Stomach Worms

Author: Novartis Animal Health   Date Posted:29 January 2014 

Stomach Worms In dogs

Stomach Worms in Dogs

Have you ever wondered why your vet wants to check your dogs stool sample? More often than not, it is to detect the presence and diagnosis of worms. Worms are one of the most common problems in dogs. They can live anywhere in the body, though they prefer the lining of the intestine as it is an ideal place to breed. Intestinal worms can cause many problems for your dog, including abdominal pain, diarrhoea, bloody stools, tiredness/lack of energy, poor growth and weight loss.

 

Protection from hookworm        

Hookworm attach themselves to the lining of the small intestine and have a large appetite for blood. This makes them very dangerous for dogs, especially puppies, as they can cause severe anaemia or even death. Symptoms of infection include bleeding in the intestine (identified by blood in the stool), abdominal pain, diarrhoea and itchy skin sores. Heavy infections can cause serious anaemia (identified by pale gums and tiredness).

 

Protection from roundworm

A large percentage of puppies are born with a roundworm infection, which is often developed right in the mother's uterus via migration through thr mother's tissue. Roundworm are named for their large, round bodies. They live in the small intestine and infestations are very common. The symptoms to look out for in young dogs include diarrhoea, vomiting, poor growth, tiredness/lack of energy, or having a distended belly.

 

Protection from tapeworm

There are many types of tapeworm in Australia. The most dangerous to your family is hydatid tapeworm, as infection with this parasite can be fatal. A dog infected with hydatid tapeworm sheds eggs into the environment (i.e. your backyard) from their droppings. These eggs can stay active for years, increasing the risk of infection to dogs and owners.Symptoms of infection include weight loss, diarrhoea, anal irritation (causing dogs to ‘scoot’, i.e. drag their behinds).

 

Protection from whipworm

Whipworm are common in warm urban environments, and look like tiny peices of through in the stool. The whipworm’s mouth has a spear that it uses to slash and puncture the intestinal lining to feed on blood and tissue. Symptoms of infection include diarrhoea or, in severe cases, anaemia. Although they rarely cause serious health effects, they are difficult to diagnose which can be a real nuisance for vets.

 

Signs that your dog may have worms:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhoea
• Intestinal bleeding (identified by blood in the stool)
• Tiredness/lack of energy
• Distended stomach
• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Itchy skin sores
• Anaemia (identified by pale gums and tiredness)
• Anal irritation (a sign of this is when they sit on the ground and 'scoot' along the floor)

 

Do you suspect your dog may have worms?

If left untreaed, worms can be life threatening. If your dog shows any of the signs or symptoms above, take it to your nearest vet for a check up. Shop the range of intestinal worming products at The Vet Shed.

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