Has your dog been acting a little moody lately? Are you noticing weight loss or low energy? Additionally, have you noticed constant vomiting, diarrhea or itching of their rear?
These are all common signs of worms in dogs that you shouldn’t ignore. Dogs usually fall prey to several types of worms, the most common being tapeworms, whipworms, hookworms, and roundworms.
Read on to find out four symptoms you will want to keep an eye out for to determine whether Fido has worms.
- Diarrhea
Though diarrhea can be indicative of other serious dog diseases or infections, it can also be a sign that your dog has worms.
Bloody diarrhea can be a sign that your pet has hookworms. If you don’t mind observing your dog’s poop, you may even notice worms or eggs in it.
- Weight Loss
If you realize that your dog has lost a lot of weight recently and is not eating as much, or if he or she is eating a lot but is still not retaining weight; then that could be a sign that they have worms.
What may be happening here is that the intestinal worms are consuming the dog’s nutrients and this leaves your pet weak and in a constant state of hunger. Apart from intestinal worms, heartworms also cause weight loss in dogs.
- Vomiting
Vomiting is one of the most common signs that your dog has worms. If you look closely, you may even be able to see the worms in your dog’s vomit.
Owners can commonly see roundworms in their dog’s vomit. Roundworms are long, white or brown worms that look like spaghetti.
However, If you see some small, white, rice-looking matter in your dog’s vomit, those may very well be tapeworms. Tapeworms are carried by fleas.
However, don’t panic, when you have a dog there is no escaping flea, tick and worm treatment. At some point, you will have to cope with all three. The good news, of course, is that they can be dealt with effectively!
- Itching the Rear is one of the Major Signs of Worms in Dogs
If your dog is constantly rubbing their rear on the ground or on other rough surfaces, this could be a sign that they have worms. Your dog could be trying to relieve itself from the itching, caused by the gathering of worms in that area.
This happens because, as the worms mature and pass through the dog’s intestines, they usually travel to the anus, seeking an exit. The different segments on tapeworms, for example, usually cause this itching discomfort and irritation along the dog’s anus.
Final Tips on Dealing with Worms
It is said that prevention is better than cure, and this is most definitely the case when it comes to protecting your furry friend from worm infestations. Ensure that your dog is dewormed regularly, for puppies, every two to three weeks.
It is more common for puppies to have worm infections. In fact, some puppies are actually born with worms. They may also contract worm from their mother’s breast milk.
If you see one or more signs of worms in dogs, take them to the vet immediately for attention. If you would like more information about caring for your pet, please visit the “dogs” section of our website.