Dog Worms - Where Do They Come From?

Many worms can infect your dog and cause illness such as hookworms, heartworms, roundworms, tapeworms and whipworms. How does your dog contract worms?

Roundworms are caused by eating a roundworm egg. Puppies can get infections through the mother. Roundworm symptoms include: diarrhea, vomiting, gas, bloating, and an unusual appetite.

Mosquitoes usually transmit heartworms. As mosquitoes are more common in the warmer months, heartworm infections are also more frequent them. Heartworm symptoms include: coughing, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, lethargy, and faster tiring after exercise. A heartworm infection requires immediate treatment from a vet.

Hookworms are found in dog feces. Eating the feces can result in hookworm infections. Hookworm symptoms include: gas, bloating, diarrhea, blood in the stool or a dull coat.

Whipworms are also found in dog feces. If your dog eats infected feces or steps in them and then licks his or her paw, an infection can result. Whipworm symptoms include: bloating, cramping, coat dulling, and bloody stools.

Tapeworms are found in fleas. If your dog happens to eat a flea, tapeworm infection may be the result. Tapeworm symptoms include: worms that resemble white rice around the dogs anus, anal itching, trouble digesting food, stomach pain and weight loss.

In order to prevent worm infections in dogs, be sure to treat your dog with heartworm prevention. Stop your dog from eating dirt or feces. Use flea preventatives to keep fleas at bay.

Even if you are diligent about prevention, dog worms can occur. Regular veterinary checkups can help catch worm infections in the early stages before your pet becomes very ill. If you suspect dog worms, get treatment right away. Humans including small children and other pets can become infected with some types of worms. Be sure that everyone in contact with dogs washes their hands immediately afterward to help prevent spreading a worm infection.