Does your puppy have worms? It can be dangerous to let this problem grow unchecked. Here’s what you need to know.
Symptoms Of Worms
- Bloating. The appearance of bloating occurs when the intestines and stomachs become full of worms.
- Stomach discomfort. The movement of the worms will likely upset your dog’s stomach.
- Anxiety. Certain dogs will get anxious when they have worms.
- Excessive excretion. If your dog needs to use the bathroom more than before, they may be trying to expel worms.
- Vomiting. A dog can become nauseous due to the movement of worms.
- Lethargy. Worms drain nutrients and energy from dogs, making them more tired.
Diagnosis
If you believe your dog has worms, you should bring them to a vet for diagnosis. This can involve:
- Stool sample inspection, a common starting point for vets to diagnose worms
- Blood work, to ensure that no worms have wound up in your dog’s blood
Common kinds of worms a vet will screen for are:
- Coccidia
- Hookworms
- Roudwords
- Whipworms
- Tapeworms
Treatment
Dogs are typically either given an injection for treatment, or they may be given oral medication in the form of either liquid or a pill. Repeated doses are usually required. In puppies, deworming processes should begin from the ages of two to three.
Prevention
You can prevent worm infestation in dogs by:
- Having them checked for worms between two and four times yearly
- Dispose of their feces immediately
- Use flea collars
- Make sure you maintain cleanliness of yourself and your dog
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