Dogs like to enjoy life and not worry about consequences (much like teenagers). This means they consume things they’re not supposed to, roll around in things they shouldn’t, and pretty much act like a dog. Regrettably, many of these things can catch the attention of unwanted visitors like worms into your dog’s life. Happily, early detection of worms keeps it from getting worse, in so doing reducing the uneasiness caused to the dog. Symptoms for dogs that may have worms: * You see worms or eggs in dog’s feces – This is the most common way to confirm that your dog has worms. However, not all kinds of worms are visible to the naked eye. * Appetite loss * Vomiting, maybe even with visible worms. * Dull coat * Dehydration * Visible worms in fur, or area around dog’s rear – Tapeworms, in particular, may appear as small moving segments, which later dry out to resemble grains of rice. * Scratching or rubbing of rear on the ground or against furniture – if your dog shows signs of itchiness around the rear, it may be irritated by worms in the area. However, this could also be due to problems with glands unrelated to worms. * Weakness, increased appetite, constant hunger, weight loss – If your dog has worms, the worms are stealing your dogs nutrition. Your dog may be weak or constantly hungry, and in severe cases, may be losing weight. * Bloated stomach or belly – This common symptom is often seen in puppies who receive worms from their mother. * Diarrhea, particularly with blood in it. How a dog gets worms: Mosquito bites can transmit heartworms. Tapeworm infection is often caused by intake of infected fleas. Hookworm infection can be caused by ingesting the eggs or larvae. Such infection can also be caused to the inside of the womb of an infected mother. If there is hookworm larvae in water, drinking it may result in hookworm contamination. Roundworms can also infect a fetus inside the womb. Intake of infected animals can also result in round worms. Whipworms infection occurs from contaminated water or food. To prevent worm symptoms for dogs: Get puppies tested early, as early as three weeks after birth. They may already be infected with worms and need to be treated. Take your dog in for an annual exam and have a stool specimen. Preventive products exist that defend against roundworms and heartworms. Control fleas. Fleas can spread tapeworm if your dog ingests them. Keep your dog away from stray animals or wildlife. Dog parks that are not well kept are a common supply of parasites. Prevent your dog from eating animal carcasses, such as those of birds, rabbits and rodents. Carcasses can carry worms. Prevent your dog from eating feces. This is the most frequent way a dog gets intestinal parasites. If your dog shows any signs of worms, take him/her to the vet to identify the condition. Provide your dog with proper treatment to avoid complications. Please visit symptoms for dogs for more helpful information on keeping your dog healthy.
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