There are many types of worms that can attack dogs. The most dangerous are roundworms, tapeworms, heartworms, whipworms and hookworms. Although each type of worm has a different life cycle, the dog's symptoms of these worms may remain consistent. Therefore, it is impossible to determine the type of worm that is attacking your dog based on its symptoms. You may have to have your dog checked. However, knowing the symptoms, risks, and general characteristics of each type of worms can help you in treating and dealing with the problem of worms in your four-legged friend.
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Part 1 of 3: Identifying Worm Infections
Step 1. Understand the specific risk factors for different types of worms
These worms may look similar, so one of the best ways to determine which type of parasite is attacking your dog is to understand the environmental or situational factors that present each type of worm.
- Roundworms are often passed to puppies from infected females, as their eggs and larvae cross the placenta to attack puppies in the womb. Worm eggs are also released through the mother's milk. Puppies should be regularly treated for worms.
- Tapeworms are caused by fleas infected with these worms, which are eaten by dogs. Lice can also contain the eggs of these worms. Thus, hunting dogs or dogs with fleas are more likely to develop a tapeworm infection.
- Hookworms and whipworms live in moist soil, so most dogs at risk are grass-dwelling dogs, especially in warm humid conditions. Infection with these two worms is more common in dogs living in cages in communal pasture areas.
- Heartworms are spread by insects such as mosquitoes. So, this worm is endemic in certain areas that contain more insects.
- Lung worms are increasingly dangerous lately. These worms are spread through the droppings of foxes, snails, and snails. Having contact with any of these animals is considered a risk factor.
Step 2. Watch for symptoms
Many of the symptoms of a worm infection are general and non-specific. Therefore, it is impossible to detect the type of worm based solely on its symptoms. However, you should be suspicious if you find any signs in a dog that hasn't been dewormed; do an investigation to find out the type of parasite that attacks it.
Step 3. Look for worms in dog feces
Sometimes, even if your dog is asymptomatic, you can see physical evidence of worms in their feces. If you're not sure you can identify the worms accurately, collect the worms in a sealed container and take them to the vet for identification purposes.
Collecting worms is much more useful than trying to explain their characteristics to a veterinarian, as most worms have a similar physical appearance to the naked eye
Step 4. Look for signs of a digestive problem
Although their life cycles vary, all worms must have passed through the intestines. If the number is small, the dog may not show any symptoms. However, when the number of worms is large and entrenched in the intestines, the dog can become irritated, resulting in symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea (sometimes the stool is accompanied by mucus and/or blood), loss of appetite and weight.
Step 5. Collect the dirt sample
Worms usually live or move through the intestines, so at some point in their life cycle, signs of infection will be obvious in the dog's feces. In severe attacks you may see real worms in the dog's feces, but this is rare in mild infections. Instead of direct worms, sometimes only eggs or larvae can be seen in dog feces. Both of these objects are more difficult to see with the naked eye.
- Scoop up a small amount of dog litter with an ice cream stick or plastic spoon and place it in a clean, tightly closed container (your vet may be able to provide a special container for droppings if you don't have a suitable place).
- Keep the sample below 30 degrees Celsius and take it to the vet (it doesn't have to be fresh).
- If the vet requests a sample collection, collect and collect animal waste daily for 3 consecutive days. Put this batch in the same container. It may be necessary to research inconclusive "negative" results. The sample set will reduce the risk of incorrect results.
- The vet may perform a stool analysis. At this stage, he will examine a small amount of feces under a microscope for eggs or worm larvae, or send the feces to another laboratory for examination.
Step 6. Have your vet run a blood test for your dog
Some worms that cause serious illness, such as liver flukes or lung flukes, can be diagnosed through a blood test. The vet will take a small amount of blood (about 1-2 ml) from the dog as a sample.
- There are many variations of the test available, but the ELISA test is the most commonly used. This test analyzes the level of antibodies to liver flukes and shows a positive result through a color change.
- Most veterinarians in areas at high risk of heartworm infestation require yearly tests as part of a dog's regular physical exam before he can prescribe monthly preventive care.
Step 7. Avoid contact with dog droppings and worms
Some types of worms, such as roundworms, can pass from dogs to humans. Small children who are infected with roundworms may experience damage to their eyesight.
- Infected worms or feces should be kept away from children's play areas.
- Infected feces should be handled and collected using gloves.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after dealing with animal waste.
Part 2 of 3: Distinguishing Types of Worms
Step 1. Document any symptoms or risk factors in your dog
Sometimes, the best way to diagnose the type of worm is to document the risk factors for your dog. Take note of the state and climate of your dog's environment and habits. Also make sure you document the duration and severity of the symptoms or illness and pass this information on to your veterinarian if you suspect an infection.
Step 2. Look for the distinguishing features of different types of worms
If worms or parts of the body of the worm are visible in your dog's feces/vomit, you may be able to identify the type. While many worms may look similar, each worm actually has several distinguishing characteristics so you can immediately identify the type.
