Intestinal worms are common parasites that can affect dogs, particularly puppies. Different types of worms spread in different ways, and some can cause serious health problems.
Understanding how dogs become infected can help pet owners recognize potential risks.
How Can Dogs Get Worms?
1. Eating Contaminated Material
Dogs investigate the world with their mouths. They may accidentally ingest parasite eggs or larvae while eating contaminated soil, feces, or other material.
This is one reason puppies that spend time exploring outdoors can be exposed to intestinal parasites.
2. Contact With Infected Feces
Some intestinal parasites spread when dogs come into contact with contaminated feces.
Shared outdoor areas, dog parks, yards, and other places where multiple animals eliminate can potentially contain infectious parasite stages.
3. Eating Infected Animals
Dogs may become infected after eating prey or other animals carrying parasites.
This can be a particular concern for dogs that hunt or regularly have access to wildlife.
4. Transmission From Mother to Puppies
Certain parasites can be passed from a mother to her puppies during pregnancy or nursing.
This is one reason puppies can have intestinal parasites even when their owners have taken excellent care of them.
Common Intestinal Worms in Dogs
Some of the more common intestinal parasites include:
- Roundworms
- Hookworms
- Whipworms
- Tapeworms
Different parasites have different life cycles and may require different treatments.
Signs Your Dog May Have Worms
Some dogs with intestinal parasites show few or no obvious symptoms.
Others may develop:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Poor growth
- A swollen-looking abdomen
- Changes in appetite
- Dull coat
- Weakness or lethargy
Puppies can become particularly sick when they have significant parasite infections.
Can People Get Worms From Dogs?
Some parasites that affect dogs can also affect people. Good hygiene is important, especially around dog feces.
Wash your hands after handling animal waste, supervise children around pets, and clean up feces promptly.
Parasite Testing and Treatment
Diagnosing and treating intestinal parasites generally requires veterinary care. Different parasites require different medications, and simply assuming that every worm infection can be treated the same way can result in ineffective treatment.
AZ Vet Direct does not provide routine fecal testing, deworming, or ongoing parasite-prevention programs. If you suspect your dog has worms, your regular veterinarian can perform the appropriate diagnostic testing and recommend treatment.
Protecting Your Dog
Keeping living areas clean, promptly removing feces, preventing your dog from eating wildlife or animal waste, and following your regular veterinarian’s parasite-management recommendations can all help reduce exposure.
If you notice diarrhea, weight loss, vomiting, weakness, or other concerning changes, don’t assume that worms are the cause. Many different conditions can produce similar symptoms.
