How to Treat Worms in Dogs

There are 5 primary types of worms that dogs commonly get: heartworms and 4 intestinal parasites—roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms. A veterinarian will be able to determine which types of worms are common in your area, and the right tests and treatments to combat them. Dogs need specialized medication to prevent and treat these worms, as many of these parasites can be fatal. This article will guide you on how to recognize and treat these 5 types of worms, although initial symptoms are often hard to detect and may only show up when the dog is severely infected or has been infected for a long period.

Understanding Intestinal Parasites. Roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms are typically found in a dog’s intestines and can be found in the stool of infected animals. These parasites usually cause a number of common symptoms, and you can identify them in some cases.

• Some intestinal worms can spread from one dog to another through the “fecal-oral route.” Worm eggs in the stool of an infected dog can transfer to the mouth and intestines of another dog. Even if you can’t see the eggs or feces, a dog can unknowingly ingest the worm eggs that are present in grass. If a dog licks its paws and eats worm eggs, it will become infected with intestinal worms.
• Tapeworms primarily spread when a dog accidentally eats a flea.
• While it may be difficult to identify the specific type of worm, you can monitor symptoms to determine whether the dog requires treatment for intestinal worms.

Check Your Dog's Stool. Intestinal worms can often be detected by observing unusual changes in your dog's stool. Look for signs such as:

• Roundworms and whipworms can cause diarrhea. If your dog has frequent and persistent diarrhea, you should take them to the vet immediately.
• Hookworms and whipworms can cause blood in the stool. If you notice blood in your dog's stool, contact your veterinarian immediately.
• Tapeworm segments are often found in your dog's stool or stuck to the fur around their anus. If you see white, rice-like particles in the stool, your dog is likely infected with tapeworms.

Pay Attention to Vomiting. Dogs infected with intestinal worms, particularly roundworms and tapeworms, may vomit frequently.

Watch for Coughing. In some cases, dogs infected with worms, especially roundworms, may develop a cough.

• Coughing can be a symptom of various illnesses, so it is important to take your coughing dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Monitor Physical Changes. A dog may be infected with intestinal worms if its abdomen suddenly swells or if it loses weight rapidly.

• A bloated abdomen may indicate roundworm infection, while weight loss could be a symptom of roundworms, tapeworms, or whipworms.

Examine Your Dog's Coat and Skin. Some intestinal worms can be detected by how they affect your dog’s coat and skin.

• If your dog’s shiny coat becomes dull and lifeless, it may be infected with roundworms.
• Skin irritation could be a sign of hookworm infection.

Be cautious if your dog frequently has bloating. If your dog is excessively gassy (frequent farting), it may have been infected with worms, particularly whipworms.

Observe for signs of anemia. Worms can consume important nutrients in your dog’s body, potentially leading to iron deficiency.

• Anemia can be spotted by checking your dog’s gums. Like humans, a healthy dog’s gums should be pink. Pale gums could indicate anemia caused by hookworms or whipworms.

Monitor changes in behavior. Dogs can exhibit behavioral changes if infected with worms. For example:

• Dogs with tapeworms may become agitated, have stomach pain, or itch around their anus, leading them to drag their bottom on the ground.
• Dogs infected with hookworms or whipworms may appear lethargic. Sudden loss of energy is a red flag and requires a visit to the vet.

Regularly check for heartworm infections. Heartworms live in the blood and are transmitted through mosquito bites. Unlike the other four types of worms, heartworm infection often doesn’t show symptoms in its early stages, and dogs can remain symptom-free for years. Therefore, regular blood tests are important to detect heartworms.

• In most areas, annual blood tests are sufficient to detect latent heartworm infections and ensure that heartworm prevention medications are safe for your dog.
• Severe heartworm infections can cause symptoms like abdominal swelling, dull coat, coughing, rapid or labored breathing, or weakness.
• By the time symptoms appear, it may be too late, as severe cases can be fatal. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential.

Fecal Testing. If you suspect that your dog has a gastrointestinal worm infection, it's essential to consult a vet immediately for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

• Your vet may ask you to collect and bring a stool sample for testing. The sample will help the vet identify the specific type of worm your dog is infected with.

