Selecting Better Pets
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Selecting Better Pets

After we started thinking more seriously about expanding our family, my husband brought up the idea of getting a pet or two. While I was completely against the concept at first, I realized that it might be helpful for our children to warm up to the idea before having another sibling. We got a dog and our kids were tasked with the job of feeding it every day and doing other tasks, and it was amazing to see how much the animal helped our family to grow. Pets can be a wonderful addition to a home, which is why I made this blog. Check out these fun pet posts.

Selecting Better Pets

Understanding Different Types Of Worm Infestations In Dogs

Natalie Baker

Not all worm infestations are the same. Different types of worm infestations in dogs require different medical approaches and treatment plans. Being able to identify what type of worm is infecting your dog is key so your veterinarian can recommend the appropriate treatment. 

Roundworms

Roundworms live in your dog's intestines and are a parasite. Often dogs show no symptoms of worm infection. However, an infestation of roundworms leads to diarrhea, lethargy, bloating, and vomiting. 

There are different ways your pup can be infected by roundworms. A mother dog can pass them to her pups through either her milk or before the puppies are born. Your dog can also consume an infected rodent or animal outside and contract them that way.

Whipworms

Like roundworms, whipworms also live in your dog's intestines. However, they are much smaller than roundworms and cause more severe symptoms. Dogs infected with whipworms often present with bloody diarrhea and lethargy.

Whipworms are picked up from infected feces, and their eggs remain active in an environment for years. 

Heartworms

Heartworms are aggressive parasites in dogs that lead to organ failure and death if left untreated. Heartworms are spread through the bite of an infected mosquito to your dog. Once infected, the worms multiply within your dog and lead to serious health consequences. 

Once a dog is infected with heartworms, it will have symptoms of coughing and lethargy after activity. As the worm burden increases, the heartworms increasingly restrict the blood flow in your dog's body. In severe cases, surgery is the only option to treat heartworms. 

Tapeworms

Tapeworms infect dogs through the bite of an infected flea. Once infected, the tapeworms hook themselves into your dog's intestinal wall. Symptoms of tapeworm infections in dogs are similar to that of other worm infestations: lethargy, bloating, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

One notable symptom of tapeworm infection in dogs is when your dog scoots their bottom on the ground. Tapeworms are segmented, and when these segments break off, they can be passed through the intestine. Often, these broken segments look like grains of rice in your dog's feces.

Treatment

If your dog is showing any symptoms of a worm infestation, it's important to bring them to your vet for treatment. Worms are most dangerous to young puppies and infection leads to malnutrition and sometimes death if left untreated. 

Treatment for an uncomplicated worm infestation in dogs is often as simple as oral medication. However, more supportive care may be needed in dogs with worse infestations. 

If you suspect your pup has worms, call your animal care hospital and make an appointment today.


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