As a dog owner it is important that you know the symptoms of dog worms so you take immediate action to correct this medical condition. The symptoms of dog worms in infested dogs can range from benign to serious to possibly even leading to death. Dog worms are internal parasites and there are essentially 5 different types, which are found in dogs: heartworm, roundworm, hookworm, tapeworm and whipworm.

Because some worms cannot be seen by the human eye the only definitive test of infection is a stool sample carried out by a licensed veterinarian. It is recommended that this type of stool test be carried out on a yearly basis in an otherwise healthy dog as part of its annual physical. In an acute illness the test should be performed ASAP to determine if worms are at the root of the illness.

If your dog is not acting like his/her usual self you may want to suspect worms as a causative factor. Some common symptoms of dog worms are: Appetite loss, Pot-bellied appearance, Weight loss, Dull coat, Diarrhea, Vomiting, Low energy level, etc.

Symptoms Of Dog Worms - Heartworms

Heartworms can cause the most severe symptoms of dog worms, which can ultimately lead to death. Heartworms are easy to prevent but difficult to treat once a dog has become infected and left untreated for a period of time. Heartworms are contracted from infected mosquitoes that have bitten other infected dogs. This dog worm affects the heart muscle and can lead to congestive heart failure. At an advanced stage the symptoms of this dog worm includes potbelly, coughing, lack of energy and dull coat. Prevent this worm by giving proper heartworm medication after a puppy has undergone its full first six months of deworming by your veterinarian. Your vet can advise you of the correct medication to use at this stage.

Symptoms Of Dog Worms - Roundworms

Roundworms, with their spaghetti like appearance, are the most common type of worms, which affects dogs. These worms are large enough to be seen by the human eye in dog feces. Roundworms can also be transmitted to humans so washing of hands is important after handling puppies. This worm is found in the intestines of dogs, mostly puppies, and is responsible for the pot-bellied appearance as one of the symptoms of dog worms. Puppies can become infected by eating roundworm eggs that are found in soil or by nursing from their mother if she has infected areas around her teats. If roundworms are left to grow to maturity at 7″ in length they can cause a bowel obstruction that can lead to death. Once a puppy reaches 6 months old they are less likely to catch roundworms but should be tested annually. Some of the symptoms of roundworms are: potbelly appearance, diarrhea, vomiting, dull coat and weight loss. Roundworms can be treated with an oral dewormer medication prescribed by your vet.

Symptoms Of Dog Worms - Hookworms

Hookworms can affect a dog at any age and like roundworms can be transmitted to humans. Washing hands is important after handling any dog especially before meals. Humans cannot see the small, thin hookworm therefore a fecal test from a vet is the only way to get an accurate diagnosis. Hookworms have sharp teeth that hook on to the dog’s intestines. Once the hookworms are attached they suck blood, which can cause anemia and sometimes death. Some of the symptoms of hookworm infestation are: blood in the stool, anemia, weight loss, pale gums, diarrhea, loss of energy and skin irritation. Hookworms can be treated with an oral dewormer medication prescribed by your vet.

Symptoms Of Dog Worms - Tapeworms

Tapeworms are flat tape-like worms that affect the intestines of dogs. They are large enough to be seen by the human eye in feces and sometimes in the anal region still alive and moving. Ingesting infected fleas often infects dogs. Unlike roundworms and hookworms, tapeworms are not directly transmitted to humans by dogs. Tapeworms like roundworms can block intestinal passages if their numbers are large enough. Some of the symptoms of tapeworm infestation include abdominal pain, nervousness, vomiting, weight loss and a characteristic behavior of dragging the rear end along the ground to try to alleviate the severe itching around the anus. Tapeworms can be treated successfully by an oral or injection prescription provided by a veterinarian.

Symptoms Of Dog Worms - Whipworms

Whipworms are very small, long and thin whip-shaped worms that cannot be seen by the human eye in dog feces. Whipworms attach themselves to the intestinal tract and can cause bleeding leading to anemia. Often whipworms do not produce any visible discomfort but can be damaging if left untreated. Some of the symptoms of whipworm infestation include anemia, weight loss, flatulence, lack of energy and smelly tar like diarrhea containing blood or mucus. Whipworms are the most difficult worms to eliminate but effective treatment is available from a qualified vet.

Symptoms Of Dog Worms - Preventing Re-infection

To make sure your dog does not become re-infected with worms after successful treatment, you should do the following: religiously pick up feces from your dogs habit, clean the dog’s habitat with products that kill worms and have your dog’s feces tested regularly by a qualified veterinarian.