Dogs are prone to a variety of ailments and parasites, including worms. Worms can be very contagious, so it’s important to stay on top of your pet’s health. In this blog post, we will explore the question of whether worms found in dogs are contagious to other dogs. We will look at the types of worms commonly found in dogs, the modes of transmission, and preventive measures to keep all dogs safe. Worms can be a serious threat to dogs and can cause a variety of health problems, so it’s important to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect your pet. We will explain the basics of how worms are spread, so you can be better informed and take the necessary steps to protect your pet.
Can Dogs Get Tapeworm From Other Dogs?
People may believe that they can directly contract tapeworms from other dogs because dogs can acquire them after excessive contact with an infected dog. A flea ingests tapeworm eggs from an infected dog, but tapeworms require an intermediary host, like a flea. The infection would then spread if your dog ate that flea, which is actually how it happens.
The good news is that tapeworm symptoms are simple to recognize. Can you see worms in your dog’s stool or vomit? Is your dog scooting or scratching its anal region? Has your dog lost a lot of weight? All of these things could be indications that your dog has tapeworms.
But how did the infection occur exactly? A flea larva will consume tapeworm eggs that are disseminated by an infected dog. These larvae will grow into mature fleas. An infected flea will then land on your dog. Naturally, your dog will itch, lick, and do whatever else it can to get rid of the bothersome free rider. The flea may have been ingested by your dog during that process, and now that it is inside of them, it has given them tapeworm infection.
Your veterinarian will perform a quick physical examination to look for obvious signs of weight loss and itching of the southern regions as a way to identify tapeworm. But really, they will be interested in your dog’s stool. They’ll perform a fecal test to precisely identify the tapeworm. Read more in our guide to Dog Worm Infestations to learn more about the signs, causes, and diagnostic process.
How Do I Treat My Dog’s Tapeworms?
Thankfully, treating tapeworm in your dog is a simple procedure. Your veterinarian will advise you to use an oral or intravenous dewormer, also known as a parasiticide. You won’t notice the tapeworm in your dog’s stool because the tapeworm will disintegrate in the intestine of your canine companion as a result.
Dewormers are extremely effective, but can sometimes require several treatments. This is due to the fact that dewormers typically only kill tapeworms that are already alive, while the unhatched eggs will typically survive and later hatch. It’s also important to note that even after receiving treatment, your dog still runs the risk of developing tapeworms again.
There are some steps you should take as the owner to aid in the recovery process and prevent re-infection, even though recovery typically takes several weeks. The first step to take is to control fleas and lice, as failure to do so could result in re-infection within a few weeks. Additionally, only feed your dog raw meat that has been frozen for at least 10 days or contaminated scraps.
Visit our guide to Tapeworms in Dogs for first-hand experiences from other owners and solutions to frequently asked questions from our skilled, in-house veterinarians.
The best course of action is to either test for parasites in all household pets (using a stool or feces sample) or to treat them all as though they are infected. Treatment options include topical, oral, liquid, and pill forms of medication. Actual medication used may vary from pet to pet because medication decisions typically take into account factors like cost, convenience, and likelihood that the pet will take the medication, in addition to the pet’s size and age. You can ask the front desk staff or the veterinarian for advice tailored to your situation and environment.
FAQ
Can my dog catch worms from another dog?
Many intestinal worms spread their eggs via their host’s stool, which is how dogs get worms. Therefore, if your dog enjoys digging through the waste of other dogs, cats, or wild animals, they could become infected.
How do dogs infect other dogs with worms?
Infected dogs shed the microscopic roundworm eggs in their feces. By sniffing or licking infected feces, other dogs may catch the infection. Other animals like rodents, earthworms, cockroaches, and birds can also spread roundworm eggs.
Should I quarantine my dog with worms?
The animals must remain in quarantine for at least three days after deworming in order for the worms that were present at the time of drenching to leave the gut. A fecal egg count performed 10 to 14 days after quarantine drenching will demonstrate the efficacy of the treatment.
Should I keep my dog away from other dogs if he has worms?
People may mistakenly believe that they can directly contract tapeworms from other dogs because dogs can acquire them after prolonged contact with an infected animal. A flea ingests tapeworm eggs from an infected dog, but tapeworms require an intermediary host, like a flea.