Earthworms in Dogs: Types, Symptoms and Treatment

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dog with parasites

The worms that lodge inside our dogs can cause numerous problems, so they must be treated as soon as possible. Only in this way will we avoid that their health suffers and that these parasites come to affect them, or even ourselves, since they are contagious.

In this Dogsis article we will explain what are the five most common types of worms in dogs and whether or not they can be observed with the naked eye. In addition, we will discuss how to identify the most common symptoms.

And not only that. You will be able to know what medical treatments there are, as well as the main home remedies to eliminate worms in dogs. Last but not least, we will give you some tips to prevent them from reappearing. Shall we start? Well, let’s go there.

Index of contents

  • 1 Most common types of earthworms that affect dogs
  • 2 Symptoms of roundworms in dogs
  • 3 What is the treatment of canine worms?
  • 4 Preventive advice

dog poop with earthworms

Most common types of earthworms that affect dogs

There are different types of worms in the canine world and they can affect different organs. The heart worms They are the parasites that worry the most, but they are not the only ones. Normally, worms are housed in the intestines. Let’s see which are the most common:

  • Nematodes: It is the most frequent type of intestinal worm in dogs. Puppies, from the mother’s womb or through breast milk, usually acquire the T. canis variant. These worms can infect other adult dogs as well as humans. That is why it is important that puppies have good veterinary care from the beginning.
  • The tapeworms: When a dog eats contaminated raw meat or comes in contact with infected fleas, it can become infected with this intestinal parasite. The most common tapeworm in dogs is Dipylidium caninum. Some of these tapeworms can be up to 15 centimeters long and expel worms that can be seen in the feces.
  • Hookworms: These little worms are difficult to see, as they live attached to the wall of the dog’s small intestine and feed on its blood. They can be spread from the mother’s uterus or, as with nematodes, through breast milk. In adults, the route of transmission is contact with the contaminated feces of another dog. If left untreated, they can lead to severe anemia and even death in puppies. In older dogs this infection can become a chronic disease: hookworm.
  • Whipworms: It is a parasite that lives at the beginning of the large intestine and in the colon. It is difficult to diagnose because it is not usually seen in the stool, so its trace may not appear in the analysis of fecal samples. It is not usually a serious problem for the dog’s health, but occasionally this worm can cause inflammation, weight loss or anemia.
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All these parasites, therefore, are found in the environment of the dog. When infected, the worms settle in the intestine and feed on its nutrients there, which can cause various symptoms in our furry friends. Let’s see what they are.

Symptoms of roundworms in dogs

The most common signs that can make you suspect that a dog has roundworms are the following:

  • You have diarrhea, which may also be bloody.
  • Abdominal pain.
  • Vomits.
  • You are losing weight.
  • Her hair is dry and dingy.
  • It seems weak.
  • It has itching in the anal area, so drag your butt across the floor or try to reach for relief.
  • He has fever.

Also, if we detect larvae or worms in the feces, there will no longer be any doubt that the dog has intestinal parasites. In this case, you should take it to the vet as soon as possible so that he can treat it.

dog with parasites

What is the treatment of canine worms?

Depending on the type of worms that the dog has, its age and the degree of infestation, the specialist will recommend one treatment or another. Most of the time they are prescribed specific antiparasitic drugs that allow a fairly fast recovery. In other mild cases, over-the-counter medications may work, but it’s best to check with your vet first to avoid complications.

Are there also home remedies for worms in dogs? Well, it is known that, in small amounts, garlic mixed with food can help eliminate them, due to its antibiotic and deworming properties. Raw ground pumpkin seeds or pineapple juice are also a natural way to combat parasites. But beware, in excess they can cause serious problems.

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Preventive advice

The best treatment of all, however, is prevention. It is true that it is sometimes difficult to prevent the dog from contaminating itself with roundworms, especially in the case of puppies. However, in adult dogs, certain precautions can be taken to minimize the risk of contagion.

It is important, for example, that the dog is up-to-date on its deworming vaccines and that it removes its feces after it relieves itself. Prevents the dog from roaming loose on the street and, above all, from eating raw meat or dead animals. Finally, good hygiene is essential, so it disinfects and assiduously cleans the places you use most often and all its accessories. This will make it much more difficult for roundworms to reappear.