One of the negative aspects of dog ownership is the fact that you have to help your pet fight off these dangerous parasites. One of these creatures is worms and they can enter your dog’s system through a variety of means.
There are many signs letting you know when your dog has worms inside of him or her. One of those signs is diarrhea, but not just any diarrhea. This version will have blood or mucus in it as well.
Keep reading to find out more signs of worms and what you can do about it.
How Do Puppies Act When They Have Worms?
It is very hard to tell by a dog’s behavior if they have worms or not. Some dogs have an altered behavior which can be quite unruly. Other dogs may not show any change in their behavior.
However, you can tell if they have worms by the following signs:
- Diarrhea, which may at times include blood or mucus
- vomiting, which may at times contain adult worms; and both of these symptoms may occur simultaneously.
- Weight loss, particularly if your dog has a good appetite
- A bloated belly or generally “unhealthy” appearance
- A dull, dry coat
- Excessive scooting and chewing at their bottom
- Attached to the fur on their bottom and tail are visible, rice-like segments (or in their feces)
Some common worm types are as follows:
- Whipworms- Usually smaller than roundworms and these can be found in dog feces. When present in your dog’s system, they can cause uncommon weight loss and blood in their stool.
- Hookworms- These you can’t see but they can make your dog very ill. Some of the health issues they cause are bloody diarrhea, anemia, weakness, and lethargy.
- Roundworms- This variety is larger than the whipworms and can be seen by the naked eye. They will cause diarrhea, lethargy, pot-bellied feature, a dull coat, and lethargy.
- Tapeworms- Can look like tiny rice grains when on your pet. They will induce scooting, chewing on their rear end, and itchiness.
Are Worms Common in Puppies?
Yes, they are common in puppies, and you do not want to let them infest your pup for very long. The reason you want to get rid of them is that some of these worms can kill your puppy.
Also, your children and you can get some of these worm types if you are not careful. They may not kill you, but they can make you sick. When you see your puppy having diarrhea, you need to talk to your vet.
Diarrhea can dehydrate your puppy and needs lots of fluids to counteract this ailment. If you do not get your pup to the vet, the diarrhea can kill them as well.
It is fairly easy for your pup to contract worms. They can come from their mother’s milk or bloodstream. Or they can receive them through fleas that carry tapeworms.
Then Lungworms can be transmitted by snails, so do not let your dog eat any. Finally, heartworms can be transferred through mosquitoes. It is very common and very easy for your pet puppy to get worms.
Just make sure you have the right worm medication for puppies on hand.
How To Train Your Puppy to Walk on A Leash? Click here to learn more.
Can I Deworm My Puppy Myself?
Sort of. The first thing you need to do is talk to a vet to see what type of worms your dog has. The vet may ask for a feces sample so they can make the right diagnosis and then provide you with the proper medication for that specific type or types of worms.
Then you just have to follow the instructions and give your dog the medicine for worms. That is how you deworm your puppy yourself. Without knowing what type of worm your dog has, it is impossible for you to deworm it on your own.
Preventive deworming should start when your puppy is about 2 to 3 weeks old. This is because some worms can be passed from mother to child through her blood or milk.
If you want a home remedy instead of a medical chemical one, then try pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitacin an amino acid that paralyzes the worms. When they are paralyzed, it is easier for your dog to get rid of them.
Feed them whole to your dog or grind them up and add the crushed seeds to your dog’s meals.
How to Cut the Umbilical Cord on a Puppy? Click here to learn more.
Some Final Words
Worms are not good to have in your dog. They will make your pet very unhealthy and possibly kill them if you do not take prompt action. Go to your vet and get the right diagnosis and medication so you can have a healthy pet for many years to come.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.