Dog Worm Infestation – What Are the Symptoms and How to Treat Them
Worms or parasites are among the most common problems that are encountered in canine veterinary practice. There are a couple of different types of worms that can be found in dogs and puppies: roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, whipworms, and coccidia. If your furry friend is showing the symptoms, your best bet is to take him to the vet so he can get properly checked. That way, he can recommend the appropriate dewormer for your dog, depending on the type of parasites he has. This is best determined by having your veterinarian examine a stool sample.
Today, there are several different worming medicines that are commonly used, the most popular and most efficient ones being worming tablets for dogs. Of course, they all differ based on the type of worms that need to be eliminated from your pet. Intestinal worms are quite common in dogs, but unfortunately, in many cases, they may go unnoticed. There are different types of worms, but all of them are parasites that thrive and reproduce inside your furry friend, stealing his much-needed nutrients. To tackle the problem, make sure to use a reputable and proven brand of worming tablets for dogs that will kill that specific type. They are usually available as tasty meat-flavored, bone-shaped tablets. Here are some of the symptoms that your dog may have if he is infested.
– Visible eggs or worms – The most obvious symptom of this disease is the presence of eggs or worms in your furry friend’s fur, vomit or feces. These worms may appear as small movements or they may die and dry out and later on look like grains of rice on your dog’s fur. If you spot this, try to put the worm in a little bag and take it with you on your next visit to the vet.
– Weakness or weight loss – Intestinal worms feed off your dog’s nutrition, leaving him feeling weak and ultimately losing weight if the case becomes more severe. If you notice this change in your dog, make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible.
– Constant scratching – If you spot your puppy or dog scratching or rubbing his rear on the floor, the ground or your furniture, this could be a warning sign that he has worms. If you notice that this behavior lasts, call your vet to make an appointment. This way you can help prevent the spreading of worms and will help your little buddy get better faster.