lack of energy.
- By the time the animal shows these symptoms, it may already be too late, as most cases of heartworm disease in advanced stages are fatal. Therefore it is of the utmost importance to have your faithful friend regularly monitored at a qualified veterinary office.
Part 2 of 3: Treating Worms
Step 1. Have the animal's feces analyzed
If you are concerned that your dog is suffering from intestinal worms, the first thing to do is to go to the vet who will be able to correctly diagnose the problem and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Your doctor will most likely ask you to collect a stool sample before you go to your appointment. It will then observe it to determine if and if so what type of intestinal worms have infested your pet
Step 2. Give him a drug treatment
Most intestinal parasites are treated with various oral medications. Which type of drug and in which dosage depends on the veterinarian's instructions and on the type of worms.
- In the case of roundworms and hookworms it is most likely necessary to administer an oral drug called "vermifuge" and the dog will have to be monitored to avoid the risk of new infestations every 3-6 months for a certain period of time, once treatment has started.
- There are several drugs that treat roundworms and hookworms; some of these are over-the-counter, while others require a prescription. Pyrantel pamoate and fenbendazole are readily available without a prescription for both types of worms.
- Pirantel is quite safe and can also be given to most puppies from 4 weeks of age. In any case, the best thing is to consult your veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
- In the presence of roundworms or hookworms, the dog will most likely need a medication to be taken monthly against heartworm that also contains an active ingredient against roundworms, so as to be able to manage any relapses.
- Praziquantel and epsiprantel are two active ingredients present in drugs indicated for the treatment of tapeworms.
- Whipworms can only be killed with certain medications. These include fenbendazole or febantel. The treatment lasts 5 days and must be repeated after three weeks. In addition, monthly heartworm medication containing the active ingredient against whipworm recurrence is often recommended.
Step 3. Get him undergoing heartworm treatment immediately
If the dog has been infected with heartworm, he must follow a treatment as soon as possible. If the infection was contracted by an adult dog, a veterinarian's intervention is required.
- The severity of the infection and the damage caused by the worms to the heart and lungs must be evaluated by the veterinarian so that he can find an appropriate therapy.
- A typical treatment typically takes a period of about 6-12 months, during which medication is taken by mouth, as well as a series of injections (usually three) of a special drug to be done in the back muscles of the 'animal.
- Heartworm disease is a very serious disease and, in some cases, even with adequate treatment, some dogs that have an advanced infection do not survive.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Worms
Step 1. Get your furry friend undergo regular checkups
To make sure any type of worm infection is cured and treated before it becomes advanced, see your vet on a regular basis.
- If you want to prevent any infection, it is advisable to have the dog's feces analyzed at least once a year.
- If the animal spends a lot of time outdoors or with other dogs, if it hunts and eats live prey or if you live in an area where any of these parasites are quite widespread, it is a good idea to have their feces checked even more often.
Step 2. Give him preventative treatment for heartworm
Preventing this disease is undoubtedly safer and cheaper than therapy, so you should start as early as your dog is a puppy by giving him preventative medication when he is 8 weeks of age. Many preventative treatments available for heartworm are also effective in reducing the risk of intestinal parasites, making these drugs doubly important.
- There are many preventive medications for heartworm disease and your vet will certainly be able to advise you on the best solutions.
- The most popular are often available for both oral and topical use.
- Many preventive drugs for heartworm disease also help prevent flea and tick infestation. While there is no product that can prevent all parasites, your vet will know which one is best suited for your pet's specific situation.
- Preventive care for heartworm is typically given or applied monthly, although some medications are given as a long-acting injection that lasts six months. However, this type of drug only prevents this disease and does not protect against intestinal parasites.
- If you live in an area where prevention is not required for heartworm disease, there are medications such as pyrantel pamoate, fenbendazole, and praziquantel that only treat intestinal parasites.
Step 3. Prevent your dog from being infested with fleas
Tapeworm infection occurs more often when the animal eats fleas, so making sure it is not attacked by these annoying parasites is the best way to prevent tapeworms.
- You can find several over-the-counter medications to prevent fleas, both topical and to be taken by mouth, in addition to those that your vet can prescribe, all of which can effectively manage fleas and consequently keep tapeworm infection under control.
- While not the most effective method, you can still use flea collars and baths.
Step 4. Eliminate dog poo
Hookworms and whipworms are easily transmitted through stool. Clean up where the dog defecates often and keep your four-legged friend away from those of other dogs.
Advice
- Always monitor your pet and contact your vet if you have any concerns.
- Clean your garden regularly.
- Remember to always consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to the dog.
- Take your furry friend to the vet every 6-12 months to undergo routine tests, including fecal and blood tests.
Warnings
- In severe cases of hookworms it may be necessary to admit the dog to a veterinary hospital for intravenous drips of fluids and possibly also for a blood transfusion.
- Both heartworm and many intestinal worms can lead to death if not treated properly. It is important to subject the animal to regular checks, if you are concerned that it may be infected, by contacting a qualified doctor.
- Be very cautious when collecting dog feces as hookworms and roundworms can also be passed on to humans.
- Hookworms can be passed on from the mother to unborn puppies. If you have a pregnant dog, it is especially important to pay attention to any signs of worms.
