Worms are
one of the most common health problems in dogs, with 5 different worm types
that normally affect dogs like the heartworm, roundworm, hookworm, tapeworm,
and whipworm. Some worms are easier to see than others; for example, if your dog
has a tapeworm, it is common to see what looks like grains of rice in the poop.
Heartworms are harder to diagnose with a infected dog only showing slight
symptoms until the disease has progressed into a more advanced stage. If left untreated, worms can damage your dog’s
internal organs and lead to loss of consciousness and death. If you suspect
that your dog has worms, see your vet. Most worms are easy and inexpensive to
treat. The best way to keep your dogs safe is to make sure you are using a
monthly heartworm
preventive year round.
1. Coughing
An advanced
stage symptom of heartworms in a dog is coughing; dogs with hookworms and
roundworms may also develop a cough.
2. Vomiting
Dogs with
worms will often throw up roundworms may sometimes show up in the vomit.
3. Diarrhea
Soft poop
and diarrhea can be the result of worms and dogs with hookworms may have blood
in their poop.
4. Low Energy
Lethargic
and being less active than normal may be a sign of your dog having worms.
5. Pot Bellied Appearance
If your dog
starts to appear pot bellied or bloated, it may have contracted worms, commonly
seen in puppies that have picked up worms from their dams.
6. Change in Appetite
A sudden change
in your dog’s appetite is a sign that they may have come into contact with
roundworms; dogs infected often lose their appetite, although as the worms start
to steal nutrients from your dog, your dog may show a sudden increase in
hunger.
7. Losing Weight
Rapid weight
loss is a sign that your dog may have a tapeworm or whipworm.
8. Dull Coat
A healthy
dog has a shiny thick coat, if your dog’s coat begins to dull and dry out this
is a sign that your dog has picked up a form of worms; loss of hair or the
appearance of rashes can also mean worms.
9. Itching and Skin Irritations
Dogs that
have skin irritation may have a severe infestation of worms.
10. Scooting
Dogs
occasionally rub their rear ends on the floor in order to relieve themselves
from itching due to worms in the area.
11. Visible Worms on Fur, or in Poop
Tapeworms
may appear as small moving segments on the fur, or area around the dog’s butt.
Roundworms can often be seen in a dog’s poop.
