Worms

Irish Setter laying on sofa

How practise dogs get worms?

Dogs and cats become infected with worms past eating worm eggs from contaminated soil or stool, by eating infected rodents or past fleas. Hookworms are contracted by when dogs eat microscopic larvae or from larval entry through skin, normally on the feet.

What are the signs your dog has worms?

In the early stages of infection the worms stay hidden inside your dog'due south gut, so information technology may exist difficult to identify early on signs. Mature tapeworms first shedding egg-filled segments, which irritate the pet's bottom as they wriggle out of the anus (and may be seen every bit what look like 'grains of rice'). In dogs, this causes the archetype symptom of tapeworm infection - 'scooting', or dragging the lesser forth the ground. Apart from this, there are few definite signs, but these may include:

  • visible worms or eggs in the faeces
  • visible worms in fur or around the dog's rear
  • scratching or rubbing of rear
  • visible worms in vomit
  • bloated stomach or belly
  • weakness, increased ambition, constant hunger and weight loss
  • diarrhoea, particularly with blood

Never forget your flea and worming treatment again.

What type of worms are there?

In that location are 6 types of worm that generally affect dogs:

  • heartworm
  • roundworm
  • hookworm
  • tapeworm
  • whipworm
  • lungworm

What harm can worms practice?

Depending on the worm, an infestation can have a range of furnishings, from weight loss, exercise intolerance, general malaise and in some rare cases, even sudden death.

How do I treat my dog for worms?

There are various types of wormer available, some are tablets and some are spot-on treatments. Ideally, seek advice from your vet to select a wormer that kills multiple species of worm.

How oft should I treat my dog for worms?

At least every iii months. Depending on your pet's lifestyle, more regular worming may demand to be undertaken and it is recommended this be discussed with your vet if you are concerned.

How tin can I prevent my dog getting worms?

All dogs volition carry worms. When you utilise a worming product information technology does not eradicate all worms, it reduces the worm burden, preventing worms from taking over. Regular worming handling is essential for your pet's overall health.

Are there whatever risks to me?

Certain worms are capable of being transmitted from animals to humans. Such worms are said to take a 'zoonotic potential'. The dog roundworm, Toxocara canis, is the best known of these (but the cat roundworm T. cati can also be responsible) and human infection may occur if a person swallows the microscopic worm eggs, having picked them up from contaminated soil, with small children existence at the greatest chance.

The larvae of the roundworm practice the damage to health as they drift through the body from the gut. They can arrive, for instance, in the eye, causing permanent damage to sight.

Author article

This article was written by Luke Gamble, CEO of WVS and Mission Rabies and star of Sky One's Vet Adventures who has given The Kennel Club kind permission to replicate this article.

Think your dog may exist affected?

If you're worried about your domestic dog's health, e'er contact your vet immediately!

We are not a veterinary arrangement and and so we tin can't give veterinary advice, but if yous're worried nigh any of the issues raised in this article, delight contact your local vet practice for further information.

Find a vet near you

If you're looking for a vet practice nearly y'all, why not visit the Regal Higher of Veterinarian Surgeons'Find a vet page.