Every pet parent loves their pet. Pets act as their children, with whom we spend our whole time. From snacking to sleeping, there is not a single moment when we want to keep our pets away. But just think of a scenario where your pet is distant from you. This happens when they suffer from any pain or discomfort. Just like us, dogs also face health challenges, and one of the common culprits is worms. Symptoms of worms in dogs can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms, from discomfort to serious illness.

As loving pet parents, we want to see them happy and healthy, which makes it necessary for us to understand the signs and symptoms of problems they are facing. Worms in dogs can cause many gastrointestinal problems, making it hard for them to lead a normal life. Through this blog, we will understand the symptoms of worm infestation in dogs and the prevention techniques. Think of this blog as a dewormer blog.

Worms are internal parasites, so it can be difficult to determine their presence in your pet's body. Often symptoms are visible after a certain time. So, it is essential for the pet parents to look out for visible signs and symptoms. Below is the list of visible signs and symptoms of the worms in the dog.

Change in Stool

Change in the structure of stool is the most prominent change one can notice if your dog has worms. Signs of worms in dogs' poop can be like:

• Diarrhea: Diarrhea can lead to frequent loose stool, which can be a sign of irritation in the digestive tract because of worms.

• Change in Consistency: If your dog is having worms, you can see changes in consistency in the stool, like softer than usual or harder than usual.

• Mucus in the Stool: Mucus in the stool can indicate inflammation in the intestine, which can be caused by worm infestation.

• Blood in Stool: There are some worms like hookworms that can cause internal bleeding in the dog, if you notice blood then it can be a sign of urgent veterinary attention.

Vomiting

Just like a change in stool, vomiting can also be a symptom of a worm in your dog. Normal vomiting is understood, but when the frequency of vomiting increases, then it can be a sign of a worm infection. If you see an unusual change in vomiting or worms in it, it is necessary to consult a vet.

Weight Loss or Weight Gain

Worms in dogs can hinder the process of nutrient absorption, the gut health decreases when the dog is suffering from worm infection. So, even after a normal diet and adequate hydration, your dog will lose weight, this can be a persistent visible sign to find out whether your dog is suffering or not. In puppies, worms can hinder their proper growth and development, making them look thin and pot-bellied.

Change in Energy Level

A dog suffering from worms becomes lethargic, their physical activity will decrease, and they will feel less energetic and become less playful. Worm infestation can make dogs feel unwell and listless.

Itchy Bottom (Scooting):

A dog suffering from worm infestation can have an itchy bottom. It means they feel irritation around the anus. If you see your dog scooting their bottom along the ground frequently, then it can be a sign of a Worm infestation. 

Dogs can get worm infestation from different types of worms. Every worm can cause different types of pain. Knowing a little about them can help understand the symptoms:

Prevention is Key. Taking a proactive approach for your dogs can save them from all the problems occurring from worms. There are several ways in which we can prevent our dog from worm infection. They are:

• Regular Deworming

Dewormers for dogs can be the cornerstone for worm prevention. A pet parent should always work closely with the veterinarian to establish a deworming schedule according to their size, age, and breed on a regular basis. One should always remember that deworming isn’t a one-time process, instead it is an ongoing process that should be done now and then.

• Hygiene and Sanitation

If you have a dog in your house, hygiene should be your top priority. Activities like:

1. Prompt poop Disposal

When your dog poops, the worm's egg is shed through the feces. Frequent and proper disposal can help to prevent the spread of infection. Pet Parents can use a proper poop disposal kit for immediate cleaning.

2. Prevent Fecal Consumption

There are a lot of cases where dogs often eat their own or other animals' feces. This will lead to the ingestion of worm eggs. If pet parents prevent this from happening, then chances are less that your dog will suffer from worm infection.

• Preventing Fleas & Ticks

There are many cases where it has been seen that parasites like tapeworms got transmitted through ticks. So, pet parents need to perform effective flea and tick control. Pet parents should use flea and tick preventatives as prescribed by a veterinarian. 

So, being the best pet parent requires you to be cautious. Worms in dogs can make them irritated or agitated, so it is best to provide them with the medication as soon as you can. If not, then it can be a problem for you and your dog. Remember to consult a veterinarian whenever you face this kind of problem, treating by yourself can be dangerous and ineffective. 

How can you tell if a dog has got worms?

Several telltale signs can indicate a parasitic infection. While a definitive diagnosis requires a vet visit, watch out for these common symptoms: changes in stool (diarrhea, soft stool, mucus, or blood), vomiting (sometimes containing worms), weight loss despite a normal appetite, a pot-bellied appearance (especially in puppies), increased lethargy or decreased activity, scooting or dragging the bottom, a dull coat, pale gums, and sometimes coughing (especially with heartworms or lungworms). Seeing actual worms in your dog's poop or vomit is a strong indicator.

What happens if dog worms go untreated?

Untreated worms in dogs can lead to a range of health problems, some of which can be quite serious. The specific consequences depend on the type of worm, the severity of the infestation, and the dog's overall health. Left unaddressed, intestinal worms like roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms can cause malnutrition, weight loss, and anemia, as these parasites steal essential nutrients from the dog's body.

In severe cases, these infestations can lead to intestinal blockages, which require emergency surgery. Hookworms, in particular, can cause significant blood loss, especially in puppies, and can even be fatal. Heartworms are especially dangerous; these parasites live in the heart and lungs, causing severe damage and potentially leading to heart failure, lung disease, and even sudden death.

Can dogs pass worms to humans?

Yes, dogs can pass certain types of worms to humans, although the risk is relatively low with proper hygiene and preventative care. This transmission, known as a zoonotic infection, typically occurs when humans accidentally ingest worm eggs or larvae. Common culprits include roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms.

Children are more susceptible due to their tendency to put things in their mouths, but adults can also be infected. Transmission can happen through contact with contaminated soil, feces, or even by petting a dog with worms if proper handwashing isn't practiced afterward.

How do I deworm myself?

Deforming yourself should always be done under the guidance of a medical professional. Self-treating can be dangerous and ineffective. If you suspect you have a parasitic infection, your first step should be to consult a doctor. They will diagnose the specific parasite through stool samples or other tests and prescribe the appropriate medication and dosage.

Don't rely on over-the-counter deworming medications without professional advice, as they may not be effective against all types of parasites and can have adverse side effects if used incorrectly. Your doctor will consider your overall health, the type of parasite, and other factors before recommending a treatment plan. This personalized approach is crucial for successful deworming and preventing reinfection.