Intestinal parasites, such as worms, are common in dogs and puppies (especially those allowed to roam outdoors). There are 4 types of worms that may attack dogs and each type has different symptoms and potential for disease. However, by paying attention to your symptoms and seeing your vet, you can find out if your dog has worms (or not) and give him the right treatment.
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Part 1 of 3: Watching for Symptoms of Worms
Step 1. Watch out for roundworms
Almost any dog, especially puppies, can be infected with roundworms because this is the most common parasitic worm found in dogs. Puppies are very susceptible to roundworm infection from their mothers through transmission in the womb or through their milk. However, puppies can also become infected with roundworms by eating small animals such as mice. While not necessarily true for all dogs, the following signs may indicate a severe case of roundworm infection in dogs:
- Diarrhea
- Gag
- Weight loss
- Dull fur
- bulge belly
- Cough, indicating that the roundworms have moved to the puppy's lungs
- The presence of white or light brown worms measuring several centimeters in the puppy's feces.
Step 2. Detect hookworms
This parasite gets into the lining of the puppy's intestines because the dog ingests larvae or eggs that are on the ground or while cleaning his body. Watch for symptoms and treat dogs that have them immediately because hookworm infection can cause malnutrition and death, especially in puppies. Unlike roundworms and tapeworms, hookworms are difficult to see in a puppy's feces. However, you can detect it by looking for other symptoms such as:
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss.
Step 3. Look for whipworms
Like hookworms, whipworms enter the intestines and absorb blood after puppies ingest worm eggs in soil or other materials such as feces. Whipworms do not cause serious blood loss, but if they are large they can also cause death. Puppies can become infected with whipworms from contaminated soil or when cleaning their bodies. Many dogs have no symptoms of whipworm infection. Call your vet right away if your dog has bloody diarrhea as this could be a sign of a serious infection.
Your veterinarian will check your puppy for whipworms and other worms as part of a health check
Step 4. Tapeworm inspection
Puppies can become infected with tapeworms from various sources, such as eating rats or fleas that are infected with tapeworms. This can happen when the dog is outside or while cleaning his body. Tapeworms feed on the food in the puppy's intestines. The body can also be separated so that it is easily visible in the feces or anus of the puppy. In general, tapeworms are harmless but in severe cases can cause a dog to lose weight. Look for the following common signs of tapeworm infection in dogs:
- Segments of tapeworms that are shaped like rice around the rectum or puppy droppings.
- Skin irritation, which can cause the dog to rub his anus on the ground or other rough surfaces such as a doormat
- Dog licking or biting the area
- There are worms in the vomit
- Weight loss.
Step 5. Monitor for heartworms
Puppies can become infected with heartworms through mosquito bites, which allow the worms to enter the bloodstream and infect the heart and lungs. Heartworms are dangerous or even fatal to dogs (regardless of age) and treatment can be expensive. However, heartworms can be prevented with affordable drugs. In the early stages of a heartworm infestation, many dogs will not show any symptoms as it takes 6 months to grow. However, the following signs may appear after the dog is 6 months old:
- Mild cough that is difficult to heal
- Don't want to exercise
- Fatigue after doing certain activities
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Swollen abdomen due to excess fluid
- Heart failure.
Step 6. Be aware of the risks the dog faces
Worms, which are intestinal parasites, are very common in puppies, especially those allowed to roam outdoors. By knowing the risks (especially the dangerous heartworms and hookworms), you can be aware of the signs of infection. Puppies are often infected with worms because:
- Swallowing the eggs or larvae of worms that are on the ground or when cleaning their bodies
- Eating birds, rodents, or other animal carcasses
- Have lice
- Infected by worms from its mother while in the womb.
Part 2 of 3: Preventing Worms
Step 1. Give the puppy preventive medicine
The main thing about worm infestation is prevention. By giving him deworming every month, the puppy will continue to be happy, healthy, and free of worms.
- Most heartworm deworming medications contain common deworming ingredients that can help prevent and control other types of worms such as hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. You will need a veterinarian's prescription to buy heartworm medication. However, these drugs are relatively affordable and can prevent dogs from deworming and the treatment is expensive.
- Be sure to give the puppy deworming every month at the same time. If you can't afford it, talk to your vet about a possible installment plan. If you forget to give him medicine, give it as soon as you remember.
Step 2. Keep the dog clean
Keeping the puppy and its environment clean is another important component of prevention. Cleaning puppy litter and yard areas can help minimize the risk of worm infestations.
- Clean and put the puppy litter in a plastic bag. Dispose of the trash in a place that is inaccessible to other animals or children.
- Clean areas where puppies or other pets usually poop (like litter boxes, etc.).
- Avoid carrion or wild animals and their droppings. Do not allow dogs to eat wild animals and or animal carcasses such as rats, raccoons, or deer because these animals can transmit worms. Also keep your dog away from the feces of other animals because the feces can contain worms.
- Consider enlisting the help of a professional to clean the yard of dirt if you don't want to do this.
Step 3. Control and manage ticks
Flea infestations are a common cause of deworming in pets. Look for products that can control fleas both indoors and outdoors to keep your pet healthy and prevent intestinal worms.
- Give your pet an oral or topical medication to control fleas on his body. You can use prescription drugs from your vet or buy over-the-counter medications at pet shops.
- Thoroughly clean your home by dusting and spraying insecticide on furniture, posts, windows, and carpets.
- Outdoor maintenance is generally not a must if you control the environment indoors. However, you can also consider asking a professional to clean it.
Part 3 of 3: Treating Worms
Step 1. Schedule an appointment with the vet
In addition to annual checkups (which can detect a worm infestation), you should also contact your veterinarian if you suspect or detect any symptoms of worms in your puppy. Your veterinarian can diagnose the type of worms your puppy has and treat them before they get serious.
- Call your vet if you have any questions about deworming. If your dog has had intestinal worms, also let the veterinarian know that the symptoms have returned.
- Some worm infestations, especially heartworm and hookworm, can be fatal for puppies. So, immediately contact the veterinarian to treat it.
- Although many deworming medications are over-the-counter, they won't get rid of worms like tapeworms. Therefore, its treatment requires a prescription from a veterinarian.
Step 2. Give the puppy medication that treats most worms
Depending on the diagnosis, your puppy will likely need deworming to get rid of the worms in his body. Follow your vet's instructions to make sure the infestation is completely gone. In addition, puppies can get:
- Heartworm prevention medication that also contains common deworming agents.
- Parasitic combination drugs, such as Sentry HC, in which one tablet can eradicate tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms.
- Oral or injectable praziquantel for tapeworms.
Step 3. Get treatment for heartworms
Unlike other worm infestations, heartworms often require more in-depth treatment. While prevention is the best way to control heartworms, your vet may recommend the following hospitalizations and treatments to stabilize and treat puppies:
- Limited exercise, to minimize the level of damage to the heart and lungs
- Treatment for related conditions
- Operation
- Medications, including painkillers
- Repeat examination after treatment
- Preventive medicine.
