Worms are a common health problem in our precious pooches. There are a number of different types of worms that can affect your dog. Have a look at the 10 most common symptoms of worms in dogs.
Did you know that there are different types of worms that can affect your dog? The common worms in dogs in South Africa include:
- Roundworms
- Tapeworms
- Hookworms
- Whipworms
What causes dogs to get worms?
There are a few ways your pet might pick up worms, these include:
- If your cat or dog drinks contaminated water or licks ground that is contaminated.
- If your pet eats faeces or soil that contains worms.
- If your pet eats rotten and raw animal material that is infested with worms.
- Worms can also be transmitted through contaminated milk from an infected mother to unweaned puppies or kittens.
- Pregnant mothers can transmit worms through their placenta before giving birth.
Discover: Your Puppy’s First Vet Visit: Questions to Ask
Common symptoms of worms in dogs
1. Vomiting
If your dog has worms, she is likely to throw up a lot. If she has roundworms, then these can show up in the vomit.
2. Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea and soft stools are often a result of worms. If your dog has hookworms, then these might be present in the stool.
3. Lack of energy
If your dog is less active than normal, then this might be a sign of worms.
4. Bloating/pot belly
If your dog looks bloated, then she might have worms. This symptom is especially common in puppies who have gotten worms from their mother.
5. Changes in appetite
Roundworms tend to cause a change in appetite. These changes are typically sudden and can cause your dog to lose her appetite. On the other hand, worms are known to steal the nutrients from your dog’s digestive system and as a result, your dog may experience a sudden increase in hunger.
6. Weight loss
Tapeworm or whipworm cause sudden weight loss in dogs.
7. Dull coat, hair loss and rashes
Healthy dogs have thick, shiny coats. If your dog’s coat begins to dry out and looks dull, then this might be a sign of worms. Hair loss and rashes on the skin are also a sign of worms.
8. Scooting on the ground (rubbing their bum on the ground)
This is one of the most obvious signs of worms, however, it can also be due to issues with the anal glands. Dogs with worms will sometimes rub their bottoms on the floor to try and relieve the itching sensation in this area caused by the worms.
9. Skin irritations and itching
A severe case of worms will result in clear signs of skin irritation and itching.
10. Worms are visible in your dog’s faeces and fur
Tapeworms are sometimes visible in small moving groups in your dog’s fur or around her bottom. Roundworms are often found in your dog’s stool.
What to do if you think your dog has worms
If you think your dog has worms, then you need to book an appointment with your vet. If worms are left untreated they can lead to internal organ damage, which is a serious health issue and can be fatal if not treated. Fortunately, most worms found in the intestines are easily treated by your veterinarian using medication.
How to prevent worms in pets
If you have pet insurance with Oneplan, depending on your chosen pet healthcare plan, we include routine care benefits which include deworming costs.
Routine care is an important part of ensuring your pet lives a long, healthy and happy life. However, preventive care such as this is something a number of pet parents neglect to adhere to. It’s vital that you regularly take your dog for check-ups, vaccinations, and deworming. Routine care also helps your vet to detect any serious health concerns before they become bigger (more expensive) issues.
When to deworm your pets
Deworming your pet should start by visiting your vet who will be able to advise you on a proper deworming routine. Generally, adult cats and dogs should be given a dewormer every 3 to 4 months. Puppies and kittens need a dewormer every 3 months.
If you’re a Oneplan Pet Parent, you can also purchase deworming tablets on the Onepet Premium Pet Store at up to 25% discount, meaning regular deworming doesn’t have to be such an expensive exercise anymore.
Remember to also give your family members a dewormer once every 12 months (there are special human medications to get rid of worms available over the counter). Chat to your pharmacist about the options available to you. Dewormers typically come in pill form and are easy to take. The trick is to remember to take them.
Your Pet Insurance Family,
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