Alex Seilis
As a dog owner, one of the most unsettling concerns is the possibility of your pet contracting worms.
Worm infestations are not just an issue for puppies; adult dogs are also susceptible ... and these intestinal parasites are more common than many people realize.
However, the good news is that with proper prevention strategies, you can significantly reduce the chances of your dog becoming a host to these unwelcome parasites.
Let's take a closer look at the types of worms dogs get, how they get them, and how you can prevent them or remove them.
Types Of Worms That Infect Dogs
Roundworms
Roundworms are among the most common intestinal worms, particularly in puppies. These worms are typically transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated soil or feces.
Puppies can also contract roundworms directly from their mothers, either in utero or through nursing.
Once inside the dog, roundworms can grow to several inches long, causing a pot-bellied appearance and other health issues if left untreated.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms are usually contracted when a dog ingests fleas or lice that are carrying tapeworm larvae, or by eating an infected prey animal such as a rabbit or rodent.
Unlike roundworms, tapeworms often go unnoticed until segments of the worm, resembling grains of rice, appear in the dog’s stool or around its anus.
These parasites attach themselves to the wall of the intestines and can lead to digestive issues if not addressed.
Hookworms
Hookworms are small but dangerous parasites that can enter a dog’s body either through ingestion or by penetrating the skin, particularly through the pads of the feet via infected soil. Once inside, they attach to the intestinal lining and feed on the dog’s blood, which can lead to severe anemia, especially in puppies.
Hookworms are particularly concerning because they can also infect humans, making it crucial to maintain good hygiene and preventive care.
Whipworms
Whipworms are less common than roundworms and hookworms but are still a significant threat to your dog’s health. These parasites are transmitted when a dog ingests soil or other substances contaminated with whipworm eggs.
Whipworms reside in the large intestine and can cause chronic weight loss, diarrhea, and general poor health. Their eggs can survive in the environment for years, making it essential to keep your dog’s living area clean.
Heartworms
Although heartworms are a serious and potentially deadly parasite, they are spread through mosquito bites rather than through direct ingestion or contact with contaminated soil.
While heartworms don’t typically affect the gastrointestinal system like the other worms mentioned, it’s important to be aware of them and take preventive measures, especially in areas where mosquitoes are prevalent. Otherwise, you risk your dog contracting heartworm disease.
Symptoms Of Worms In Dogs
Worms in dogs often manifest in visible ways. You might notice actual worms or worm segments in your dog’s stool, which can look like small, white pieces of rice.
Other visible signs include a poor coat condition, as the dog’s body diverts nutrients to combat the worms, leaving the coat dull and lifeless.
Your dog might also exhibit behaviors like scooting or scratching at the base of the tail, which can indicate irritation caused by worms.
Sometimes, the signs of a worm infestation are less obvious:
- Your dog might start losing weight despite eating normally, or develop a pot-bellied appearance, particularly in puppies.
- Vomiting and diarrhea, which may contain blood, are other potential symptoms.
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Anemia, indicated by pale or white gums, is a more serious sign, especially in cases of hookworm infestation
Because worms can sometimes be present without any visible symptoms, regular fecal tests are crucial to ensure your dog is worm-free.
How Common Are Worms In Dogs?
In the United States, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms are the most prevalent intestinal parasites in dogs.
Recent studies show that roundworms affect about 1.8% to 5% of dogs, hookworms are present in approximately 2.5% to 4.5%, and whipworms are found in 0.8% to 1.2% of dogs. These numbers, while significant, reflect the ongoing need for effective preventive care and regular monitoring.
Older statistics often cited a much higher prevalence of worms in dogs, with some studies claiming that up to 36% of dogs were affected. However, these numbers were skewed because the studies primarily sampled dogs from animal shelters, where worms are more common due to close quarters and less frequent deworming.
Modern data provides a more accurate picture, showing that while worms are still a concern, the prevalence is lower among dogs receiving regular veterinary care.
How Do Dogs Get Worms?
There are a few different way dogs contract worms. By knowing the most common ways dogs get infected, you can work to proactively avoid these conditions and keep your pup safe.
Contaminated Environments
Dogs are at risk of picking up worms from environments contaminated with feces or soil that contains worm eggs.
Common places include dog parks, walking trails, and any area where other dogs or animals have defecated.
The eggs of roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms can survive in the soil for long periods, making it easy for dogs to inadvertently ingest them while sniffing or eating something off the ground.
Eating Infected Prey
Another way dogs can contract worms is by eating wild animals like rabbits, rodents, or birds. These prey animals often serve as intermediate hosts for parasites like tapeworms, which can be passed on to your dog if they consume infected tissue. This is particularly a concern for dogs that have a strong hunting instinct or those that roam freely in areas where wildlife is common.
