Diarrhea in Puppies after Worming

Diarrhea in puppies after worming is not uncommon. Many puppies will develop a reaction to the worming medication, and may show signs of vomiting, diarrhea, lack of energy and loss of appetite. It is important for pet owners to know that deworming their puppy is crucial, no matter what the side effects may be. Up to 98 percent of all puppies are born with worms that were passed on by their mother. Even the cleanest breeders can get worms, and if left untreated, worms in puppies can be deadly.

Overview of Worms in Puppies

Roundworms are by far the most common type of worm infestation seen in young puppies. Roundworms can be passed down from mother to puppy, and usually can be seen in the puppy's feces. In addition, roundworms can be passed on to humans. Young children or toddlers who put their hands in their mouths frequently have a higher risk for getting roundworms. 

Tapeworms are also quite common in puppies. Most tapeworms are spread by fleas, and can be seen in the dog's feces after a bowel movement. They are white in appearance and often resemble small grains of rice. Though they are not easily transmitted from dog to human, they can still be spread from poor hygiene. 

Whipworms and hookworms are smaller and harder to catch than other types of worms in puppies. They are less common than tapeworms and roundworms, but still a problem in puppies. Hookworms can be passed from puppy to human easily, so it is important to catch these worms early on. 

Heartworms are the most dangerous of all the worms seen in puppies. Passed through mosquitoes, heartworms can cause serious health issues in your puppy. They make the heart of your pet their home and can lead to rapid death if left untreated. 

Symptoms of Worms in Puppies

The following signs are common for various types of worms in puppies:

  • Dull coat
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Lack of energy
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Coughing
  • Bloated appearance
  • Depression

It is very important to catch worms in puppies early on, and to treat them quickly. Because puppies don't have fully developed immune systems yet, they are much more sensitive to parasites and illnesses. Worms often become fatal in small dogs, so treating them promptly is crucial. 

Diarrhea and Deworming in Puppies

Because puppies often have a more sensitive stomach than fully grown dogs, they can be more prone to side effects from certain medications. Worming medications are known for causing various side effects in puppies, including vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, lethargy, weight loss and lack of energy. Certain puppies will be more sensitive to worming medications than others. Pet owners should not be alarmed if their puppy begins vomiting or has diarrhea following the deworming process. 

Even though certain side effects are normal in puppies after the deworming process, the medication should still be given with care. Giving too much deworming medication will cause problems and side effects such as neurological issues and seizures. Use care when administering dewormers to your pet. It is best to consult a veterinarian concerning dosage amounts and other important details.

 

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