3 Proven Remedies to treat Worms in Dogs
Laura Evans |
August 15, 2024
24,561
Worms in dog poop are one of the most common infections that can affect your pet, and although they are not particularly dangerous to your dog, they can cause discomfort and some other health issues. Learn how to identify worms in dog poop, what causes them and how to effectively treat them so they’ll go away in no time!
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How Do Dogs Get Worms?
Dogs get worms from their environment, as well as from other animals and people. In some cases, the worms can be passed down to the pup by the mother before she gives birth. The most common way dogs get worms is by ingesting them while outside. Some of these worms enter a dog’s body through skin wounds or through their mouth if they eat dirt or feces that contains worm eggs. Mosquito bites also lead to infection with certain types of worms (Heartworm), which cause heart problems for our canine friends.
Another way your four-legged friend might get worms is through fleas or rodents on her fur. Flea larvae develop into mature adults inside the dog’s bloodstream, and if enough worms invade, it can severely affect her immune system. Rodents like rats carry parasites such as tapeworms or hookworms that could be passed on to Fido when he catches one out of curiosity.
Identifying Dog Worms: Symptoms and Signs of Worms in Dogs Poop
Seeing worms in your dog’s feces is a sure way to diagnose roundworms and tapeworms. If you see worms in your dog’s stools, contact your veterinarian or, out of hours, a 24/7 Pet Helpline.
However, there are several other types of intestinal parasites that can infect and affect your dog that are not seen with the naked eye, but you may notice physical symptoms in your dogs. Symptoms and signs of worms in dogs may include:
- Lethargic or looking weak
- Vomiting
- Pale gums
- Poor hair coat
- Loss of appetite
- Mucusy or bloody diarrhea
- Abdominal bloating
- Failure to thrive
- Excessive exhaustion
- Weight loss
- Feces have spaghetti-like or rice worms
- Coughing
If you notice any of these clinical signs, call your vet, or a 24/7 pet helpline as soon as possible.
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Types Of Worms In Dogs
There are four common types of worms that dogs may get.
- Hookworms:
These are found in dog poop and on the ground where your pet has been. The eggs can contaminate your lawn and garden soil and, from there, infect your pet’s paws as they scratch or dig at the ground. They then enter through the skin or by swallowing something that contains them, like water or food, which contains these eggs. Dogs can also be infected if you walk them near contaminated areas or step on feces that contain hookworm eggs.
Appearance: Hookworms are small and thin, and can be difficult to see with the naked eye. They can be up to half an inch in length and can have a reddish-brown or grey color. Hookworms can cause anemia, weight loss, and diarrhea in dogs.
- Roundworms:
These are very common in dogs as they are found on most streets and pastures. They live inside your pet’s gut, where they can cause all sorts of problems, such as diarrhea and vomiting. The eggs from roundworms can contaminate food or be excreted with feces. Like hookworm infections, these can enter a dog’s body through skin contact or ingestion (swallowing). Some symptoms of roundworm infection include weight loss, poor coat condition, low energy levels and poor appetite.
Appearance: Roundworms are often white or light brown in color, and can be several inches in length. They have a long, thin, cylindrical shape and can resemble spaghetti. Roundworms can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and a pot-bellied appearance in dogs.
- Whipworms:
These worms are also common and can be found on street and pasture soil. The whipworm eggs enter a dog’s body through skin contact or ingestion (swallowing). Symptoms of infection include diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss. These symptoms can lead to more serious problems if left untreated for a long time, such as malnutrition and dehydration. Heavy worm infestations may even cause anemia.
Appearance: Whipworms are also small and difficult to see, and can be up to two inches in length. They have a long, thin, whip-like shape, with one end thicker than the other. Whipworms can cause diarrhea, weight loss, and inflammation of the colon.
- Tapeworms:
Tapeworms are less common in dogs then the previous types as they prefer living inside the intestines of animals such as cats, pigs and sheep. Your dog could become infected by eating fleas with tapeworm larvae attached to their bodies. If this happens, the larvae will grow inside your dog’s intestine and produce segments called proglottids. When this happens, your pet will start to drool because its mouth becomes irritated from chewing on its own tongue due to the irritation caused by the tapeworm segments.
Appearance: Tapeworms can look like small grains of rice or flat, white, or cream-colored segments that can be seen in your dog’s feces or around their anus. They can grow up to several inches in length and are usually visible to the naked eye.
The treatment will depend on the type of worms your dog has.
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How To Get Rid Of Worms In Dogs
If you suspect that your dog has worms, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian, or a 24/7 Pet Helpline for a proper diagnosis and treatment. While there are some home remedies that may help manage symptoms, they are not a substitute for veterinary care.
That being said, here are some home remedies that may help alleviate symptoms associated with worms in dog poop:
- Pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds contain an amino acid called cucurbitacin, which has been shown to have an anthelmintic effect, meaning it can help expel worms from the digestive tract. You can feed your dog plain, unsalted pumpkin seeds or grind them up and sprinkle them on their food.
- Garlic: Garlic has natural antibacterial and antiparasitic properties that can help fight off worms. However, it’s important to note that garlic can be toxic to dogs in large doses, so it should only be used in small amounts under the guidance of a veterinarian.
- Diatomaceous earth: Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms. It can be sprinkled on your dog’s food or mixed with water and fed to them directly. The abrasive texture of the powder is believed to damage the exoskeleton of worms, causing them to dehydrate and die.
Again, while these home remedies may provide some relief, they are not a substitute for proper veterinary care. If you suspect your dog has worms, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian, or a 24/7 Pet Helpline for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Conclusion
Worms in dog poop is a common issue that can cause health problems for our furry friends. The signs include visible worms or worm segments in feces, diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and anemia. Treatment involves a course of deworming medication prescribed by a veterinarian and prevention can be achieved through regular deworming, good hygiene practices and preventing the dog from eating or coming into contact with potentially infected feces.
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