Protecting Your Dog from Worm Disease
Worms pose a persistent and serious threat to your dog. They can cause severe discomfort and pain, and, in the case of heart-worm, sometimes even death. Worms are so abundant in the environment, there’s no way to insure that your dog won’t be exposed to them. In fact, a recent national survey shows that one out of three dogs are affected by intestinal worms. The best protection against worm disease is prevention. Because heartworm is potentially fatal, it is imperative that dogs be placed on a preventive regimen in heartworm endemic areas. Often, by the time symptoms occur the disease is already well advanced. Pet owners who haven’t protected their dogs against intestinal worms should learn about worm disease, and be alert to the symptoms, because early detection will increase the chances of a successful cure. If you observe any of the danger signals listed below, call your veterinarian immediately.
How Your Dog Can Get Worms
- Heartworm disease is spread from dog to dog by mosquitoes. Over 70 species of mosquito can transmit this life-threatening disease, so virtually all dogs are at risk. Hookworm eggs pass through the feces of an infected dog into the soil, where they can be swallowed or can penetrate through your dog’s skin. Almost all puppies are born with roundworms, or get them through their mother’s milk. A dog can also get roundworm from rodents, or pick them up from the soil.
- A female whipworm can produce up to 2,000 eggs per day. These eggs are passed in the dog’s feces, and can survive in the soil for years, making them easy for dogs to pick up, and very difficult to eradicate.
How Your Dog Can Get Worms
- Heartworms are the most life threatening of all canine parasites. They live in a dog’s heart where they restrict blood flow and cause organ failure, which can lead to death.
- Hookworms attach to the intestinal lining and leave bleeding internal wounds. Diarrhea can often occur. As few as 100 hookworms can cause a puppy to die of blood loss.
- Roundworms can cause diarrhea, vomiting, stunted growth, rough coat and bloated belly.
- Whipworm causes bloody or mucus-laden diarrhea, anemia and dehydration.
Danger Signals
Vomiting, diarrhea, bloated belly, bloody or mucus-laden stool and loss of appetite can all be signs of worm disease.
