Dog Worms: What You Must Know

Dog worms are one of those problems that all dog owners will have to deal with at some time or another. These pests come in many shapes and sizes. Some are fairly harmless, others dangerous, even potentially lethal.

It therefore pays to be forewarned and in this article we’ll be discussing the signs and symptoms of dog worms and what you should do about them.

There are actually several species of worms that infect dogs, including roundworms, hookworms, pinworms, tapeworms, whipworms and heartworms. The most common of these are roundworms and hookworms. These parasites carry the additional danger in that they are zoonotic, meaning they can also be transmitted to humans, with children particularly at risk.

If that doesn't motivate you to take immediate action, bear in mind that, far from being benign, worms can cause numerous health problems for your dog. These can range from relatively minor problems like diarrhea, to tissue damage, organ failure and ultimately death.

So what are the signs and symptoms to look for? Common symptoms include weight loss, no appetite, lack of energy, depression, vomiting, coughing and diarrhea. You may also notice that the dog begins to develop a distinct, "pot belly".

If your dog shows these symptoms, chances are he has worms, but you'll have to have him examined by a vet to be sure it is not some other problem.

Fortunately, most dog worm infestations are relatively easy to treat. Your vet may prescribe medication, and there are also a number of over-the-counter medications that are very effective in getting rid of internal parasites. You should be aware though that these medications contain a mild pesticide, so using them too often may result in other health problems.

Or you may want to try a natural de-worming product. There are currently a number of these on the market, and they are said to work well, and have no side-effects. In fact, some even claim to promote intestinal health.

So far, we’ve only spoken about worm treatment but, of course, there are a number of things you can do to prevent your dog from getting worms in the first place. For example, you can ensure that your dog doesn't have fleas, as they can pass on tapeworm.

Secondly, if the area you live in has a heartworm risk, speak to your vet about a preventative medicine. This is important because a severe heartworm infestation can kill a dog.

Also, you should keep your dog’s living area clean, and be particularly diligent about removing faeces from your backyard or garden as soon as you can.

One last point, always speak to your vet before giving your dog a de-worming product, even if it is a natural product.

To find out more about dog worms, dog care, dog obedience training and other interesting dog info go to dogsanddogtraining.com