Typical Canine Worm Symptoms

October 29, 2008 by Richard Cross

Worms of varying types are a common problem in dogs, so it’s important to know the typical canine worm symptoms. There are some symptoms that are common to many different types of worm, and these are the ones I’ll be telling you about in this article.

First of all, the most common types of worm in dogs are Heartworm, Roundworm, Hookworm and Tapeworm. Knowing the common symptoms of these parasites can prove to be very important for your dogs health.

If you think your dog may have worms then it is important to take it to the vet as soon as possible. The earlier the worm is found the better for various reasons, including the fact that certain types may also be transmitted from dog to human.

Canine Worm Symptoms

Your dog may or may not display the following symptoms:

Some types of worm are big enough to show up to the naked eye in the dogs stool, although others can’t. If you see what you think i a worm in your dogs stool visit the vet immediately.
Weight and appetite loss – often dogs with worms don’t eat as much as normal, or seem to be eating normally and still lose weight. This is a common sign of canine worms.
Diarrhoea and vomiting
Lower energy than normal

Like with many dog health problems, you will probably be able to tell from your dogs behaviour whether there is something wrong. If your canine exhibits the above symptoms then it could be worms, so make sure you get an appointment with your vet immediately.

Canine Worm Types

Roundworms – These come in two different types and include the msot common form of dog worm. They can grow up to 5-7 inches long, and hence may be visible in your dogs stool. They can also be transmitted to humans.

Tapeworms -Tapeworms live in the intestine and can also be seen with the naked eye. They are usually transmitted to the dog via fleas, so it’s important to keep your dog free from fleas as much as possible. Humans can’t catch tapeworms directly from the dog but they can from the fleas.

Whipworms – These are long and thin worms that live in the dogs colon. They aren’t big enough to be seen by humans so aren’t visible in the dogs stool, although a medical test of the stool will reveal them. The symptoms of whipworms may also include anemia and blood in the stool.

Hookworms – These live in the intestine and like the Roundworm can be directly transmitted from the dog to the human. However unlike Roundworms they cannot be seen in the dogs stool.

Heartworms – These are probably the most dangerous of all the worms as they can be fatal if not caught early and treated. However they are preventable. They are usually given to the dog through mosquitoes. As the name suggests, they live in the heart of the dog and can cause considerable damage if left untreated.

Knowing the typical canine worm symptoms can go a long way to helping your dog stay healthy and worm free. If you notice any strange signs make sure you immediately visit the vet who’ll be able to make a medical diagnosis.