- Roundworms look like cooked spaghetti. The average length is 8-10 cm, but can reach 18 cm. The body is round and smooth.
- Tapeworms are very different because their bodies tend to be flat and divided into segments. The length varies, but is usually around 50-250 cm. If you see tapeworms in your dog's feces or vomit, it's likely just part of the body, not the whole worm.
- Hookworms and whipworms are usually much smaller than roundworms or tapeworms. They are usually about 0.5-2 cm long and very thin, like a strand of fur or hair. This small size causes them to sometimes appear see-through, making them more difficult to see without careful examination.
Step 3. Watch for signs on the dog's breathing or heartbeat
Lung worms and liver worms attack the blood vessels and liver / heart. These attacks can cause signs such as coughing, rapid or shortness of breath, lack of energy, or even fainting and death.
- Lungworms and heartworms can interfere with blood clotting, so some dogs show signs of bleeding that won't stop when they have minor injuries.
- These signs mean that you should visit the vet immediately. While the treatment may cost a lot of money, a quick treatment is more likely to give the desired results.
Step 4. Check for worm eggs
A sure sign of a tapeworm infection is an egg stuck to a dog's fur near its anus. This occurs when the adult tapeworm lays eggs in the intestinal lumen, allowing the eggs to pass through the dog's anus and can cause itching.
- These eggs look like tiny sesame or rice seeds stuck in the fur around the dog's bottom.
- If you look closely, you can sometimes see these tiny objects-which look like pale seeds-moving around.
Step 5. Check the dog's physical condition
Since worms (especially tapeworms) absorb nutrients from the dog's food and leave little for him, a dog infected with worms may not have enough fat but a swollen belly. This is because the worms gather in the intestines. The standard appearance of a pup with worms is thin with visible bones, but a prominent belly and dull coat.
Step 6. Take a sample of the worms or their eggs to your veterinarian
The best way to diagnose the specific type of worm that affects dogs is to let a professional examine it. They will examine eggs or worms with a microscope and recognize the type of worm within minutes.
Differences in worm eggs may be more subtle, such as being oval rather than round, or having valves at both ends
Part 3 of 3: Preventing or Getting Rid of Worms
Step 1. Identify and treat the dog according to the type of worm
Worm infections can get worse the longer they are left on. Large numbers of adult worm infections ("severe" infections) can have severe effects on the dog's overall health. That's why recognizing the type of worm before the infection gets "severe" is the best way.
- Some worm infections in dogs can cause digestive ailments such as diarrhea.
- Some helminth infections can eventually lead to death, especially if the type of worm is liver or lung.
Step 2. Perform monthly deworming treatments
You should do this, especially if you live in an area with lots of mosquitoes. Prevention of heartworm requires a doctor's prescription.
- Most veterinarians require a negative liver fluke test before prescribing a follow-up for monthly deworming.
- Many of these deworming treatments come in chewable, meat-flavored treats, making them easier to give to dogs.
Step 3. Keep your dog tick-free
Since some types of worms are transmitted through fleas, make sure you keep your dog tick-free through regular grooming.
- Some companies combine flea and heartworm treatments in the same chewable pill.
- You may also be able to do a monthly topical flea treatment. This treatment is usually done on the nape, on the back of the dog's neck.
Step 4. Limit the dog's access to hazardous environments
Ensuring that dogs stay away from environments where worms thrive can help prevent the need for deworming treatment.
- Keep your dog away from warm grassy areas and frequent visits by other dogs who haven't been dewormed.
- Do not allow the dog to come into contact with wild animals or prey.
- Avoid warm humid climates with large insect populations (such as fleas or mosquitoes).
- Do not allow dogs to eat or rub themselves in dog droppings or other wild animals.
Step 5. Give deworming if needed
If your dog has worms, you may need this medication. Its use depends on each dog's risk factors and is best discussed with your veterinarian first.
- Most of these are in powder form that can be mixed into dog food or other media, such as plain yogurt (consult your veterinarian before feeding your dog human food).
- Most deworming medications should be given only once, but if your veterinarian prescribes fenbendazole, you will need to give it repeatedly over several days. This medication is a mild deworming medication that is routinely used for young puppies.
- Make sure you read the instructions on the deworming package and consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your dog.
Step 6. Visit the vet regularly
This routine will keep the dog healthy. Your vet can also identify problems before they become severe and dangerous for your dog.
Tips
- Pick up dog poop when you take him for a walk.
- Control of fleas is mandatory at all times.
- Don't let your dog smell or eat dirt and other dust. This is common in puppies, and is a surefire way of transmitting the parasite.
Warning
- Heartworms can cause a heart attack if not treated immediately.
- Roundworms and hookworms can be passed from dogs to humans, so be careful and make sure you know how to handle dog droppings properly. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned that you or a family member has worms.
- If the worm infection is not treated for too long, this attack can lead to death.
- If your dog shows signs of fatigue or diarrhea and vomiting, see your vet immediately.
