Worms in dogs are a common health issue that can happen to dogs of any age. They can live in your dog’s stomach, intestines, or other parts of its body. If you know how to spot worms early on, you can protect your dog’s health and safety. This article will discuss all the signs that your dog might have worms, what causes them, and how to prevent them. This article is for all dog owners to read and follow the steps.
Visible Worms in Dog’s Stool or Vomit
Small White Worms in Poop
Small white pieces in your dog’s stool may look like rice. These could be tapeworm segments. These worm parts move around a lot and look like little rice grains. They can also get stuck in the poop or on your dog’s fur near the bottom. They are a clear sign that your dog might have worms.
Long Worms in the Poop
Dogs will sometimes throw up long worms that look like spaghetti. Most likely, these are roundworms. If you throw up worms, you should immediately get medical help. You should take your pet to the vet immediately to get the right care if this happens.
Worm pieces on the bottom of the dog
Worm bits that have dried out might be around your dog’s anus or where it sleeps. These dried out pieces can get stuck in fur and itch or hurt the animal.
Changes in your dogs eating or hunger habits
Always Hungry
Worms can make some dogs feel extra hungry because they take nutrients from their bodies. Worms could be why your dog eats much more than normal, but still looks thin.
Rapid Loss of Hunger
Some dogs might not want to eat or stop eating. This happens when worms make your dog sick or give them stomachaches. A rapid loss of hunger is something that should never be ignored.
Eating Strange Foods
When a dog has worms, it might eat grass, dirt, or trash. If the dog acts this way, it might be trying to settle an upset stomach. You should check your dog for worms if it does this a lot.
Weight Loss Without Reason
Losing Weight While Eating Normally
There may be worms in your dog’s food, but it is still losing weight. The bugs in your dog’s stomach use the food to grow, so your dog does not get as many nutrients.
Visible Ribs and Spine
In the worst cases, you can see your dog’s bones better
It is very important for thin dogs that have a lot of worms. Dogs lose muscle and fat, which makes them look weak or sick.
Loss of Muscle
When dogs have worms for a long time, they may lose muscle mass, especially in the back legs and neck. It is because their food does not give them enough nutrients and energy.
Bloated or Swollen Belly
Puppy Belly Looks Big
A dog may have worms if its belly is swollen, but its legs and face are thin. These guys have roundworms, which are common in young dogs and pups.
Uncomfortable or Gassy Stomach
Your dog might not feel good if his stomach is bloated. They might seem antsy, have gas, or have trouble sleeping. The gas and pressure from the worms inside make you swell up.
Trouble Walking or Lying Down
If the belly is big, it might be hard for your dog to move around or lie comfortably. You should immediately take your pet to the vet if you see this.
Coughing or Breathing Problems
Persistent Cough
Hookworms and roundworms can sometimes get into the lungs and make your dog cough. Worms could cause your dog’s dry, hacking cough if he has no other cold symptoms.
Taking deep breaths
Breathing may be harder if the worm infection gets into the lungs or heart. Your dog may pant more or breathe quickly even when not moving.
Getting Wormed Up
Sometimes, dogs may cough up live bugs. This is a very big problem that needs to be fixed right away. If this happens, you should get the worm and take it to the vet for the right diagnosis.
Change in Coat Condition
Dull or Dry Fur
Healthy dogs have soft, shiny fur. If your dog’s coat gets dull, dry, or rough, it could be because it is not getting enough food due to worms. Worms take important nutrients from your dog’s body.
Loss of hair
Worms can make some dogs lose hair in patches. This could happen along with red or itchy skin. Check for worms if you see bald spots or odd hair loss.
Looks dirty or greasy
Worms can also worsen a dog’s skin by making it oily or dirty. It is hard for the body to clean itself from the inside out, and it shows on the outside.
Scooting or Licking the Bottom
Dragging Bottom on the Floor
If your dog is scooting behind on the floor, it might be trying to eliminate worms, making it itch. It happens a lot with tapeworms, which can make the area around the anus itch.
Too Much Licking
Worms can make dogs lick their behinds more than normal. This means that the parasite activity is making you feel bad or itchy.
A red or swollen spot
Worms could be to blame if the area around your dog’s anus looks red or swollen. Worm pieces irritating this area can make it hurt and swell up.
Have diarrhea or soft stools
Poop that is loose or wet
Worms can make your dog’s stomach and intestines hurt. This often leads to diarrhea or stools that are soft. There may also be blood or mucus in the stool.
