What Causes Worms In Dogs?
Posted on | February 14, 2010 | No Comments
Man’s best friend can be susceptible to several different kinds of internal parasites – and one fungus – that are generally termed “worms.” No matter how well a dog is cared for, it can pick worms from almost anywhere.
It’s important for dog owners to know what kinds of parasites can infect their pets because many of these worms are classified as “zoonotic.” That means that while the worms normally live mostly in animals, they can infect humans as well. Children are especially susceptible, which is why it’s important to do everything possible to prevent worms in dogs and to treat them promptly should they become infected.
Here’s a brief listing of the kinds of worms that can infest dogs. In all cases where worms are suspected, it’s best to have the type of worm diagnosed by a veterinarian, who can recommend appropriate treatment.
Causes of Roundworms
Roundworms are one of the most common internal canine parasites. They’re especially found in puppies that have contracted the worms while still in their mothers’ wombs. Roundworms should be suspected if some of the puppies in a litter die, or if slender, spaghetti-shaped worms can be seen in the stool.
Causes of Heartworms
Left untreated, heartworms kill dogs. Mosquitoes spread these parasites. They lodge in the heart muscles and the blood vessels of the lungs. It can take as much as six months for heartworms to develop as the parasites move from where the mosquito bit the dog to the heart and lungs. All the while the larvae are growing; some adult heartworms are as much as a foot long. The best way to avoid heartworms is to give the dog regular monthly doses of a heartworm preventive such as Heartgard or Interceptor. This is especially urgent in regions where mosquitoes are common, or if the dog lives primarily outside. Nonetheless every household dog should have an annual blood test for heartworms. If heartworms are found in the dog, the treatment is both traumatic for the animal and expensive for the owner. Prevention is a far better option when it comes to heartworms.
Causes of Whipworms
Whipworms are long parasites that look like a whip. They infest a dog’s colon, causing blood in the dog’s stool, weight loss and anemia. A veterinarian must diagnose whipworms through a fecal examination.
Causes of Hookworms
Hookworms are another pernicious blood-sucking parasite. They’re tiny, only 12 to 15 millimeters long, but they hook on the intestinal wall, where it’s easy to get to a dog’s blood supply, and then they start drinking and don’t quit. Puppies contract hookworms through their mothers’ milk when the mothers are infected, or the larvae may penetrate the puppies’ skin from contaminated water or a contaminated environment. Hookworms can kill puppies long before a vet can find hookworm eggs in a fecal exam.
Causes of Tapeworms
Fleas transmit tapeworm eggs to dogs when the dog consumes the flea as a way to get rid of its itch. Dogs also can get tapeworms by eating wild rabbits, birds and rodents that have tapeworms, or by scavenging road carcasses or garbage cans. Tapeworms are usually diagnosed by finding egg sacs around the dog’s anus. The egg sacs often look like grains of rice, and may or may not be moving. Because of the nature of tapeworms, standard de-worming medications won’t treat the condition. Prescription medication from a licensed veterinarian is required to get rid of the parasite.
Causes of Ringworm
Technically, ringworm isn’t a worm at all, but a fungus that infects the dog’s skin. Ringworm is typically diagnosed from bald or stubbly patches on the dog’s coat. Ringworm is highly contagious and can be passed between dogs and cats and can be passed on to humans. Treatment typically involves a topical antifungal medication, baths with an antifungal shampoo and/or a lime sulfur dip. A veterinarian may prescribe a medication called Griseofulvin that’s usually given in tablet form.
The best way to keep a dog free of these parasites is to have regular veterinary check-ups and fecal exams.
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