How Do Dogs Get Worms

Worms are a common health issue in dogs and can cause various health problems if left untreated. Understanding how dogs get worms is crucial for preventing infestations and ensuring your pet stays healthy. This article explores the different ways dogs can contract worms, the types of worms they can get, and how to prevent and treat these parasites.

Types of Worms in Dogs

Before diving into how dogs get worms, it’s important to know the types of worms that commonly affect dogs:

• Roundworms: These are the most common intestinal parasites in dogs. They look like spaghetti and can be passed from mother to puppies, either through the placenta or through the mother’s milk.
• Tapeworms: These worms are flat and segmented, and they are typically contracted when a dog swallows an infected flea.
• Hookworms: Hookworms attach to the intestinal lining and feed on the dog’s blood. They can be contracted through ingestion, skin penetration, or from the mother to her puppies.
• Whipworms: Whipworms live in the large intestine and are contracted when a dog ingests whipworm eggs from contaminated soil or other substances.
• Heartworms: Unlike other worms, heartworms are spread by mosquitoes and live in the heart and blood vessels of the lungs. They are potentially deadly if left untreated.

How Do Dogs Get Worms?

 Dogs become infected with worms in several ways.

Mother to Puppies

• Transplacental Transmission: Roundworms and hookworms can be transmitted from an infected mother to her puppies while they are still in the womb.
• Nursing: Puppies can also contract worms through their mother’s milk if she is infected.

Placenta infection

If a pregnant bitch is infected with worms, the larvae of the worms can pass through the placenta and infect the fetus, resulting in a newborn puppy born carrying the worms. 

Hunting and Eating Wildlife

• Predation: Dogs that hunt or scavenge wildlife, such as rodents, birds, or rabbits, are at risk of contracting worms like tapeworms and roundworms, which these animals often carry.
• Raw Meat: Feeding dogs raw or undercooked meat from infected animals can also result in worm infestations.

Skin Infection

The larvae of some worms can penetrate a dog's skin and enter the body. For example, hookworm larvae can invade through the skin and then enter the intestines to parasitize the dog. 

Related:  Yeast Skin Problems in Dogs

Contact Infection

Dogs may become infected with worms indirectly through contact with other animals infected with the worms or with intermediate hosts in the environment (e.g., certain insects). 

Fleas and Parasites

• Tapeworms: Dogs often get tapeworms by swallowing an infected flea during grooming. Fleas carry tapeworm larvae, and once ingested, the larvae develop into adult tapeworms in the dog’s intestines.
• Lice: In some cases, lice can also carry tapeworm larvae and transmit them to dogs.

To prevent dogs from becoming infected with worms, they should be dewormed both internally and externally at regular intervals, maintain environmental hygiene, avoid exposing dogs to potentially contaminated water and soil, do not feed undercooked meats, and check their feces regularly for signs of worm infection.

What are the Common Symptoms of Parasite Infection in Dogs?

Dogs infected with parasites may show a variety of symptoms.

• Digestive problems

Such as vomiting, diarrhea, constipation or blood in the stool. 

• Malnutrition

Weight loss, despite a normal appetite and a dry, lackluster coat. 

• Behavioral changes

Such as scratching frequently, chewing on themselves, sitting on the floor and rubbing their buttocks or appearing agitated. 

• Difficulty breathing or coughing

May be a sign of heartworm or other parasitic infections. 

• Swelling or discomfort in the abdomen

May be the result of parasites colonizing the body or causing an intestinal blockage.
 
If your dog is experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it is recommended that you take your dog to your veterinarian promptly for examination and treatment. A regular deworming program and good hygiene practices are key to preventing parasitic infections.

 Also Read:  How Do You Know If Your Dog Has Worms

How to Know Which Type of Parasite is Causing Your Dog's Scratching?

To determine which type of parasite is causing your dog's scratching, you can look at the following areas.

• The area of scratching

If your dog is frequently scratching or licking specific areas, there may be parasite activity in those areas. For example, mange mites usually cause redness of the skin, hair loss and dander. 

