Dogs have internal and external parasites. External parasites include fleas, ticks, mites, and lice. The more significant internal parasites include worms.
Worms – in both humans and animals – can only survive inside a host organism. Intestinal worms usually – but not always – live in the gastrointestinal tract. However, some types can enter the bloodstream and then travel through the bloodstream to the tissues and other organs of the body, such as the lungs and heart. The adult specimens are also clearly visible to the naked eye.
Worm infestations are one of the most common health problems in dogs. The most common types of worms found in dogs are as follows:
- roundworms
- tapeworms
- whipworms
- hookworms
- heartworms
Some worms are easier to notice than others; for example, if your dog is infected with tapeworms, you may see rice grain-shaped worms in their stool. While heartworms are harder to diagnose, and an infected dog will often only show subtle, hard-to-detect symptoms until the disease progresses. Let's now look in detail at the symptoms that indicate your dog might be infected with worms.
The 11 most common symptoms of worm infestation:
1. Coughing
Coughing is one of the advanced symptoms of heartworm disease but also occurs in dogs infected with hookworms and roundworms.
2. Vomiting
If a dog is infected with worms, it often vomits them out. The most common worm vomited is the roundworm.
3. Diarrhea
Soft stool and diarrhea can also be symptoms of worm infestation. In heartworm disease, blood may be observed in diarrheal stool.
4. Low energy level – fatigue
Dogs whose behavior changes, appearing more tired, lethargic, and less active than usual, may also be suspected of having worms.
5. Appearance of a swollen belly – pot belly
If your dog's belly becomes bloated and swollen, worm infestation should also be considered. This is often observed in puppies who have ingested worms through their mother's milk and have not yet been dewormed.
6. Change in appetite
If you notice a sudden change in your dog's appetite, one possibility is that they may have been infected with roundworms. Dogs infected with roundworms often lose their appetite. As the worms steal the dog's nutrients, a worm-infested dog may suddenly develop increased hunger.
7. Weight loss
If a dog shows signs of rapid weight loss, it is possible they have been infected with tapeworms or whipworms.
8. Dull, lackluster coat
A healthy dog should have a shiny, thick coat. If the dog's coat becomes dull, dry, and brittle, roundworms might be suspected. Hair loss can also indicate worms living inside the body.
9. Itching and skin irritation
If signs of skin irritation are seen on the dog, severe worm infestation might also be suspected.
10. Scooting – rubbing the rear on the ground
Although this problem is often caused by anal glands, dogs with worms often rub their rear on the floor to relieve itching caused by the worms in that area.
11. Visible worms around the anus or in the stool
Some worms, such as tapeworms, appear as small moving segments around the dog's anus. Roundworms are often visible in the dog's stool as well.
If you think your dog has worms
If you think your dog has worms, visit your veterinarian or a nearby animal clinic, where they will help you start the treatment.
Untreated worms can damage the dog's internal organs, eventually leading to loss of consciousness and death.
Most intestinal worms are easy to treat with tablets; however, heartworm disease is very difficult and costly to treat, so it is worth focusing on prevention. For prevention options, consult your veterinarian or an animal clinic where they can assist you.
Good advice: focusing on prevention, if you are a dog owner, deworm your dog every 3 months!
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