vetinfo4dogs.com


Why a Fat Puppy May Have Worms

also see How To Take Care Of a Puppy 

also see Canine Worms 

Worms are very common in puppies and can be passed from the mother to her litter, and a fat puppy could be a sign that your dog is infected.

Symptoms of Worms

There are a variety of worms that infect dogs, including tapeworm, roundworm, heartworm, ringworm and whipworm. Symptoms of a worm infection can include:

If your dog or puppy looks fat this could be from a swollen belly filled with worms. Many worms infect the intestinal tract and feed off blood or ingested nutrients, causing anemia and possibly death in puppies and adults.

Diagnosing Worms in a Fat Dog

Worms that are left untreated can cause serious problems and even death so it is important to get your puppy to a veterinarian. Over-the-counter dewormers are not effective because they may not work against the specific worms infecting your puppy. Bring a stool sample to your vet's office so a proper diagnosis can be made. Your vet will look for adult worms or eggs in the feces and prescribe a proper worm medicine like a dewormer. Some vet's will give a newborn puppy worm medicine as a precaution due to the high occurrence of worms in young dogs.

 

also see Identifying Worms in Dog Feces

also see Understanding an Unexplained Weight Loss in Your Dog

also see Oral Medications for Dog Hookworm Treatment

also see Preventing Dog Worms With Vermicides

also see Treating Dog Heartworm Infection With Caparsolate

also see Feeding Tips for an Overweight Dog

also see Protecting Your Puppy From Worms

also see Heartworm Disease - Treatment