Nobody likes the idea of having an unhealthy pet. Talking about health issues in pets, worms can be the ones leading to numerous diseases. It can make them uncomfortable and infect their internal organs severely. 

Let’s understand the complete theory of worms in dogs. There are different types of worms which may be lingering inside your dog’s body and all of them can have varied symptoms.

Types of worms  

1. Tapeworm

They can be infected with tapeworms through food that consists of fleas or when grooming themselves. Tapeworm usually looks like a grain of rice and can be identified in your pet’s stool. 

If you see that your dog is scooting a lot on the floor or licking the anus region, it can be a symptom of tapeworms. What’s not to worry much about these worms is the level of severity. However, it is important to remember that if your dog is heavily infected, it can cause weight loss.

2. Roundworm

These are commonly found in puppies and can be transferred to humans too. Roundworms occur like spaghetti in stool. The usually seen symptoms of roundworm can be- weight loss among puppies, lack of appetite, slow growth, diarrhea, excessive coughing. 

It is essential to get proper vet care while you adopt a puppy because roundworms are mostly acquired from birth. Correct medication can help or else they can cause severe diseases. 

3. Hookworm 

These worms can prove to be fatal if left untreated. Hookworms are found in puppies as well as grown ups. They are found on the wall of intestines and usually feed on blood. This is one of the reasons why they can cause anemia to puppies. 

Dogs can acquire hookworms through their mother’s milk or through infected food. The commonly seen symptoms are- loss of appetite, blood visible in stool, diarrhea, anemia and pale gums. 

4. Whipworm

They are visible only in adults and can be infected through eating a prey or any substance like soil, food, water. Dogs with whipworms can be seen having pale gums, diarrhea, and poor growth. 

One thing that is crucial to understand here is that whipworms can be infested while your pet is indulged in daily activities. Mostly there will be no symptoms visible when there are light worms.

5. Heartworm

These can be infested through a mosquito that has bitten an infected dog. Heartworms are said to be the most severe kind of worm. It can remain in the heart and lungs with symptoms like coughing, breathing issues, fatigue. They can also cause heart failures. 

The best way is to get regular check ups so that worms can be prevented from multiplying. Heartworms may not have visible symptoms but if not treated on time, can lead to death. 

Preventing worms 

1. Make it a point strictly to have a vet visit regularly and get your dog checked for worms annually. It might happen that there are no symptoms visible at early stages.

2. Most of the worms can be identified through stools so your doctor will ask for a stool sample for a microscopic test. You can also identify worms that are visible without a microscope.

3. Follow their medicine routine so that worms living in the intestines can be killed. 

4. Heartworms can be identified through blood tests. 

5. Deworming at regular intervals to prevent serious diseases and taking care of hygiene.

It can be hard to see your pet struggling with health issues but this can surely be resolved if you stay extra vigilant. We hope the article helps you to understand the symptoms of worms and ways to prevent them.