Our precious pups are part of the family for many dog owners, and just like our human family members, they’re susceptible to certain health issues. One of the most common problems experienced is worms in dogs. Although most dog owners will encounter a bout of worms with their dog, and this can often be easily treated, severe infestations and complications can become dangerous for your dog.
As a dog owner, it’s crucial to learn the symptoms of worms in dogs so you can identify an issue quickly before it leads to life-threatening problems. In this blog, we’ll teach you what signs to look for in your dog and how to go about treating worms.
At VetUK, we have a wide range of dog worming treatments to help eradicate worms and protect your pup.
What are the different types of worms in dogs?
Worms are parasites that feed off of your dog, stealing their nutrients and causing potential weakness. The majority of worms found in dogs are intestinal worms, but there are a number of types of worms that can affect other organs.
Roundworms
Most commonly seen in puppies, roundworms can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and malnutrition in more serious cases. These worms are often visible in your dog’s stool and resemble spaghetti. In rare cases, Toxocara, a form of roundworm, can infect humans and pose a risk to our health, particularly in children.
Tapeworms
Most commonly spread through fleas, tapeworms in dogs inhabit the digestive system and are long, thin worms that resemble small grains of rice when seen in stool. You may be able to spot these worms in your dog’s faeces or around its anus.
Whipworms
These worms live in the large intestine and can cause issues like weight loss and fatigue. They can also cause stomach upset in dogs.
Hookworms
Although rare in the UK, you may encounter hookworms in your dog. These are small and thin worms found inside the intestines. Hookworms feed on blood, leading to symptoms like pale gums, fatigue and weight loss in dogs. You may also notice dark stool.
How do dogs get worms?
Your dog can contract worms in several ways:
- Eating from contaminated soil – Dogs that dig in soil or eat from this surface can pick up worm eggs, which can then cause a worm infestation.
- Eating infected animals – If your dog loves to hunt, they may eat rabbits or mice that are carrying worms, which can then transfer these parasites to your dog.
- Raw or undercooked dog food – This can be fresh meats or meats not fully cooked.
- Contracted from their mother – Puppies can become infected with worms through nursing or can be born with worms if their mother is infected.
- From ingesting fleas – If your dog unknowingly ingests fleas when grooming, this can lead to tapeworms if the fleas are carrying tapeworm larvae.
What are the signs of worms in dogs?
There is a wide range of symptoms of worms in dogs that can vary depending on how severe the infestation is. Not every dog shows obvious signs of worms, whilst others can become very ill. Some of the signs include:
Change in appetite
Certain worms, like hookworm or roundworm, can decrease your dog’s appetite and absorb the nutrients from food. If your dog has a severe worm problem or is suffering from tapeworm, this can cause nausea, as well as an increase in or loss of appetite.
Gastrointestinal problems
Worms can cause a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including:
- Vomiting – Roundworms in particular can cause vomiting, and you might even notice worms visible in your dog’s vomit. This is the clearest indication that your dog has a parasite.
- Diarrhoea – Continuous diarrhoea is a common sign of worms. There may also be changes in stool colour.
- Bloating – Your dog may have a swollen or distended belly that can be tender to the touch. This bloating is especially noticeable in puppies.
- Worms in stool – Visible worms or eggs resembling grains of rice may be present in your dog’s stool or around the bottom.
Noticeable weight loss
Even if your dog has a normal appetite, they can still lose weight if they have worms, as these parasites steal nutrients that would usually be absorbed by your dog. If you notice your dog is eating as usual but is losing weight, this is a sign of worms. If these symptoms persist, it’s always important to see a vet as weight loss can be an indicator of a number of illnesses.
Trouble breathing or coughing
Some worms, like lungworm, can cause issues with the lungs and heart, which can result in coughing, trouble breathing or difficulty exercising. These symptoms don’t always become obvious until an infestation becomes severe, so it is important to look for other symptoms alongside these. If you notice issues with your dog’s breathing or coughing, you should always contact a vet, as this could be an indicator of worms and a prescription may be required.
Weakness and fatigue
Hookworms and whipworms can cause blood loss, which results in anaemia and weakness. If you notice general lethargy, fatigue, and laboured breathing accompanied by pale gums, this can be an indicator of parasites.
Skin irritation and dull fur
If a dog is suffering from worms, their coat may seem dull or brittle, and its skin can become irritated.
Itching behind or scooting on the floor
If your dog is infected with tapeworms, they may scoot around on the floor to try to stop the itching or excessively lick their bottom. This is because worms can cause irritation around the dog’s anus.
How are worms in dogs diagnosed?
Timely diagnosis is crucial to preventing further complications in your dog. To diagnose worms, your vet will conduct a number of investigations, including:
- Physical exams: Your vet will inspect your dog, checking for any abnormalities that may indicate worms.
- Stool examinations: A vet will ask you for a sample of your dog’s stool, which they will examine with a microscope to check for eggs and worms.
- Blood test: Certain worms can leave proteins that can be detected in blood tests.
- Scans: In some cases, ultrasounds and X-rays can reveal worms or damage caused by an infestation.
If you have young puppies or senior dogs, you should ensure you book regular check-ups with your veterinarian, as dogs at these ages are more prone to parasites and infection. How are worms treated in dogs?
The majority of cases of worms in dogs are treated with worming treatments like medication, but some cases may need further treatment.
Medications
You can purchase over-the-counter dog worming tablets that treat a number of different worms, but your vet may also recommend prescription medications or injections, depending on your dog’s lifestyle.
Preventative medications
Once your dog has had medication to treat the initial infestation, they also need regular preventative medication to stop worms from coming back. This is usually in the form of tablets, but it can also come in topical treatments or special prescription medications.
Additional veterinary care
Alongside treating the case of worms, infestations can also cause other side effects that need to be treated.
Your dog may need fluids if they are suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea to rehydrate them and extra nutritional support if worms have caused malnutrition.
Managing your dog’s environment
Once your dog has been treated with medication, it’s important to ensure re-infection doesn’t occur.
- Wash all pet beds, bedding and any area where your dog sits to eradicate unseen worm eggs.
- Clean your dog’s poop right after they go to prevent any spread of eggs into the surrounding environment.
- Regularly flea treat your dog to reduce the chance of tapeworms.
- If you feed your dog meat, ensure it is thoroughly cooked to avoid ingesting worm larvae or eggs.
- Stay up to date with vet checkups to assess any risks of recurring infections.
Protect your dog with the right worming treatment
It’s not uncommon for your dog to have worms at some point, but the right care ensures your dog and your family stay safe and healthy and can fight off this infestation. Recognising the signs of worms in dogs can help you find the right treatment and catch symptoms early on. If your dog is experiencing symptoms of lethargy, vomiting and diarrhoea or has visible worms in their faeces, it’s time for a vet trip.
Here at VetUK, we offer several worming products for dogs and other care products, including dog supplements, to help your pup bounce back from infections. Our team is also on hand to help answer questions and concerns regarding worms and can point you to the right treatment for your dog.
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