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Questions
- The Types of Worms in Dogs
- What are the Main Causes of Worms in Dogs?
- Symptoms of Worms in Dogs
- How to Get Rid of Worms in Dogs
Worms are a common pet parasite that affects all dogs from puppies to adults, and active outdoor pups to couch potatoes. Protecting your dog against worms is important, as without treatment, worms can pose a serious health risk. Luckily, we have got you covered, from symptoms to treatment and everything else in between, with our guide worms in dogs will help you protect your pup.
The Types of Worms in Dogs
Worms can cause your pup to a great deal of suffering if they accidently consume them. Whilst the most common type of worms in the UK are roundworms, there are 3 other important types of intestinal worms in dogs that all pet parents need to know: tapeworms, whipworms, and hookworms. However lucky for our furry friends, whipworms and hookworms are not common in the UK. Although they are similar, each worm has a different lifecycle and will cause different symptoms in dogs.
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Roundworm in Dogs
Roundworms, also known as Toxacara Canis as its scientific name are parasites that live freely in dogs’ intestines. This type of parasite is most contracted through eating infected dog poo. It’s the most dangerous type of worm your dog can catch and can be fatal in puppies as it’s very common in the UK.
Its appearance can best describe to look like spaghetti and can measure up to 15cm long. If your pup has consumed roundworms, you may notice they have a pot belly, diarrhoea or they may cough up the worms.
Tapeworm in Dogs
Tapeworms are very common for canines in the UK. Similar to roundworms, they liver in the small intense and latch on with their six tiny rows of teeth. They can grow up to 6-cm long and are long and flat like….tape! Dogs will commonly ingest the small egg sacs in poo, and you may notice your dog has an itchy bottom or small, wriggly white grains of ‘rice’ in their poo.
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Other Worms in Dogs
What are the Main Causes of Worms in Dogs?
Worms are everywhere! Your dog can easily encounter adult worms, eggs, or larvae in their daily lives. Dogs can accidentally swallow eggs or larvae in contaminated soil or grass, other dogs’ feces, or by licking and playing with other dogs. It’s important to note how fleas are the intermediate host for worm larvae and worms can enter your dog’s body if they swallow a flea! Preventing fleas helps prevent worms. Other reasons include:
Hunting can also cause worms in dogs. Common prey such as rats, mice, birds, and other farm animals may have a worm burden that can pass to your dog if eaten.
Transdermal means through the skin and hookworms are very good at piercing the skin and entering the body, especially around the feet of dogs.
Vertical transmission occurs from mother to pup. Puppies are at risk of contracting worms through the placenta or while nursing their mother. Puppies are at high risk of negative outcomes so regular worming treatment is very important in pregnant mothers and young puppies.
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Symptoms of Worms in Dogs
Worms produce a range of symptoms in dogs from mild to serious. To make it even harder, your dog can have worms without any symptoms at all! Worms in adult dogs rarely cause any serious symptoms, however, puppies and those with concurrent diseases can become unwell. To spot a worm burden in your dog keep an eye out for the following signs:
Scooting
Licking bottom
Diarrhea
White “rice” or worms in poo
Lethargy
Weight loss
Pale gums
Dull, dry coat
Swollen abdomen
Coughing or vomiting - may also contain worms
How to Know if a Dog has Worms in their Stomach
If you know you have missed a few doses of their preventative wormer, and your dog has any of the symptoms above, they may have worms in their stomach. You may also notice worms in dog sick or worms in dog poo.
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How to Get Rid of Worms in Dogs
Treating worms in dogs is easy and cost-effective. Many of our effective worm treatments are readily available in-store, online, and at your vet. All dogs should be regularly treated for worms regardless of age, location, breed, or activity level.
To get rid of worms in dogs you need to give deworming medication such as oral tablets, chews, liquid, or spot-on treatments. Not all products are created equal and many target some worms, but not all. Check with your friendly Jollyes vet to help create a parasite prevention program unique to your special pup.
Can Worming Tablets Cause Diarrhoea in Dogs?
Yes, in some cases worming tablets can cause diarrhoea in dogs. This is more common in puppies, dogs with an active worm burden, or those with a sensitive stomach. It is usually short-lived and may not occur every time you give a wormer.
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How Long Do Worming Tablets Take to Work in Dogs?
Worming tablets work quickly, starting to take effect within a few hours, however, it may take a few days to eliminate the worm burden or to see dead worms in your dog’s faeces.
When to Seek Veterinary Help
In most dogs, a simple case of worms can be treated easily at home, and symptoms should resolve within a day or two. Puppies, elderly dogs, or those with underlying health conditions may not recover as expected. If your dog is in appetent, has vomiting or diarrhoea, or fails to improve after 24hrs seek veterinary help. If visiting the clinic, take along a sample of your dog's poo for testing or a picture of any worms you have found.
Worms are a common pet parasite and regular deworming will protect them against preventable illness caused by worms in dogs. Discover more medications and dog essentials with our dog and puppy range, available in-store and online.