How Do You Effectively Treat Worms in Your Dog?

Worms in your dog is never a nice thought. Nobody wants to consider that their dog's inside organs might be infested with nasty crawlies. But an essential component of good dog ownership is being aware of the dangers, signs, and treatments available for dog worms. Keep reading to learn more about dog worms types and how to treat them.

What is the most common type of worms in dogs?

Domestic dogs are typically affected by five different forms of worms: heartworms, whipworms, hookworms, and roundworms. Educate yourself on dog worms to protect your dog's safety.

How do you know if your dog is infested with worms?

Despite the fact that each parasite has a unique effect on dogs, there are some common warning signs that dog owners should be conscious of. Internal worms may result in:

- Diarrheoa
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Poor coat appearance
- Dehydration
- Pot-bellied appearance
- Lethargy
- Deficiencies in nutrition and anaemia
- Pneumonia or intestinal blockage
- Blood in stool (either darker purple or bright red)

In addition to respiratory symptoms including coughing, exercise intolerance, a weak pulse, weight loss, and abdominal distension, heartworms can also cause serious respiratory symptoms like difficulty breathing, pale gums, and even death.

How do I know what kind of worms my dogs have?

While tapeworms are visible in the dog's stool, other intestinal worms must typically be diagnosed through microscopic inspection of a stool sample to look for eggs. Your vet will ask you to submit a stool sample if your dog displays any of the aforementioned signs so that worms can be identified or ruled out as the cause. It is advisable to give your vet a stool sample while your dog is getting their annual check-up, even if there are no symptoms.

A blood test can typically identify heartworms. A radiograph, ultrasound, or echocardiography may, nevertheless, be necessary for rare circumstances. Many dogs have few or no symptoms at the onset of the disease, but the earlier therapy begins, the higher the rate of success. This is why it is a good idea to test for heartworms on a yearly basis.

In addition to preventative treatments, your veterinarian can suggest deworming medication to treat various intestinal parasites including heartworms. Puppies must also have frequent stool tests since they are prone to contracting worms from their mothers.

To sum up, the most effective way to avoid major worm-related repercussions for your dog is prevention, routine testing, flea management, and sanitation.

How often should I treat my dog for worms?

It's okay to treat your dog for worms every three months. If you are worried, it is advisable that you talk to your vet about whether more frequent deworming is necessary based on your pet's lifestyle.

Can dog worms infect humans?

It is possible for some worms to spread from animals to people. It is claimed that these worms have "zoonotic potential." The most common of these is the dog roundworm, Toxocara canis. Small children are most at risk of contracting the infection if they swallow the microscopic worm eggs they have picked up from contaminated soil.

As they move from the intestine through the body, the roundworm's larvae causes harm to your health. For instance, they might enter the eye and permanently damage your vision.

Shop online at Vet Pharmacy today for the best wormers for all dog worms types.

 

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This blog post was written on behalf of Vet Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.

 

 

Updated November 2022