Dog Worms: Signs of Dog Worms, Prevention & Treatment

Dogs, just like many animals, are susceptible to infestation from worms and intestinal parasites. Although all animals can successfully carry a low infestation without the worms or parasites negatively affecting an animal’s health, you should carefully monitor your pet for these sometimes dangerous tagalongs. Routine trips to your dog’s veterinarian will be able to monitor any infestation of worms or internal parasites and keep your dog in the best health possible.

Dog Worms Symptoms

In keeping your dog healthy and free from worms and internal parasites, you are also keeping yourself and your family safe from these threats. Not all species of worms or internal parasites can cross the species barrier, although some can make the transition from dog to human and successfully thrive in both bodies.

One example is hookworm, which can lead to painful and hazardous infections that can develop into more serious health issues, including ulcers. Also, roundworms can live in both dogs and humans, so keeping your pooch free from anything that lives inside will also protect the two-legged members of your household.

Most worms show themselves in the fecal matter of an infected dog. For this reason, keep an eye out for any string-like material present in your dog’s feces. Also, if your dog is having a difficult time defecating, that may be a sign of a major worm infestation that has created a block in the dog’s bowels. Most veterinarians require an annual examination of the dog’s fecal matter to see if any worms or internal parasites are present.

In addition to an appearance in the feces, there are other signs you should be on the lookout for include any difference in your dog’s physical appearance. Dogs that appear bloated or have an extreme pot-bellied appearance may have an underlying problem. Usually, dogs with a roundworm infestation will exhibit these signs.

Prevention For Dog Warms

If your dog is looking extremely malnourished or is not experiencing proper growth, be aware of problems regarding both worms and internal parasites. Usually, these parasites steal the dog’s necessary nutrients and rob the body of what it needs to grow and thrive in a healthy manner.

Keep a close eye on your dog’s coat in order to recognize any problems with worms or internal parasites. Dogs with dull or patchy coats are possible experiencing a medical problem. The health of a dog’s coat is an excellent identifier of the dog’s internal health, so if the dog is experiencing a problem with parasites stripping nutritional needs from his system, it will be shown in the quality of its coat.

In order to monitor the health of your dog’s coat, practice proper brushing or grooming on a regular basis. If you notice a change in the appearance or quality of your dog’s coat, seek professional medical help from your dog’s veterinarian so that he or she can diagnose any potential problems.

Treatment

The overall activity level of your dog should also be carefully monitored so that you are aware of any changes. Often, dogs with a high level of worms or an infestation of internal parasites are lethargic and do not want to participate in any sort of activity. If you notice your dog suddenly loses interest in playing, walking, or running, immediately consult your dog’s veterinarian. Parasites, especially the dreaded heart worms that can potentially kill a dog by blocking the ventricles in a dog’s heart, first affect the dog by severely constricting his energy level.

By carefully monitoring your dog’s daily activity level and response to those activities, you can monitor his worm or internal parasite problem. An early diagnosis will ensure your dog will have the least complications and have the best possible chance of fully recovering from the infestation.