Should I be Worried If My Dog Has Worms

We all want what is best for our dogs. They are a member of the family, right? Unfortunately, our four-legged friends are very susceptible to parasites known as worms. There are four different kinds of worms: tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. Roundworms and tapeworms are easily identifiable in the stool of your pet. Dogs become infested with worms by ingestion. Worm eggs are ingested when your dog eats contaminated soil or stool. It is frightening to think that worms can kill our pets. This article will help understand what worms are and how you can help your pet if you suspect they have worms.

Should I Be Worried?

While intestinal worms are far less dangerous than heartworms, all infections should be treated upon first notice of side effects. Severe cases of heartworms have been known to cause death upon dogs that are not treated in time. Heartworms do not show many obvious physical signs either. Intestinal worms can sometimes be seen in the animal’s stool and vomit. Other symptoms include: pot bellied appearance, change in appetite, and weight loss. When treated in time, your furry friend should be able to live a normal life free of worms.

What Should I Do If My Dog Has Worms?

If your dog is showing signs that he or she may have worms, it would be a good idea to consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible. As mentioned above, untreated worms can be very harmful to your dog. If a veterinarian is unavailable, there are things that you do at home to help. http://dogsbarn.com/dog-worming-tablets/ is an incredible resource when searching worming remedies for dogs. There are tablets, syrups, and granules that you can feed your dog to rid them of worms. Always consult with your veterinarian and notify them in your dogs progression.

What Do Worms Do?

Since worms are parasites, they suck the nutrients from your dog. While the worms rob your dog’s nutrients, they will breed themselves and spread further into the intestines. This will cause your dog to become severely malnourished and dehydrated. Heart worms are very dangerous because they typically do not show any obvious signs. This is why routine visits to your veterinarian are very important.

What Signs To Look For:

— Continuous coughing
— Vomiting
— Diarrhea
— Less energy than normal
— Pot bellied appearance
— Gray or dull coat
— Skin irritations
— Worms in your dog’s stool
— Change in appetite
— Weight loss

Routine visits to a veterinarian are the best way to ensure your dog’s health. Keep in mind that the sooner you notice and treat the symptoms of worms, the better chance your dog will have of not developing more serious problems. Remember that your veterinarian will have the best advice on how to treat worms in your dog. Worms are definitely something that pet owners not only need to be worried about, but they also need to be aware of the symptoms. The more you know, the more you will be able to help your dog.