Are you worried that your dog may be suffering from intestinal worms? If you haven’t dewormed your dog this year, then now is the best time to do it. Parasites in your dog are detrimental to your dog’s health as they can suck the nutrients that your dog uses to keep stay fit and healthy. To know if your dog has worms, read on.
Worm Infestation
Worms in dogs are usually caused by a fungal infection called Trichomonas gingivitis (TCG), or being infected by a parasite called Giardia. It’s important to know that there are several different types of worms in dogs, including roundworms, tapeworms, whipworms, and intestinal parasites.
Worms in dogs usually develop during rainy weather, like after a heavy rain or during periods of flooding. The symptoms then tend to appear later in the summer or early spring after weather changes and they can be very difficult to diagnose.
If you’ve confirmed that your dog has a worm infestation, it’s important to treat the infection right away. Not only could your vet tell you that you need a de-wormer, but they will also tell you how to apply it to your dog, and how long your dog needs the treatment.
Symptoms of Intestinal Parasites
Worms can deprive your dogs of essential nutrients. This is why it’s important to keep a year-round program in place. There are many signs of worm infestation in dogs, so you’ll want to pay close attention to them. As your vet will note, some symptoms of worms in dogs are like those that can occur in humans.
Here are some of the common symptoms of worm infestation in dogs. If you notice your dog exhibiting any of them, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
- Diarrhea
This occurs when the dog suffers from a lack of fluid and electrolytes due to malnutrition caused by parasites. The diarrhea may be accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting and bloody stool. It may also be accompanied by blood in urine. If your dog is suffering from a worm infection, you’ll notice a change in their bowel habits.
- Painful Stools
Painful stools or constipation can occur if the dog is not being treated well enough. In addition, the dog may be suffering from an obstruction in the intestines. This obstruction could be caused by parasites or fungi. If worms are present in a dog, this will cause constipation and your dog may experience strain during bowel movement.
- Skin Rashes
Worms may be causing a rash in the skin of the dog, similar to rashes that come with other types of parasites. In some cases, a worm may even enter the dog’s bloodstream. A common reaction among dogs is skin and coat itching. These symptoms can indicate an infestation of tapeworms or fleas.
- Blood in Urine
There are two different kinds of parasites: tapeworms and protozoans. Tapeworms can cause a yellowish to brown-colored discharge from the genital area. Symptoms of tapeworms in dogs may also include: weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. If the vet detects worms in your dog’s stool, they’ll probably recommend that you have the dog tested for worms. This will help determine the cause of the problem.
- Blood in Feces
When your dog is suffering has parasites, they may experience problems with defecation. Aside from bloody stool, the feces could be foul-smelling, have an unpleasant smell, or appear cloudy. If it has an unusual color or odor, it could be an indicator of an intestinal parasite that needs to be treated.
What to Do When Your Dog Has Worms
The vet can determine the cause of a worm infestation and recommend a treatment to help with the removal of the worms from your dog’s body. Some examples of treatments for worms include an oral drug or a combination of drugs and topical medication.
The most common treatment options include the use of topical or injectable medications. They are either applied directly into the affected area or administered through an injection in the anus.
Oral medications include the use of powders or solutions that can be applied directly onto the affected area, or through an injection. The topical medications are usually creams or ointments that are rubbed into the skin. These medications must be applied a few times daily for a period of time.
However, it is important to note that prescription medication for worms is not the only option available. If the worms have entered the bloodstream, the doctor may prescribe a series of shots that can cause an adverse reaction in the dog.
Final Thoughts
The symptoms of worm infestation in dogs can vary depending on the size and severity of the infestation, as well as the dog’s age and general health. If you see any of these symptoms, be sure to take your canine companion to your veterinarian immediately. Remember, the earlier the problem is treated, the easier it’ll be to get rid of the parasites.
