Dogworms - How to Identify, Prevent & Eliminate Them

There are different types of dogworms your k9 can get: heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. As a dog owner, you should educated yourself so that you can identify the warning signs--early.

Early detection is vital because each kind of dogworm will demand a different type of medical care. Sometimes the signs of a dogworm infestation can be difficult to identify. Other times the signs (like diarrhea, vomiting, or weight loss) are much easier to identify. That said, it's a good idea to have your dog checked over regularly.

Important Note: You should know that some types of dogworms can be transmitted to humans. To promote good hygiene, it is vital for pet owners to wash their hands and clothes regularly after playing outside with their dog-especially before mealtimes.

2 Familiar Dogworms -Which Do You Want to Overcome?

Whipworms

Canines contract whipworms by consuming their eggs. Those eggs live in the dog's colon and are not noticeable to the naked eye. Once infected, the worms fasten themselves to the puppy's intestinal walls and feed off them, causing intestinal bleeding.

Common symptoms can include anemia, weight loss, flatulence, diarrhea (with blood or mucus in the stool) and lack of energy.

Prevention & Treatment: You can medicate your dog's whipworms effectively with fenbendazole (whose brand names are Panacur or Safe-Guard). You can administer the medical care for 3-5 consecutive days for the majority of parasites. Then, consult with your vet to see if a 2nd round of treatment is recommended.

Roundworms

There are 2 types of roundworms: Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonine. They are one of the most popular types of dogworms. An infestation of round worms, mostly found in puppies, leads to a pot-bellied appearance.

Causes: Sometimes puppies may become infected before birth, through the mother's uterus or through her milk. Puppies can also contract roundworms by consuming another infected animal or infected soil.

Roundworm eggs nest in soil. And when a puppy swallows the infected soil, the roundworm eggs will hatch in his intestines. Those worms can in turn bring forth more worms.

Early Detection: Roundworm Symptoms consist of pot-bellied appearance, diarrhea, vomiting, dull coat and weight loss. Look for warning signs of Roundworms in your dog's stool or vomit. They have a spaghetti-like outline and can reach almost 7 inches in length.

Prevention & Treatment: Puppies between 2 & 12 weeks old should be dewormed every 2 weeks. Puppies between twelve weeks and 6 months old should be dewormed once a month. Puppies older than 6 months of age are less susceptible to roundworms. Even so, continue to have your dog examined at least yearly (or more often if he's considered "high risk").

NOTE: You will need a veterinarian's prescription to buy deworming products.