• Skin and coat condition

Parasitic infections may cause redness, pustules, bloody scabs or hair loss on the skin. For example, a flea infection may cause small granules to appear on the skin that dissolve in water to become blood-colored. 

• Behavioral Changes

The dog may appear agitated and rub body parts frequently because of the discomfort caused by the parasite. 

• Fecal Examination

Eggs or adult worms of parasites can be detected by examining your dog's feces. For example, a tapeworm infection may reveal white flaky worms in the feces. 

• Physical Symptoms

In addition to scratching, a parasitic infection may be accompanied by other symptoms such as digestive problems (vomiting, diarrhea), malnutrition (weight loss), or difficulty breathing. 

If you suspect that your dog has a parasitic infection, you should take your dog to your veterinarian for a prompt examination to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Your veterinarian may recommend a skin scraping, blood test, or fecal test to determine the type of parasite. Regular internal and external deworming and good hygiene practices are important measures to prevent parasitic infections.

How Should I Deworm My Dog When Infected With Roundworms?

When a dog is infected with roundworms, deworming treatment usually involves the following steps.

Diagnosis

First, the veterinarian will confirm the diagnosis of roundworm infection through fecal examination.

Choosing a deworming medication

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Depending on your dog's weight and health, your veterinarian will prescribe the appropriate deworming medication. For example, a puppy may be therapeutically dewormed with albendazole tablets. 

Administering deworming medication

Deworming medications usually need to be given while your dog is on an empty stomach to ensure effectiveness. After deworming, a period of fasting may be necessary to help the medication work. 

Aftercare

After deworming, dogs may need supplementation, especially if they are malnourished due to a roundworm infection. Your veterinarian may recommend supplemental fluids or easily digestible foods, as well as possible blood-replenishing medications. 

Environmental Cleaning

To prevent reinfection, your dog's living environment needs to be thoroughly cleaned, including disinfecting your dog's toys, bedding and eating utensils.

Preventive measures

Regular internal and external deworming, good hygiene practices and avoiding your dog ingesting food or water that may be contaminated with roundworm eggs.

Follow your veterinarian's specific instructions for deworming treatment and closely monitor your dog's health after deworming. If your dog becomes unwell after deworming, you should contact your veterinarian promptly.

How to Prevent My Dog from Contracting Various Types of Worms?

To prevent your dog from contracting various types of worms, you can take the following steps.

• Regular deworming

Depending on your dog's age and range of motion, give internal and external deworming medication on a regular basis. Deworming is usually recommended every three months for dogs over six months old and monthly for puppies under six months old. 

• Clean environment

Keep your dog's living environment clean and tidy, and regularly clean and disinfect your dog's sleeping and activity areas to minimize the growth of parasites. 

• Avoid contact with contaminated areas

Reduce the amount of time your dog spends playing on grass, beaches and other areas that may contain parasite eggs, especially in areas frequented by stray dogs and cats. 

• Eat a healthy diet

Do not feed your dog raw or undercooked meat as these foods may contain parasites or their eggs. 

• Regular Inspection

Regularly check your dog's feces so that parasite eggs or adult worms can be detected in time and treated accordingly. 

• Use of Preventive Measures

Insect repellent sprays or drops can be used when your dog is outside, especially during the flea and tick active season. 

• Control vector insects

Control fleas and ticks on your dog as these insects can act as vectors of parasites. 

By doing the above, you can effectively reduce your dog's risk of contracting worms and keep him healthy. Remember to follow your veterinarian's recommendations when implementing a deworming program and adjust the frequency of deworming and choice of medication to your dog's specific situation.

Conclusion

Dogs can get worms through various means, including ingesting contaminated soil, fleas, and even from their mothers. Recognizing the symptoms and taking preventive measures, such as regular deworming and flea control, are key to keeping your dog healthy and worm-free. Always consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has worms or for advice on the best prevention strategies.