Worms in dogs are among the most common parasitoses in four-legged friends. Almost every four-legged friend has to deal with this problem at least once in his life. With most infections, the symptoms are only minor. However, a severe worm infestation can be life-threatening and even fatal. In this article, you will find all the important facts about canine worms as well as prevention and treatment advice that you need to know.
What types of worms are there in dogs?
There are different types of worms in dogs. It can be distinguished mainly between tapeworms and roundworms. If the dog is infested with tapeworms, it can lead to digestive problems such as constipation or intestinal blockage, as well as to a deficiency. The infestation can also show external effects. The fur often loses its shine and also becomes very shaggy.
Why do dogs have worms?
The dog can quickly become infected with worms, especially when going for a walk. This can happen, for example, through the droppings of other dogs, plants, or small animals such as mice. The worm eggs are very resilient and can survive in nature for several years.
The most well-known types of tapeworm are:
Cucumber seed tapeworms: Transmission to the dog takes place via the flea. The worms are 70 centimeters long and 2 to 3 millimeters wide.
Thick-necked tapeworms (fin tapeworms): Thick-necked tapeworms are among the second most common tapeworm infections. Small rodents are often the intermediate hosts here.
Small fox tapeworms: This type of worm reach a length of 3.4 millimeters. In total, fox tapeworms have 5 body parts. Small mammals are among the intermediate hosts.
Tripartite Dog Tapeworms: The size of the tripartite tapeworm is 6 millimeters. Most often, the last link brings up to 100 eggs with mature larvae. Herbivorous ruminants serve as intermediate hosts.
The most well-known roundworm species are:
Hookworms: Hookworms bite into the intestinal mucosa. They feed on the dog’s blood. The consequence of this can be high blood loss, which can also lead to death. The worms get into the intestines of the four-legged friend via the skin or by swallowing a larva.
Lungworms: Lungworms usually results in a chronic cough. If the worm infestation is not treated in time, it can even be fatal for the four-legged friend.
Whipworms: Whipworms usually nest in the intestinal tract, the liver, or the urinary bladder. They can cause digestive problems and blood loss.
Esophageal worms: In this species, the adult worms clump together into a worm knot. Injuries to the aorta and indigestion can occur.
Roundworms: By swallowing the larvae, the roundworms can enter the dog’s body. These are particularly dangerous when the dog is pregnant. The worms can travel throughout the body, damaging organs in the process.
What worms are there in dogs?
The most well-known types of worms found in dogs are tapeworms and roundworms.
How are worms transmitted to dogs?
Worms can be transmitted in three ways. The first way is oral. Because the dog often sniffs the ground, eggs or larvae can be ingested unconsciously. Infection is also possible if the four-legged friend hunts infected fleas or mice. Furthermore, larvae can penetrate through the healthy skin and also infect the dog in this way. Even offspring in the womb can be attacked by the parasites. Due to the hormonal changes during pregnancy, these can reach the placenta.
Possible symptoms and consequences of a worm infestation
Unfortunately, it is often the case that a worm infestation cannot always be recognized immediately. Adult dogs in particular tend not to show any symptoms of worm infection. Puppies or immunocompromised dogs, on the other hand, suffer greatly from it.
Common symptoms of a worm infestation are:
- diarrhea
- constipation
- vomit
- no appetite and weight loss
- deficiency caused by nutrient deprivation
- conspicuous exhaustion
- dull fur
- bloated abdomen in case of severe infestation
- chronic cough
- high itching
- skin irritation and eczema
In an advanced stage, it can even lead to intestinal obstruction. Chronic inflammation, anemia, and jaundice can also be consequences of a worm infestation.
How do you recognize worms in dogs?
Possible symptoms of a worm infestation are diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, loss of appetite and weight loss, deficiency symptoms due to nutrient deprivation, noticeable fatigue, dull coat, bloated stomach with a severe infestation, chronic cough, severe itching as well as skin irritation, and eczema.
Where are possible sources of infection?
In order to reproduce, worms excrete eggs. The worm eggs are long-lived and can even survive for several years. During this time there is a risk that a living being or a host can become infected through them. It is also possible that the parasites first reach an intermediate host. When the intermediate host falls prey to its enemy, the worm eggs are transferred to the definitive host.
Parasites are most commonly ingested through the mouth. Dogs are not the only ones who are at risk of infection, as humans are also at risk of infection.
Common sources of infection are:
- Earth, sand, or scrub with worm eggs
- Dog bowls (especially public food or water bowls)
- The fur of infested animals
- Close contact
- Unwashed food
Is a worm infestation contagious to humans?
Humans can also become infected with worms. Worm eggs can get into human hands and be ingested orally. The risk of infection is particularly high in children since they usually have very close contact with the animal.
Diagnosing worms in dogs
The most fundamental problem is that the symptoms of a worm infestation can also indicate other diseases. Therefore, in many cases, it is difficult to recognize a worm infection immediately. It can happen that the first signs of an infestation are only visible when the infection has already progressed. In order to clarify whether the four-legged friend is really infested with worms, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately at the first sign.
Worms in dogs: the right prevention and treatment
To prevent a worm infestation from occurring in the first place, the dog should be constantly observed outside. He should definitely not chase small animals, eat carrion or touch other animals’ droppings.
Every dog owner is advised to consider deworming. This can prevent a severe worm infection, since eggs or larvae cannot grow into worms. Deworming should be carried out regularly at intervals of three months. Dewormers come in the form of tablets or pastes that are mixed into the feed of the four-legged friend. Also known are liquid dewormers such as spot-on preparations, which are applied to the dog’s skin. The amount of the dose depends of course on the size of the four-legged friend. Your veterinarian can tell you which wormer is best for your dog.
Since worms can be found in the dog’s feces, they can be checked by the vet every three months. Even the dog owner himself can detect a worm infestation since some types of worms are excreted as a whole or individual limbs of the parasites are expelled. If a worm infestation is present, a veterinarian must be consulted immediately.
How long does a worm infestation usually last?
Usually two to three weeks.
Worms in dogs – These home remedies help
As an alternative to wormers, home remedies can also prevent worm infection. Wormwood, parsley, carrots, and ginger are particularly suitable for a herbal wormer.
It is important that home remedies are only used as preventive measures. If the dog has worms, contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.