Administer Medication. Most intestinal worm infections in dogs can be treated with various oral medications. The type of medication and the frequency of dosing depend on your vet’s recommendations and the specific type of worm.

• For roundworms and hookworms, your dog will likely need to take a deworming medication. After a set treatment period, a follow-up visit is recommended to prevent reinfection every 3-6 months.
• There are several medications available for treating roundworms and hookworms, both over-the-counter and prescription. Pyrantel pamoate and Fenbendazole are two over-the-counter options effective for both types of worms.
• Pyrantel is safe for puppies as young as four weeks old. However, it’s always best to consult your vet before administering any medication.
• If your dog has roundworms or hookworms, it may also require monthly heartworm preventatives, which can also help control reinfection.
• Praziquantel and Epsiprantel are commonly prescribed for treating tapeworms.
• Whipworms can be treated with specific medications like Fenbendazole or Febantel. Treatment typically lasts for five days, with a follow-up treatment after three weeks. Your dog may also need monthly heartworm prevention to avoid whipworm reinfection.

Immediate Heartworm Treatment. Dogs infected with heartworms require urgent treatment. Only a veterinarian is equipped to treat heartworm infections in dogs.

• The severity of the heartworm damage to the heart and lungs must be assessed by a vet in order to create a suitable treatment plan.
• A typical heartworm treatment process lasts 6-12 months, involving several stages that include both oral medications and a series of injections (usually three) given into the dog’s back muscles.
• Heartworm infections are extremely serious, and in severe cases, even treatment may not save the dog’s life.

Regular Vet Check-ups. To ensure your dog is free from worms and receives treatment before things escalate, regular veterinary visits are crucial.

• For prevention, it’s recommended to have your dog’s stool tested at least once a year.
• If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, interacts with other dogs, catches and eats wild prey, or lives in an area with a high worm population, you should have stool samples tested more frequently.

Give your dog heartworm prevention medication. Heartworm prevention medication is often cheaper and safer than treatment options, so it’s a good idea to start giving your puppy the heartworm prevention medication when they reach 8 weeks old. Many available heartworm preventatives can also help reduce the risk of other types of worms, making it even more important to use them.

• There are various heartworm preventatives available, and your veterinarian can guide you on the best choice for your dog.
• Popular heartworm prevention medications are usually available in oral or topical forms.
• Many of these medications can also prevent fleas and ticks. While no single medication can prevent all parasites, your vet can help you decide which one is most suitable for your dog's health condition.
• Dogs need to take or apply heartworm preventatives every month, though there are injectable options that can provide protection for up to 6 months. These medications only protect against heartworms and do not treat intestinal worms.
• If you live in an area where heartworm prevention is not necessary, you can simply use medications that treat intestinal worms such as Pyrantel Pamoate, Fenbendazole, and Praziquantel.

Flea control for your dog. Tapeworm infestations typically occur when a dog consumes fleas, so eliminating fleas is the most effective way to prevent tapeworms.

• There are many oral and topical medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, that can effectively control fleas and tapeworms for dogs.
• Although not as effective, you can also use flea collars and bathe your dog regularly to help manage fleas.

Pick up your dog's waste. Hookworms and roundworms are often transmitted through feces. You should regularly clean up after your dog and prevent them from coming into contact with the waste of other dogs.

• Monitor your dog and consult your veterinarian if you suspect any health issues.
• Keep your yard clean by regularly removing waste.
• Always consult your veterinarian before administering any medication to your dog.
• Every 6-12 months, take your dog for a check-up, including fecal and blood tests.

• Both heartworms and intestinal worms can be fatal to dogs if left untreated. It is important to regularly have your dog checked by a veterinarian or seek expert help if you suspect your dog has a worm infection.
• In severe hookworm infections, dogs may need to be hospitalized for intravenous fluids or even blood transfusions.
• Be cautious when handling your dog’s waste, as hookworms and roundworms can be transmitted to humans.
• Hookworms can also pass on to unborn puppies. If your dog is pregnant, extra caution should be taken if you notice any signs of worm infections.