There are many different types of worms that can infect dogs. Those of greatest concern are roundworms, tapeworms, heartworms, hookworms and whipworms. Although each type of worm has a slightly different life cycle, the symptoms can be similar between different types of infection. Therefore, it is not possible to determine what type of worm it is based on symptoms alone, and some tests may need to be done. However, by knowing the general symptoms, risks and characteristics of the different types of worms, it is possible to cure and treat your four-legged friend.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing a Worm Infection
Step 1. Be aware of the risk factors for specific types of worms
Since they can seem very similar to each other, one of the best ways to identify the type of parasite that is infecting your dog is to know the environmental factors or situations that favor the development of one worm rather than another.
- Roundworms are often passed on to puppies from an infested mother, because the eggs and larvae cross the placenta and can infect the puppy still in the womb; moreover, eggs are also present in breast milk. In this case, puppies need to be wormed at birth as a routine practice.
- Tapeworms are transmitted through the food of dogs already infected with worms, or fleas that contain tapeworm eggs. Therefore hunting dogs or dogs infested with fleas can be affected.
- Hookworms and whipworms are easily found in humid soils, and the dogs most at risk are those who often stay in lawns, especially in hot and humid conditions.
- Heartworm is spread via insects such as mosquitoes, so it is endemic in areas where insects are more common. High-risk areas include all the northern regions, especially the Po Valley and the Adriatic coast.
- Lungworm nematodes are spreading more and more mainly through the feces of foxes, snails and snails. Contact with any of these is considered a risk factor.
Step 2. Pay attention to the symptoms
Many of the symptoms of worm infections are generic and non-specific. Therefore it is not possible to diagnose which type of worm infected the dog based on the symptoms. However, the signs in a dog that has not been wormed recently should raise the suspicion of a worm infection, and one should try to figure out what type of parasite is present.
Step 3. Look for worms in the stool
Sometimes even in an asymptomatic dog it is possible to find physical evidence of the presence of worms in the stool. If you are unable to recognize the type of worm, collect a few samples in a container with a screw cap and take it to the veterinary clinic for identification.
Collecting a few worms is much more useful to the vet than just describing them, since almost all of them have similar physical characteristics to the naked eye
Step 4. Analyze gastrointestinal symptoms
Although the life cycles of worms are different from each other, they all travel through the intestine anyway. If the infection is still limited, the dog usually has no obvious signs. Conversely, if parasites have colonized the intestines, they can cause irritation to the intestinal walls, which results in symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes with mucus and / or blood), poor appetite and weight loss.
Step 5. Collect a fecal sample
Worms can live in or transit through the intestines, so at certain stages of their life cycle they are found in the dog's feces. In a severe infestation, worms can actually be seen in the stool, but not in a mild infection. Instead, both eggs and larvae may be present in the stool, but they are difficult to spot with the naked eye.
- Collect a stool sample with a popsicle stick or disposable spoon and place it in a clean container with a tight-fitting screw lid (your vet can provide you with a specific one for this purpose if you can't find anything suitable).
- Store the sample below 30 ° C and deliver it to the veterinary clinic when you can (the sample does not have to be particularly fresh for worm analysis).
- If your vet asks you to take a sample for a co-culture, take a dog stool sample once a day for 3 consecutive days, placing them in the same container. This may be necessary in the event of a suspected "false negative" result. The sample taken under different circumstances reduces the risk of unreliable results.
- The vet can analyze the stool by examining a smear of the stool under a microscope for eggs or worm larvae, or he can send it to an external laboratory for analysis.
Step 6. Ask your vet to take your dog for a blood test
Some worms that cause severe disease, such as lungworm or filariasis, can be detected with a blood test. The vet takes a small amount of blood (1-2 ml) from the animal to obtain the sample.
- A variety of diagnostic tests can be done, but ELISA is generally the most common. This test looks for the presence of antibodies to the worms and causes a color change if the result is positive.
- Most vets in high-risk areas for heartworm have an annual test to be done as part of the dog's physical check-up program before renewing or prescribing monthly preventive treatment.
Step 7. Avoid contact with feces and worms
Some parasites, such as roundworms, can transfer from dogs to humans. Infants who become infected can suffer damage to their eyesight.
- Worms or contaminated feces should be removed from children's play areas.
- Infected feces should be handled or collected with gloves.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling animal feces.
Part 2 of 3: Distinguishing the Types of Worms
Step 1. Examine your dog's symptoms or risk factors
Sometimes the best way to diagnose the types of worms is to document the risk factors. Take note of the animal's environment, climate, and habits. Be sure to also document the severity and duration of symptoms and provide your vet with any relevant information if you suspect an infection.
Step 2. Look for the distinctive characteristics of each type of worm
If you can see them in the dog's stool or vomit, you can probably identify the type. Although many are similar to each other, in reality each has some distinctive characteristics that allow you to understand the species.
- Roundworms look a lot like cooked spaghetti. They are on average 8-10 cm long, but can also reach 18 cm in length. They have a round profile and smooth body.
