My Dog Has Worms In His Poop, What Should I Do?
"Oh no, my dog has worms in his poop, what should I do?" Don't panic - worm infections are more common than you might imagine. If this is the first time this has happened to your puppy, don't panic: the presence of tapeworms in dog poop, hookworms, or other worms, can be fixed. Find out all about it.
Worms In Dogs
We know: just thinking about worms creates discomfort and a bit of disgust. Especially if you think that these parasites have infected your puppy's organs. But it is important that you familiarize yourself with it so that you recognize the symptoms and know how to act.
Unfortunately, the presence of worms can lead to serious health problems if the infection is not treated in time.
When talking about this issue, you have to bear in mind that there are different types of worms:
- Tapeworms.
- Hookworm.
- Roundworms.
Whipworms. - Heartworms.
11 Top Symptoms Of A Dog With Worms
As you can imagine, each kind of worm will affect your furry friend in a slightly different way. However, it is possible to point out symptoms common to all kinds of worms. Among the main symptoms pointed out by the famous dog trainer Cesar Millan are:
- Diarrhea and abdominal pain.
- The presence of vomiting.
- A remarkable weight loss
- Poor coat and a pot-bellied appearance
- Dehydration
- Symptoms related to anemia and even dietary deficiencies
- Presence of blood in the poop.
- Intestinal blocks
- Pneumonia
- Low energy
- Cough, weak pulse, and bloating in heartworms
1. My Dog Has Tapeworms In His Poop
Tapeworms are intestinal parasites that are generally acquired by eating fleas or infected animals.
It may happen that your dog consumes an infected flea while grooming himself. In those cases, the tapeworm egg or larva attaches to your dog's gut and starts to feed and grow.
How Do I Know If My Dog Has Tapeworms?
- Segments of tapeworms in your dog's poop, these look like little pieces of rice.
- Infected dogs often sting, so scoot their bottoms along the ground to ease the discomfort.
- Presence of yellow specks stuck to the nearby fur of your dog's bottom.
How To Cure Tapeworms?
If the vet is able to corroborate the diagnosis, he will administer a medication to your furry friend by injection or orally.
Likewise, it is very important to remove fleas, so your dog should receive treatment in this regard, and you should thoroughly clean and disinfect your entire home.
Can Tapeworms Kill A Dog?
The specialized website PetMD maintains that "they normally don't cause serious problems and are easily treated".
2. Hookworms In Dogs
Hookworms are also intestinal parasites. Unlike the previous ones, they are more serious because they cause anemia and can be fatal if not treated properly in time. Of course, there are different types of hookworms.
The contagion usually occurs when a dog ingests hookworm larvae, for example through poop-eating or if the dog walks on infected soil and then licks his paws. It is also possible for a nursing mother to pass the worms to her puppies through milk.
You may be interested: My Dog Ate Another Dog's Poop
How Do I Know If My Dog Has Hookworms?
Hookworms are so small that despite being present in your dog's poop, the human eye will not be able to detect them. The specialized website PetMD points out that you can be aware of the presence of these worms if you notice that your dog:
- Is not eating, as usual.
- Is weak.
- Has lost weight.
- Presents blood in his poop.
How To Cure Hookworms?
The vet will examine a stool sample under the microscope and, upon checking for the presence of hookworms, will administer deworming medications to your dog.
Can Hookworms Kill A Dog?
Its main risks include anemia, but also the migration of larvae to the lungs. This situation could complicate the situation by generating respiratory diseases. For this reason, medical treatment is essential.
3. Roundworms, The Most Common Worms In Dogs
These intestinal worms are so common that some puppies are born with roundworms as they get them through the placenta. Also, puppies can be infected by suckling.
On the other hand, it is also possible that dogs consume them by eating eggs of this parasite or animals contaminated with this worm. Once inside the body, these worms grow in the intestine.
How Do I Know If My Dog Has Roundworms?
The main symptoms are:- Little worms from white to brown in color in your dog's poop or vomit.
- Growth problems.
- Distended stomach.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea with mucus.
- Dull hair coat.
- Cough.
How To Cure Roundworms?
If the vet finds these parasites in your dog's poop by looking at it under a microscope, he will give your dog a series of drugs to deworm him.
Likewise, it is important that he avoids poop-eating and all contact of your dog with feces, both his and other animals.
Can Roundworms Kill A Dog?
PetMD explains that "they can significantly impact a puppy’s health, and in rare cases, they can be fatal." If you suspect the presence of these parasites, go to the vet.
4. My Dog Has Whipworms: What Can I Do?
These intestinal worms are spread through the ingestion of contaminated elements, be it water, food, animals, or even poop. These parasites can live on surfaces, such as floors, for several days; that is why it is vital to disinfect the home properly.
How Do I Know If My Dog Has Whipworms?
In many cases, the infection is mild, and therefore the symptoms are unnoticeable. Now, in cases of strong infection, you may notice diarrhea and weight loss, as well as anemia.
How To Cure Whipworms?
Your vet will determine the best treatment for your dog based on his particular conditions. In many cases, there may be reinfections, as the eggs are difficult to locate. Treatments can last a few months.
5. Heartworms, The Most Dangerous Dog Worms
These worms can put your best friend's life at risk.
The transmitter of this parasite is the mosquito and how to avoid being in contact with mosquitoes is practically impossible, the ideal is to pay special attention to prevention.
Contamination with heartworms can be fatal, generating severe lung disease, heart failure, and other organ damage. However, the severity will depend on the number of worms present in the heart.
How Do I Know If My Dog Has Heartworms?
- Cough.
- Exercise intolerance.
- Poor physical condition.
How To Cure Heartworms?
In general, veterinarians perform a through blood test to diagnose the presence of heartworms.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the veterinarian will determine the severity of the infection and the treatment to follow, which usually includes anti-inflammatory medications and hospitalization with oxygen therapy. In some situations, surgery may be necessary to remove the worms from the heart.
Can Heartworms Kill A Dog?
Unfortunately, severe cases can lead to death.
Therefore, prevention is the best option. To do this, ask your trusted vet for a preventive medicine against heartworm that you can give your friend once a month.
Note: you can get some kind of worms too. Remember to wash your hands well with soap and water after playing with your dog!
We hope we have answered the questions that appear in your mind when you think My dog has worms in his poop, what should I do?
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