Worms in dog feces are a sure sign of parasitic infestation. Some worms are visible to the eye and others can be seen only in the lab under a microscope. Most dogs have worms residing in various parts of the body, sometimes from birth. Low-level infestations do not usually cause an immediate threat to your dog's health. However, if worms proliferate and the infestation begins to overpower your dog's immune system, he may exhibit other symptoms besides worms in the feces. Without proper treatment, a dog infected with worms may become progressively ill to the point of dying.
Different worms affect your dog's body in different ways. Here is what your dog specifically experiences with each type of worm infestation:
Hookworms
A dog contracts hookworms when he brushes against moistened grass or sand. In addition, mother dogs can pass on hookworms to puppies in the uterus or after birth during nursing. About 20 percent of dogs in the U.S. harbor hookworms. After infestation, hookworms sink their teeth into the intestines, causing significant hemorrhaging. When infected with hookworms, your dog may experience bloody stools and diarrhea, fatigue, weakness, anemia, pale gums and skin lesions. You cannot see hookworms in your dog's excrement; a hookworm infestation may proliferate unnoticed, eventually causing death. Your vet will have to identify the presence of hookworms during an exam. Treatment may include de-wormers, intravenous therapies and blood transfusions.
Roundworms
A dog contracts roundworms when he ingests dirt or excrement infused with roundworm eggs. Puppies can carry dormant roundworm larvae passed to them by their mothers. Right before puppies are born, roundworm larvae travel to the lungs, liver and intestines. Whether occurring before or after birth, a roundworm infestation progresses and may cause your dog's coat to look dull, his skin to feel parched, and his belly to appear rounded or distended. You may see roundworms in your dog's vomit or feces. Roundworms resemble spaghetti and grow up to seven inches long. Undetected or untreated, roundworms congregate in the intestines, eventually causing life-threatening obstructions. Your vet is likely to prescribe a regimen of strong de-wormers to eradicate roundworms.
Whipworms
Your dog contracts whipworms by licking egg-laden soil caked on paws, food utensils and dog toys. After infestation, whipworms puncture the intestinal walls to feed, causing hemorrhaging. If infected with whipworms, your dog may experience fatigue, weight loss, gas, bloody diarrhea, mucus in the stools, dehydration and anemia. The vet is likely to prescribe a regimen of strong de-wormers to eradicate whipworms.
Tapeworms
Your dog can contract tapeworms by coming into contact with infested dirt, as well as by ingesting fleas and rodents. When a tapeworm infestation becomes severe, your dog may experience anxiety, weight loss, vomiting, abdominal pain and anal itching. Named appropriately, the tapeworm is long, flat and segmented; it invades your dog's intestines. You may see segments of tapeworm, which look like rice grains, crawling around the dog's anus, in the stools or on bedding or other surroundings. Your vet is likely to prescribe an oral or injected de-wormer to eradicate tapeworms.
How to Prevent Worm Infestations
Keeping your dog's annual appointments and alerting your vet to any symptoms of worm infestations is critical in keeping your dog well. In addition, take these steps:
- Make dog runs of waterproof materials
- Rid runs and yards of excrement daily
- Cut the grass short
- Exterminate rodents
- Exterminate fleas
- Prevent your dog from feeding on carrion