A lot of accidents
Your house trained dog may have worms if it starts having accidents inside or wants to go outside more often.
Smelly Poo
When you have diarrhea from worms, it usually smells stronger or worse than normal. It is because the dog’s gut is infected and out of balance.
Stomach upset or throwing up
A lot of throwing up
Worms can make you throw up, especially if they get stuck in your stomach or intestines. Your dog might get sick from this.
Food that has not been digested in the vomit
If your dog throws up right after eating, it may not get the nutrients it needs. Worms in the gut can make it hard to digest food.
Spilling yellow foam or worms
If you see yellow foam or live worms in vomit, that’s a very bad sign. This is abnormal, so you should immediately take your pet to the vet.
Not much energy and being weak
Always feeling tired
Worms make dogs tired, and they may sleep more than normal. It occurs because they are not giving their bodies the food they need to stay busy.
Not as excited to play
If your dog no longer likes walks, toys, or playing, it could have worms, making it weak or sick.
Moving Slowly
The dog might move more slowly or not be as excited as before. You likely have worms if you have this sign along with others, like losing weight.
Pale gums or nose
Pink or white gums
Gums that are bright pink indicate good health. Your dog may have anaemia if its gums look pale or white. This can happen if worms are sucking blood from its body.
Pulse or breathing that is weak
They may also have a weak pulse or look unable to get enough air. You should not ignore these signs because they are dangerous.
Nose and ears that are cold
One more thing that can make your ears or nose feel colder than normal is not getting enough blood flow.
Unusual Behavior or Mood Changes
Irritability
Worms in dogs can make them feel upset or bad. It might make them act out, bark more, or growl when you touch them.
Trying to avoid or hide touch
Worms could make your friendly dog hide or not want to be touched if it is in pain or discomfort.
Attack Out of the Blue
Sometimes, even quiet dogs will snap or act mean. Worm infections can make dogs sick or worried, which can change how they behave.
FAQs
How quickly can worm infections affect dogs?
Some worms can cause symptoms within days to weeks, while others may take longer to show signs. Puppies and senior dogs can become ill more quickly due to weaker immune systems.
Are puppies more at risk for worms?
Yes. Puppies are especially vulnerable and can be infected before birth, through nursing, or from their environment. Regular deworming is essential for young dogs.
What should I do if I suspect my dog has worms?
Contact your veterinarian promptly. Do not give over-the-counter medication unless advised, as different worms require different treatments.
Can humans get worms from dogs?
Some worms are zoonotic, meaning they can spread to humans, especially children. Good hygiene and regular deworming greatly reduce this risk.
How are worm infections diagnosed?
Veterinarians usually diagnose worms through:
- Stool examinations
- Blood tests (especially for heartworms)
- Physical exams and symptom review
FAQs
What are the most common signs of worm infections in dogs?
Common signs include diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, bloated belly (especially in puppies), dull coat, scooting, and visible worms or worm segments in the stool or around the anus.
Can I see worms in my dog’s poop?
Yes. Some worms are visible to the naked eye. Roundworms often look like spaghetti, while tapeworm segments resemble small grains of rice in or around the stool.
How quickly do worm symptoms appear in dogs?
Symptoms can appear within days to weeks, depending on the type of worm and the dog’s immune system. Puppies may show signs much faster than adult dogs.
Does scooting always mean my dog has worms?
Not always. Scooting can also be caused by full anal glands or irritation. However, frequent scooting is commonly linked to tapeworm infections and should be checked by a vet.
Can worms cause weight loss even if my dog is eating well?
Yes. Worms absorb nutrients from your dog’s body, which can cause weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite.
Are worm infections dangerous for puppies?
Yes. Worm infections can be very serious in puppies, leading to poor growth, anemia, weakness, and in severe cases, death if left untreated.
How can I check my dog for anemia caused by worms?
Gently lift your dog’s lip and check the gums. Pale or white gums can indicate anemia, often associated with hookworm infections, and require immediate veterinary care.
Can humans catch worms from dogs?
Some dog worms can infect humans, especially children, through contaminated soil or poor hygiene. Regular deworming and handwashing greatly reduce this risk.
Conclusion
Worms are bad for your dog’s health in many ways, but you can keep them away and treat them if they get in. You can protect your dog quickly by acting on the warning signs, such as worms that you can see, weight loss, scooting, vomiting, and being tired. Occasionally, deworm your dog, feed them a healthy diet, and take them to the vet. A happy dog is healthy, and taking care of things immediately makes all the difference.
