How to Tell if Your Dog Has Worms and What to Do

Whipworms, tapeworms, hookworms and roundworms are the most common intestinal parasites in dogs. If you have noticed worms in your dog’s poop, you may be feeling a slowly dawning sense of panic. But do not fret, because Kirrawee Vet Hospital is here to help you. In this post, we will cover how your dog may be a victim of the transmission of worms, what the symptoms are and how to treat worms in dogs and keep him or her safe. If you notice symptoms, call us immediately and we will be happy to get your pooch back up to their normal health and happiness!

How Do Dogs Get Worms?

At Kirrawee Vet Hospital, we are often asked ‘How do dogs get worms?’. The transmission of intestinal worms, including hookworms, roundworms and whipworms, commonly occurs when your dog ingests contaminated soil or contaminated faeces containing eggs or larvae. This may have been passed on from other infected animals in the area, so watch out for when your doggie goes eating the poop!

What Are the Symptoms of Worms?

Some of the most common symptoms of worms in dogs are:

• Weight loss, accompanied by an increase or decrease in appetite.
• Distended abdomen, or 'pot-bellied' appearance.
• Lethargy.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhoea or chronic soft stools.
• Chronic coughing.
• Dulling of coat and/or hair loss accompanied by skin irritation or inflammation.

If you’re wondering ‘can I get worms from my dog?’ the short answer is yes, so watch out for the symptoms in you as well!

How to Treat Worms in Dogs

Most vets will provide you will safe and effective medication and this medication usually contains fenbendazole, milbemycin, moxidectin, piperazine, and pyrantel. In severe cases, your dog will need to be hospitalized, so always keep a close eye on your pooch’s wellbeing and contact your nearest vet as soon as you notice signs!

Keep Your Dog Safe

Keep your dog safe and always monitor what they are eating (no poop!) and how they are feeling. If you notice any symptoms of worms, feel free to get in touch with the local NSW professionals at Kirrawee Vet Hospital and we will be happy to help your pooch on the road to recovery.