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Worms are certainly the most common health problems for dogs. The idea of having worms in our dogs is unpleasant. However, dogs are ideal hosts for worms and parasites. Parasites worm their way into a dog’s lives at one time or another. Understanding the symptoms, risks, and treatment for worms is an integral part of responsible dog ownership. Worms have serious health effects on dogs.
According to Dr. Jerry Klein AKC’s chief veterinary officer, serious health problems can occur if worms in dogs are untreated. All dogs are prone to intestinal parasites, but some dogs are more vulnerable than others. Some intestinal worms can be a risk to human beings as well. That’s a good reason as to why you should always carefully clean up your dog’s stool.
There is a range of different worms that affect dogs. The major ones include Tapeworms, Roundworms, Whipworms, Hookworms, and Heartworms. These worms differ regarding symptoms exhibited. As such, a quick diagnosis and treatment is essential to enhance the health of a dog.
How to Tell if Your Dog Has Worms
The primary way of identifying a dog infested with worms is through its symptoms. Different parasites affect a dog differently. This is why it is sometimes difficult to diagnose a dog in its early stages. The progression of symptoms, however, is enough to rule out the different worms.
The symptoms include Vomiting, Coughing, Diarrhea, Low energy, and change in appetite, weight loss, scooting, and having skin irritations.
Scooting
This is identified when the dog keeps rubbing its bottom on the ground. It is a sign that something is irritating the dog. This symptom rules out an infection due to worms causing Anal Sac problems. This symptom could indicate a blockage or inflamed anal sacs in a dog due to worms. You can also note this y observing the dog as it tends to lick around the