Flea And Lice Infestations
Fleas and lice aren’t just annoying pests; they can also be carriers of tapeworms.
When a dog bites or licks an area where fleas or lice are present, they can inadvertently swallow these parasites, leading to a tapeworm infestation. This connection underscores the importance of regular flea and lice control to prevent worms from taking hold in your dog.
Mother To Pup Transmission
Puppies are especially vulnerable to worms because they can acquire them directly from their mothers.
Roundworms and hookworms can be transmitted through the mother’s milk while nursing or even through the placenta before the puppies are born. This makes it crucial for pregnant dogs to receive appropriate care to reduce the risk of passing worms to their offspring.
Skin Contact With Larvae
Hookworms are particularly insidious because they can penetrate a dog’s skin directly.
If a dog comes into contact with contaminated soil or feces, especially through the pads of their feet, hookworm larvae can burrow into their skin and cause an infestation. This is another reason why maintaining clean, safe play areas for your dog is so important.
How Long Do Worm Eggs Last?
Worm eggs are remarkably resilient, with the ability to survive in the environment for extended periods. Roundworm and tapeworm eggs can remain viable for several months, hookworm eggs can last from months to years, and whipworm eggs can survive for up to five years. This long lifespan makes it easy for dogs to become reinfected if the environment isn’t properly managed.
Given the durability of worm eggs, keeping your yard clean is crucial to preventing infestations. Regularly picking up dog waste, using natural yard sprays, and even sprinkling diatomaceous earth can help reduce the presence of these parasites. Maintaining a clean environment not only protects your dog but also helps to safeguard other pets and people who might come into contact with the area.
How Contagious Are Intestinal Worms Between Dogs?
Worms don't spread directly from one dog to another. Instead, they pass through contaminated environments, like soil or grass where an infected dog has left feces.
When another dog comes into contact with these areas, they can ingest the worm eggs or larvae, leading to a new infestation. This means that while your dog may not "catch" worms from playing with another dog, they can easily pick them up from shared outdoor spaces.
To reduce the risk of worm transmission, it's essential to take proactive steps:
- Avoid letting your dog roam in areas where there's a lot of dog traffic or where sanitation is questionable.
- Regularly deworm your dog according to your vet’s recommendations and keep them on a flea prevention regimen, as fleas can also be carriers of tapeworms.
- If you have multiple dogs, ensure that all pets in your household are dewormed simultaneously to prevent any potential cycle of reinfection.
Preventing Intestinal Worms In Your Yard
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to keep your yard free of parasites is by promptly picking up dog waste. Worm eggs in fresh feces are not immediately infectious, but if left to sit, they can become a source of contamination in the soil. Regularly clearing your yard of dog waste helps prevent worms from spreading and keeps the environment safe for your pets and family.
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural and safe way to control parasites like fleas in your yard. This fine powder, made from fossilized aquatic organisms, has microscopic edges that damage the exoskeleton of insects, causing them to dehydrate and die. Sprinkling DE around your yard can help reduce the presence of fleas and other pests that could carry worm larvae, thus preventing these parasites from becoming a problem for your dog.
In addition to DE, using natural yard sprays made with essential oils can be an effective way to control and prevent the spread of worms. Essential oils like cedarwood, lemongrass, and catnip are known for their pest-repellent properties. These sprays are not only effective in keeping your yard free of parasites but are also safe for your pets and the environment. Regularly treating your yard with these sprays can create a barrier that keeps worms and their carriers at bay.
FAQ
How did my indoor dog get worms? Even indoor dogs can get worms by accidentally ingesting infected fleas or coming into contact with contaminated shoes or objects brought in from outside. Dog owners should be aware that common intestinal worms can still affect dogs through these indirect exposures.
What food causes worms in dogs? Dogs can get worms from eating infected prey animals or by ingesting infected fleas that carry tapeworm larvae. It's important to avoid feeding your dog raw meat that hasn't been properly handled, as it can be a source of intestinal parasites.
What are the signs of worms in dogs? Signs of worms in dogs include visible adult worms in the dog’s feces, a pot-bellied appearance, weight loss, and scooting or scratching at the rear. Dog owners should also watch for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and poor coat condition, which are common indicators of an intestinal parasite infection.
Do I need to treat my house if my dog has worms? Yes, it's important to treat your house if your dog has worms, especially if the worms came from infected fleas or if there are young puppies in the home. Cleaning areas where your dog spends time and washing bedding can help prevent the spread of common intestinal worms and protect other pets and family members.
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