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 signs of worms in your dog
Did you know that there are different types of worms that can affect your dog?
The common worms found in dogs in South Africa include:
- Roundworms
- Tapeworms
- Hookworms, and
- Whipworms.
It is important to remember that dogs are prone to picking up worms, it is nothing strange, it is just important to deworm them regularly and keep an eye out for any warning signs. So, how do dogs pick up worms? There are a few ways your pet might pick up worms, these include:
- if your dog drinks contaminated water or licks ground that is contaminated
- if your pup eats faeces or soil that contains worms
- if your doggo 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, and
- pregnant dog moms can transmit worms through their placenta before giving birth.
So what are the warning signs you need to be on the watch for? Let’s take a look:
1. Vomiting
If your pup has worms, there is a big chance vomiting will be involved. If your fur baby has roundworms, then these might show up in the vomit. So be sure to keep an eye on your doggo whenever vomiting is involved.
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. So, yes, you might need to look at your pup’s business.
3. Lack of energy
If your dog is less active than normal, then this might be a sign of worms. Although there are many other medical reasons as to why your pup might be lethargic never rule out worms.
4. Bloating / pot belly
If your fur child looks bloated, then worms might be involved. This symptom is especially common in puppies who have gotten worms from their mother. So if you are a proud new Pet Parent be sure to deworm and keep an eye on that belly.
5. Changes in appetite
Roundworms tend to cause a change in appetite. These changes are typically sudden and can cause your fur baby to lose their 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. Any changes in appetite should be monitored closely.
6. Weight loss
So, if your pup has a sudden change in appetite chances are that weight loss will be in the mix too. Tapeworms or whipworms are the biggest culprits when it comes to sudden weight loss in dogs.
7. Dull coat, hair loss and rashes
Healthy dogs have thick, shiny coats. If your pup’s coat begins to dry out and looks dull, then this might be a sign of worms. Hair loss and rashes on the skin could also be a sign of worms so don’t just blame allergies for a dull coat.
8. Scooting on the ground
Is your pup rubbing its bum all over the place? If you answered yes chances are that your doggo has worms. Just note that it might also be an issue with the anal glands. Dogs who have worms will sometimes rub their bottoms on the floor to try and relieve the itching sensation in this area caused by the worms.
With scooting on the ground regularly a visit to the vet might be the best thing to do and with affordable Pet Insurance, it will be a walk in the park getting your fur baby checked out.
9. Skin irritations and itching
When you see your pup scratching the first thing that comes to mind are ticks, fleas or allergies but worms can cause skin irritation too. A severe case of worms will result in clear signs of skin irritation and itching.
10. Worms are visible in your dog’s poop and fur
Tapeworms are sometimes visible in small moving groups in your dog’s fur or around the bottom area. Roundworms are often found in your pup’s stool.
So, you think your pup might have worms, now what?
If you haven’t frequently dewormed your fur kid or you have noticed that your pup has been eating a lot of bird or cat poop then booking an appointment with your vet is recommended.
This is just to ensure that you know if your dog actually has worms and if there are worms present so that the vet can establish the best and most effective way to treat the worms.
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 can you prevent worms in your fur kid?
Ensure that you make use of routine care as this is an important part of ensuring your pet lives a long, healthy and happy life. Vets normally recommend that you deworm your doggo and puppy every 3 – 4 months but this will be dependent on other factors.
For example, if you see your pup gets cat poop in the garden regularly then you might need to check with your vet if you need to deworm your fur kid more frequently.
Puppies tend to be dewormed more regularly, so be sure to speak to your vet about it.
Side note: 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 with your pharmacist about the options available to you. Dewormers typically come in pill form and are easy to take. The tricky part — remembering to take them!