- Tapeworms are distinguished by flattened bodies divided into segments. The length varies according to the species, but on average they range from 50 to 250 cm in length. If you find tapeworms in your stool or vomit, it is likely that they are single segments and not the whole worm.
- Hookworms and whipworms are much smaller than roundworms or tapeworms. They usually do not exceed 5-20mm in length and are extremely thin, like sewing thread or hair. Their small size makes them appear translucent and they are more difficult to see without careful examination.
Step 3. Pay attention to respiratory or cardiac signs
Lungworms and heartworms infest blood vessels and affect both the heart and lungs. This can cause coughing, heavy or rapid breathing, lack of energy or even collapse and death.
- These worms can interfere with blood clotting, and some dogs can suffer from alarming uncontrolled bleeding even after a minor injury.
- If you experience any of these signs you should see your vet immediately. Although treatments can be expensive, if you intervene promptly you can save your dog from possible death.
Step 4. Check for egg clusters
A sure sign of tapeworm is the formation of clumps of eggs attached to the dog's coat near the anus. This occurs when mature tapeworms release their eggs into the animal's intestinal lumen, after which the eggs slip towards the anus causing itching.
- These egg clusters look like sesame seeds or small rice grains attached to the hairs near the dog's anus.
- If you look closely you can sometimes see these bright cream colored seed-like balls.
Step 5. Check the animal's physique
Since worms, especially tapeworms, absorb nutrients from the dog's food making them less available to the host, infested dogs may lose the fat surrounding the bones and may have a swollen abdomen due to excessive presence of worms in the intestine. An infested puppy has a bony appearance, with prominent ribs, a swollen belly and dull coat.
Step 6. Bring a sample of eggs or worms to the vet
The best way to diagnose the specific type of worms is to let the professionals do it. They are able to examine worms or eggs under a microscope, and have the experience and expertise to recognize the small differences between different types of worms.
The differences between eggs are really minimal, such as being oval rather than round or being pointed at one or both ends
Part 3 of 3: Preventing or Treating Worms
Step 1. Identify and treat the infection promptly
The later you cure it, the more it tends to get worse. An infection with a large number of adult worms is serious and can have negative effects on the general well-being of the animal, so it is important to be able to recognize the type of pest before it becomes "uncontrolled", so as to better treat it.
- Some infections can cause gastrointestinal diseases, such as diarrhea.
- In extreme cases, some worm infections can even lead to death, particularly in the case of lung strongyles and heartworms.
Step 2. Give your dog a monthly preventive deworming treatment
Especially if you live in a high-risk area, with many mosquitoes, you should preventively treat your dog from possible heartworm disease. These treatments require a prescription.
- Most veterinarians require that your dog have a negative heartworm test to prescribe preventative care.
- Many of these treatments are meat-flavored and can be chewed, making it easier for the dog to be able to administer them.
Step 3. Prevent your dog from being infested with fleas
Since some parasites are transmitted by fleas, regular flea treatments can help prevent a possible worm infection.
- Some medications are chewable pills that contain a combination of heartworm and flea medications.
- You may also want to give your dog a monthly topical flea treatment. This is typically applied to the nape of your four-legged friend, in the back of the neck.
Step 4. Prevent your dog from going to dangerous environments
By making sure he stays away from environments that are more conducive to worm infections, you can avoid the need to deworm him.
- Keep it away from warm, grassy spaces shared by other dogs that haven't been wormed.
- Do not let it come into contact with wild animals or hunting prey.
- Avoid as much as possible hot and humid environments that have a high presence of insects such as fleas or mosquitoes.
- Prevent him from eating or scrubbing himself in the feces of other dogs or wild animals.
Step 5. Deworm it if necessary
If your dog has worms, you need to give him deworming. Specific therapy depends on the individual risk factors of the animal and is best evaluated together with the veterinarian.
- Most treatments consist of a powder that can be mixed with food or with other products, such as natural yogurt (but always consult your vet before feeding your dog with foods that are suitable for humans).
- Most deworming products only need to be given once, but if your vet prescribes fenbendazole you need to give it repeatedly over the course of several days. It is a very mild drug often used for puppies.
- Be sure to read the instructions on the medication package and consult your veterinarian before giving the dog any medicine.
Step 6. Make sure your dog has regular vet visits
Keep him checked regularly to ensure he is in good overall health. Your vet can spot any problems before they become serious and cause lasting damage to your furry friend.
Advice
- Always collect dog feces when you take him for a walk.
- Make sure you always check for fleas all year round.
- Don't let your dog sniff or eat feces or other dirt. This happens a lot with puppies, and is a surefire way to transfer unwanted parasites.
Warnings
- Roundworms and hookworms can be passed from dog to human, so you need to be extra careful and handle dog feces appropriately. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned that you or any family member may have contracted the worms.
- Heartworm can cause a dog heart attack if it is not discovered and treated in a timely manner.
- If the worm infection is neglected and left untreated for too long it could lead to death.
- If your dog shows signs of fatigue or diarrhea and vomiting, consult a veterinarian immediately.
