Nobody wants to hear that their pet might develop an intestinal parasite at some point in her life, and most likely will. Although the majority of pet owners would prefer to avoid the subject, it is crucial to understand the fundamentals because intestinal parasites can result in serious health issues. For this reason, we’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions pet owners have about internal parasites, along with the answers to those questions.
Eating Worm Eggs or Worm Larvae
Risk of: Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms
Roundworm and whipworm eggs are dispersed in the soil by infected animals’ droppings. These eggs can endure in the soil even under adverse environmental conditions for extended periods of time. Dogs can get sick if they unintentionally consume these eggs by licking, sniffing, or eating dirt or grass.
By unintentionally ingesting hookworm larvae from the soil, your dog may become infected with hookworms. Hookworms can also be acquired through close skin contact with larvae that have been left in sand or soil. The tiny living worms known as the larvae can worm their way into the skin of their feet.
On their shoes, people can also unintentionally bring worm eggs into their homes. Roundworm, whipworm, or hookworm eggs and larvae can be tracked into your home if you have stepped on soil or vegetation that is harboring them, putting your dog at risk of inadvertently ingesting them.
Risk of: Roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms
Dogs aren’t the only ones eating parasite eggs. If your dog enjoys hunting or scavenging, they may come into contact with worms from infected rodents, rabbits, birds, insects (like roaches and earthworms), and other animals. These animals, unlike dogs, do not develop adult worms from the eggs they consume; instead, they remain in a state of hibernation. But when a dog eats the eggs, they “wake up” and turn into adult worms. To prevent your dog from scavenging these potentially harmful animals, keep an eye on where they go.
Risk of: Tapeworms, roundworms
Additionally, even trying to be clean could give your dog worms. Your dog’s coat may harbor roundworm eggs, and if your dog ingests any while being groomed, a new roundworm infection may arise. It’s always a good idea to give your dog a bath after they’ve been playing rough in the yard or garden to reduce this risk.
Risk of: Tapeworms
Your dog is at risk of acquiring an intestinal worm if they have a flea infestation. As fleas are a frequent source of tapeworm transmission, your dog may become infected with tapeworms if they swallow infected fleas while being groomed. To lessen the possibility of a flea infestation in your dog and home, regularly groom your dog, check for fleas with a flea comb, and adhere to your regular flea prevention program.
Risk of: Roundworms, hookworms
One of the most prevalent canine worms, roundworm, can be passed from an infected mother to her unborn puppies through the placenta before they are even born.
During nursing, an infected dog may also transmit hookworms and roundworms to her puppies. Because of this, nursing puppies are also at risk of ongoing parasite exposure.
Young puppies are especially vulnerable to the dangers of roundworm and hookworm, which in severe cases can even be fatal. Ask your veterinarian when you can start treating your puppy for worms if you recently adopted a young dog.
As you can see, worms can be found in your dog’s environment every day, and any time of the year, your dog is susceptible to infection. The majority of worm eggs are resilient and can endure harsh environmental conditions, such as long winters, for up to several years. It’s crucial to be vigilant and aware of worms at all times of the year, but warmer weather can particularly increase your dog’s risk of contracting worms.
How to Tell If Your Dog Has Worms
Keep an eye out for any or all of these modifications in your dog’s regular health and appearance because worm infestations can occasionally display few to no symptoms:
3: Why are intestinal parasites a big deal for my pet?
Roundworms can slow down a puppy or kitten’s growth, and hookworms can result in a potentially fatal anemia. Any parasitic infection can cause inflammation and immune-system issues. It’s possible that the parasitic infection will worsen any existing medical conditions your pet already has, like diabetes. If left unchecked, all of these parasites can shut down vital body functions and pose a life-threatening threat.
FAQ
How do dogs randomly get worms?
When your dog consumes contaminated soil or feces that contain eggs or larvae of intestinal worms (hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms) that have been transmitted from other infected animals in the environment, it frequently results in the transmission of these worms.
How do I know if my dog has worms or parasites?
Coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy are the typical symptoms a dog has worms, so how can I tell if my dog has them? Other symptoms depend on the type of worm. For instance, rapid weight loss or what appears to be rice grains in your dog’s stool can serve as clear indicators of tapeworm infection.
How do you prevent parasites in dogs?
Check your dog or cat’s coat for fleas and ticks after playing outside or around other animals to prevent parasites in your pets. Since most intestinal parasites are transmitted by eggs or larvae in pet feces, clean up pet waste every day. Due to the potential for parasites, avoid feeding your pet a raw food diet.
Is it common for dogs to get worms?
In fact, intestinal worms are quite common. Your dog may be at risk for intestinal parasites if you’ve ever observed them eating grass, dirt, or animal waste, or if they frequently visit a dog park.