Learning More About Internal Parasites and Deworming Your Dog
How do dogs get worms?
Originally, they actually get them from their moms. Right around the time they're being born, some of these worms can actually hide in the mom's body. As the stress of going through pregnancy and getting ready to give birth occurs, some of those worms can become active again. They are then shed to the baby either directly while it's in the womb or through the milk. That's why we give all of our puppies and kittens a deworming medication when they first come in.
If it's not from mom and they're a bit older, they can get them from outside. There are tiny, microscopic eggs out there that we can't even see. If any dog had intestinal worms, they could pass some of these eggs into the soil. Our poor little dog walks around, maybe picks it up on their paws, and when they groom themselves, they've accidentally ingested it, allowing the worms to grow in their intestines.
What are the signs of internal parasites or worms in dogs?
At first, you're probably not going to notice anything. They'll be in there, but we can't tell. As more worms accumulate, they might consume your dog's nutrition, preventing your dog from getting all the nutrients they're eating. You may start noticing them losing some weight. They may experience gastrointestinal upset like vomiting and diarrhea. Very rarely, they can travel to other places in the body, so it's important to address them before they cause further harm.
Can humans get worms from their dog?
Unfortunately, it's very rare but possible. Roundworms can be transmitted if we accidentally ingest the eggs by touching contaminated surfaces and not cleaning our hands thoroughly. They can travel throughout our body, affecting our skin or even eyes. It's not very common, but it is possible. Hookworms are another concern. Their immature forms can be present in the soil, and if we're walking barefoot, they can absorb into our skin. It's always better to ensure our pets are properly dewormed, so we don't have to worry about these issues for them or us. If you ever have concerns about potential exposure from your pets, you should definitely consult your physician.
For our pets, we maintain a deworming schedule. We give dewormers to puppies and kittens. As they get older, we may check for intestinal parasites, and if you're at a full-service clinic, they might do some samples and look under the microscope. Treatments can be oral, injectable, or topical, depending on the situation. Ask us if you have any concerns and ensure you're on a good intestinal parasite control plan to avoid these issues.
Why is it important to deworm my dog?
It's important to deworm your dog for a couple of reasons. The main reason is that intestinal parasites like hookworms can be very uncomfortable and can be fatal to puppies. These parasites can cause your dog to feel unwell, but the good news is we can identify and treat different intestinal parasites.
What are some of the parasites found in dogs, and how are they treated?
We commonly see four types of intestinal worms in dogs: hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. There are also two different types of parasites that are not worms but live in the intestines, which are Giardia and Coccidia.
How do intestinal parasites impact the health and well-being of my dog?
The impact of intestinal parasites on your dog's health depends on a number of factors like the worm burden, the dog's constant exposure, and the age of the dog. In the worst-case scenario, your dogs can be very uncomfortable, start losing weight, and in some cases, we can see some blowout bloody diarrhea. We also see some puppies die due to hookworms.
Would I be able to see worms in my dog's stool?
You cannot see hookworms and whipworms in your dog's stool. However, roundworms can be seen and look like skinny pieces of spaghetti. Tapeworms look more like little grains of rice and can be seen crawling out of the rectum or in the stool.
How will a veterinarian diagnose intestinal parasites in my dog?
We use a stool sample to look for the eggs of roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. However, tapeworms are unique as they do not lay eggs in the intestinal tract. Stool samples are not very helpful for finding if your dog has tapeworms.
What is the difference between natural remedies and over-the-counter dewormers compared to prescription medications?
Over-the-counter medications can be effective for roundworms and hookworms. However, when it comes to whipworms and tapeworms, you're not going to be able to find any effective natural product or over-the-counter product. We do have prescription medications that can effectively treat and prevent all four intestinal worms at the same time.
Are worms painful to dogs?
Worms can be painful to dogs, depending on the number they have. Roundworms and hookworms can cause discomfort in puppies or kittens, often resulting in a pot-bellied appearance. Whipworms can cause bloody diarrhea in dogs, and tapeworms can lead to an upset stomach and weight loss as they compete for nutrients.
Are worms visible in a dog's stool?
Yes, two types of worms are visible. Roundworms, which look like thin spaghetti, can be seen in puppies' stool, and tapeworms, which look like grains of rice, can be seen in dogs' stool.
How common are worms in dogs?
The prevalence of worms in dogs depends on their lifestyle. Dogs that stay mostly indoors and are on heartworm prevention are less likely to have worms. However, dogs that often visit parks or stay outside, especially in the southeast, are almost certainly likely to have some type of intestinal worms.
How long can worms last inside a dog?
Worms live in the dog's intestinal tract and lay eggs that hatch, perpetuating the cycle. Unless the intestinal worms are eliminated, they will continue reproducing inside the intestinal tract.
What if my dog has worms and they go untreated?
If left untreated, worms can cause extreme discomfort, weight loss, and bloody diarrhea. In puppies and kittens, they can lead to anemia which can be fatal.
Want to learn more about our veterinary services? Call us at (704) 288-8620 or email info@cvpet.com. Our team is happy to answer your questions and help schedule your pet’s visit.
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