When it comes to worms, the symptoms a dog exhibits can vary. Some effects of dog worms are more dangerous, while others are merely a nuisance, but all should be treated promptly. There are five types of worms that may infect your dog.
Types of Worms and Their Symptoms
Heartworms, transmitted by mosquitoes, can be fatal. These worms attack and destroy heart muscle tissue, causing heart failure. There are many prescription preventatives for heartworm. In its early stages, there are no obvious symptoms of heartworm. In its later stages, your dog will show symptoms of heart failure: coughing, lethargy and loss of appetite.
Pinworms are small, white worms. They spread through contaminated water and food, and bedding. They are very common. Pinworms cause intense anal itching, and your dog may scratch his butt across the floor in an effort to relieve the itch.
Hookworms mature in the intestines of your dog. They deplete the body of nutrients and cause anemia.
Tapeworms are transmitted in a number of ways, but in dogs they are often spread through contaminated grain contained in commercial dog food. Tapeworms can cause diarrhea, vomiting and anemia.
Whipworms are long, thin worms that cause vomiting-which is how most dog owners discover the parasite. Whipworms can cause intestinal distress and diarrhea, as well.
Treatmenting Your Dog's Worms
There are over-the-counter dewormers available, but for the most effective control, consider prescription dewormers. They treat a wider variety of internal parasites.