Worms In Dogs: Does My Dog Have Worms?

Worms In Dogs: Does My Dog Have Worms? – Nobody wants to put the health of their dog in danger, however sometimes issues can develop inside of your pet that you could be not even realize are occurring. One of those worrisome problems is worms. These parasites could cause serious damage if not treated. If you ignore the signs your dog has worms, often long-term health woes can happen.

According to the U.S. government, some strains of worms are most prevalent along the Atlantic Coast and the Gulf of Mexico, making Florida one of the hotspots for worm activity. This means dog owners in Florida ought to be on high alert and be aware of the signs of worms in dogs to keep their four-legged friends healthy and happy.

What are worms in dogs?

Worms are small parasites that are comparatively common in most dogs. There are five various kinds of worms that affect domestic dogs: roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, whipworms and heartworms. The symptoms of worms in dogs depend upon the kind of worm and the breed of dog.

How would my dog get worms?

Most puppies with roundworms or hookworms get them passed down from their moms. Other worms are contracted by how your dog interacts with its environment.

Here are some common scenarios during which dogs can contract worms:

• • Mosquito bites, which is able to lead to heartworms

• • Dog feces, where roundworm eggs grow

• • Fleas or rodents, which can lead to tapeworms

• • Licking their skin or coat, which can potentially lead to hookworms

• • Contaminated soil, grass or sand, which can lead to whipworms

How do I do know if my dog has worms?

Coughing, diarrhea, vomiting and lethargy are the general signs the dog has worms. Other symptoms depend upon the kind of worm. For instance, if your dog has a tapeworm, clear identifiers may be speedy weight reduction or what appears to be grains of rice in their stool.

Here is how to tell if your dog has worms based on every of the major parasites:

• • Tapeworms: Rice or spaghetti-like worms in feces and “scooting” its bottom on the ground

• • Roundworms: Vomiting

• • Whipworms: Diarrhea and weight reduction

• • Hookworms: Pale gums

Even when you pay close attention to the moods and actions of your pet, sometimes it may be difficult to tell if your dog has worms. However if you wish to give your vet an idea of what’s occurring with your pet, these are some of the primary symptoms to watch for.

What about heartworms?

Whereas all worms are dangerous to your pet’s health, specialists generally agree that heartworms are the most troublesome. Since most dogs acquire heartworm through mosquito bites, a regular series of heartworm treatments are recommended to maintain your dog’s health. Heartworms can grow and multiply in your dog’s heart, inflicting lung and organ disease and death if left untreated. If you suspect heartworm, your knowledgeable, local veterinarian will perform a blood check to ascertain if your pet is ill. Note that you’re going to need to check for heartworms before simply giving them medication, as dead worms in your dog’s heart could cause major complications.

What steps do I need to take if I think my dog has worms?

Whilst you might suspect your dog is sick, you should still wonder, “How are you aware if your dog has worms?” In most instances, the answers will must be determined by your vet. You might need to gather a stool sample, which will be examined microscopically for evidence of worms. In the case of heartworms, blood work is usually necessary.

How can I keep my dog from getting worms?

Whereas there are no foolproof methods for worm prevention, if you maintain regular hygiene, vet appointments, flea and tick controls and other protecting measures, they’ll go a long way in keeping your dog secure from worms. Take annual tests for heartworms and ask your vet for their recommendations for preventative medications.