It can be a devastating and disgusting diagnosis when a Veterinarian tells you that your dog has Worms. Even worse, you may actually see the Worms coming out of your dog or in their stool, if they have Roundworms or Tapeworms. Trust me when I say that that can be a nearly traumatic experience. Also disturbing, some of these Worms can even be transmitted from your dog to you, which is called zoonosis. These include Roundworms and Hookworms, so you should take extra precautions and follow your veterinarians advice to the letter, if you dog has one of these parasites.
Each type of wormy parasite requires a different treatment or medication, and will display different symptoms. Every dog owner should at least have a working knowledge about the warning signs of a Worm infestation and the treatments involved. Here are the five types of Worms that may infect your dog.
1. Roundworms - There are two types of Roundworms and they are the most common Worm infestation in dogs. The symptoms of Roundworms include: pot-belly appearance, diarrhea, vomiting, dull coat and weight loss. You may even see this type of Worm in your dogs vomit or feces. They look like pieces of spaghetti up to 6 inches long or longer. This type of Worm is usually treated with oral medication, with follow-up fecal screenings. This is one of the types of Worms that can be transferred to humans, but good hygiene will usually eliminate this threat.
2. Hookworms - Hookworms can not be seen with the naked eye, so they are usually diagnosed by your Vet with a test. The symptoms of Hookworms include: bloody stool, anemia, weight loss, pale gums, diarrhea and low energy level. This parasite is usually treated with oral medication, follow-up fecal screenings, and in the worst case, a blood transfusion. This is the other type of Worm that can be transmitted to humans. Good hygiene and cleaning up after your infected dog can prevent a human infection.
3. Tapeworms - Common Tapeworm symptoms include abdominal pain, nervousness, severe itching around the anus, vomiting and weight loss. You may also see this Worm in your dogs feces. The broken sections, which may still be moving, will give the dogs stool a rice like appearance. Tapeworms must usually be treated with a prescription oral or injection dewormer medication. Over-the-counter dewormer medication is usually not strong enough to clear this kind of Worm infestation.
4. Whipworms - This Worm can not be seen by the naked eye, and must be diagnosed through testing. Symptoms of a Whipworm infestation include anemia, weight loss, flatulence, diarrhea with blood or mucus in the stool and lack of energy. These Worms can be difficult to treat with over-the-counter medication, but there are very effective prescription treatments.
5. Heartworms - Although easily preventable, untreated Heartworm infections are potential fatal. The symptoms usually do not show up until the last stage of the disease, and include pot-belly, coughing, lack of energy and dull coat. Because symptoms do not appear until its too late, it is best to use a over-the-counter preventative medication to stop these Worms before they endanger your pets health.
Having a Wormy dog can be an unpleasant experience, but in almost all cases there is an effective treatment available to help your favorite dog live a healthy and Worm free life.
There is really not much you can do to prevent your dog or puppy catching worms but a planned and regular approach to the use of worming treatments will quickly resolve any problems that arise. Worms and their treatment are simply something that all dog owners need to be aware of. There is no need to panic about it but they do need to be taken seriously.
Worms are parasites that live inside your dog's intestine and they feed off the dog - causing it to eventually become unwell if not treated. All dogs are vulnerable to worms - from puppies right through to the oldest family pet so it's important to keep on top of the situation.
Because worms live inside the gut it is often very difficult to detect that your dog might have a problem. Worms can go unnoticed for many months. Symptoms that you might see on the outside are a dull and lifeless coat, swelling of the dog's tummy, vomiting or diarrhoea. Rarely you might catch sight of tapeworms in your dogs pooh but this is not common - and not seeing them does not mean they are not there.
Most worm types that infect dogs can cause serious ill health if left untreated so it's important to act in advance and on a regular basis. Some tapeworms can grow to fifteen feet in lengthy and if that makes you squirm just imagine how your dog feels with it inside. Even more important is the fact that some dog worms can spread to humans - with children and old people at special risk.
Your vet or even your local supermarket will sell dog worming tablets.
The commonest worming treatment is called Drontal. It contains praziquantel and pyrantel pamoate and is very effective. Drontal Plus (for dogs) and Drontal Cat Tablets will eliminate all of the species of intestinal worms commonly found in these animals. Drontal Puppy Suspension is available for use in puppies and young dogs, up to 1 year old.
Drontal will control roundworms, whipworms and hookworms, and is available as an easy to use liquid. Most puppies should not need to be treated for tapeworms, making Drontal Puppy Suspension a very suitable choice. Should a puppy or dog need treatment for tapeworms, Droncit Injection and Tablets are licensed for use in both dogs and cats. In addition, the new formulation, Droncit Spot-on, is available as an easy to use spot-on treatment for cats
Sometimes - if problems persist - you might need to consult with your vet about a more specific treatment program for your dog or your puppy.
You should aim to treat your dog at least every three months. Always wash your hands before eating if you have been touching your pets and always dispose of your dogs mess in a responsible way.
Take worms seriously - both for your sake and your dogs!
Both Nicholas Scoville & Marjory Ramsay are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Nicholas Scoville has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pets, Finances and Pets. Go to Dewormed.com to learn more about . If you think you have the stomach for it, go here to see. Nicholas Scoville's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.
Marjory Ramsay has sinced written about articles on various topics from Types of Cancer, Pets and Breast Cancer. Marjory Ramsay is a dog breeder in Scotland. She has long experience with teaching people and in helping you settle your. Marjory Ramsay's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.