Dog Worms: How to Detect and Get Rid of Them

Dog worms are a fairly common issue that pet owners have to deal with. This is especially true if you have a young puppy, although adult dogs get them too. Puppies can become infected from their mothers before they are even born. Adult dogs can become infected from other dogs and from the garbage they eat off the ground.

Dogs as a rule put their noses to the ground as soon as they get outside just to see if there might be something good and nasty for them to eat so worms easy to get. Even healthy dogs get worms. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms because some dog worms can make your dog feel pretty bad but some can be transferred to humans as well.


Types of Dog Worms:

One of the most common types is the Roundworm. Sorry to sound distasteful but these worms are a whitish colors and look kind of like spaghetti noodles. You may notice them in your dogs stool. They can make your dog a bit uncomfortable. For information on the specific causes and treatments for them, click on Roundworms.

Tapeworms are another type of worm that can infect your dog. They are usually white and have ¼ inch sections that are connected together. They live in the small intestines also. For symptoms and treatment click on Tapeworms.

Hookworms also live in the small intestines of the dog. They are more like fishing worms. If you cut them in two, both parts move. ‘Yuk’! They can cause your dog a lot of problems if they are not detected and treated quickly. For specifics click on Hookworms.

Whip worms act a lot like ticks. They bury their heads and suck your dog’s blood. They are found in the large intestine. These worms are tough and can survive outside in soil for a very long time. Go to Whip worms for specific details.

Ring worms are not really worms at all. The name refers to a fungal skin infection that dogs can get from other dogs and dog kennels. If your dog plays regularly with other dogs or in a dog park, check them for lost hair patches that appear red and/or scaly. For treatments click Ring worms.

Heart worms are the most dreaded kind of dog worms. Obviously this is because it affects a critical organ, the heart. I have seen dogs who have recovered from heart worms and they just never seem quite as strong and active as they were before getting it. Click Heart worms for more details.


Symptoms of Dog Worms:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Bloated bellies (especially in puppies)
  • Dull coat
  • Scooting on the carpet
  • Actual worms in the stool


Natural Remedy for Worms:

Obviously, dealing with worms in your pet is not a lot of fun,  but it is important to take appropriate action to get rid of them as soon as they are discovered. It is critical to use a natural remedy rather than a toxic poison to treat your dog. Conventional worm treatments contain pesticides that can make your dog sick and potentially damage their overall health. 

Two of the most serious problems with conventional worm treatments is that they can cause damage to your dog's kidneys and liver. These are just a couple of the potential problems. Since natural herbal remedies will do the trick, use them instead.


Prevention:

To prevent your dog from getting worms in the first place, you can easily have your dog tested for worms at your veterinarian and if they are given the ‘all clear’ sign, give them one of the heart worm, hookworm, etc… preventatives. This is one form of conventional medicine that is worth using on a regular basis. Face it; dogs live in a very unclean world. They roll in the dirt; they smell each others behinds; they eat things off the ground before you even notice what it was and some dogs even eat feces.(“Disgusting”) Preventative medication for worms is a good idea.



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