If there are some known parasites in dogs, they are called worms or roundworms. Most are associated with the gastrointestinal system, but, in this article on our site, in addition to talking about the different types of worms in dogs housed in the digestive system, we will mention those that parasitize other organs such as the lungs, the heart or the eyes.
Deworming protects dogs from the parasites that we will see below, so it is essential to follow an adequate deworming schedule to ensure that their he alth is not harmed by them. In addition, it is important to mention that some of the diseases caused by the parasites that we will see are considered zoonotic, so they are transmitted to humans. Keep reading and discover with us the symptoms of worms in dogs and, above all, how to prevent their spread.
Intestinal worms in dogs
We commonly call worms "worms" that can affect our dog's body. Among the types of worms in dogs, those that infest the digestive system stand out, that is, intestinal worms. They are very common, since they affect a high percentage of dogs and, in addition, some species can also parasitize humans.
The most common intestinal worms in dogs are:
- Flatworms or cestodes: the best known of this group is the tapeworm. As its name suggests, its body is flattened and divided into multiple segments. Some can be seen around the anus and base of the tail as small grains of rice. A species called Dipylidium caninum is transmitted to the dog by fleas.
- Roundworms or nematodes: in this group the most important is called Toxocara canis, together with Toxascaris leonina. This is a spaghetti-like worm that is sometimes found in feces or vomit. Therefore, in this case, it is normal to notice that the dog has white worms. Normally, roundworm eggs are found in parks and green areas where it is common for us to take our dogs for a walk, this being the moment in which the dog can become infected. Also, this is a type of worm that is also contagious to humans. Typical is the example of children contracting these parasites by playing with soil where the eggs are found and putting their hands in their mouths.
- Hookworms: these are hookworms, named for the shape of their mouth, with which they adhere to the walls intestines and feed on blood and tissues. They can also be transmitted to humans. They get to penetrate the body through the skin, since contagion occurs by contact. In this case, the worms lay their eggs inside the animal's digestive system and are expelled through the feces.
- Whipworms: These are whipworms, such as Trichuris vulpis. They are called whips because of their shape, with one end thicker than the other. They attach to the walls of the large intestine and take blood. The contagion also occurs through the ingestion of eggs, which are usually in the feces of contaminated dogs or close to them. Their eggs are especially resistant in the environment, being able to last up to 5 years, which makes them difficult to eliminate.
To avoid this situation, it is best to opt for double monthly deworming, which protects dogs month after month from both external and internal parasites through a single tablet. Do not hesitate and consult your veterinarian about this type of deworming.
Lungworms in Dogs
In addition to the most well-known types of worms or intestinal worms, these parasites can also be found in the lungs. They are known as worms or pulmonary worms, being Angiostrongylus vasorum the most common. Unfortunately, the pulmonary worm is a parasite that is currently expanding in Spain. Transmission occurs through other animals that act as vectors, such as snails and slugs, so that, when ingested by the dog, the parasite enters its body. Puppies and young dogs are most susceptible.
It is also possible that the intestinal worms, in their cycle within the dog's body, end up in the lungs, in which case they will appear respiratory symptoms, in addition to the digestifs.
For more information on this, we leave you this other article on What happens if my dog eats a snail?, where we will see in more detail why it is dangerous for a dog to eat a slug or a snail.
Worms in the heart of dogs
Heartworms in dogs are also more common than we think, so much so that, as indicated in Deworm your pet[1] , 1 in 16 dogs suffers from heartworms. The Dirofilaria immitis stands out in this group, which is transmitted through the mosquito bite It is a disease on the rise because climate change increases global temperatures, which offers good living conditions for these mosquitoes, increasing their population and causing contagion most likely.
These worms live in the right ventricle of the heart and in the pulmonary arteries. In large infestations, they are also found in the right atrium, venae cavae, and hepatic veins.
If you suspect that your dog may have heartworms, in this other article you will find more information about Heartworm in dogs - Symptoms, treatment and prevention.
Eyeworms in dogs
Finally, a perhaps more unknown type of worm in dogs is the one that affects the eyes, which is why it is also known as "eye worm". Thelazia callipaeda is transmitted by small fruit tree flies and thrive in the warmer months.
They take advantage of the ocular secretions of animals, this is how they come into contact with dogs and deposit their larvae inside the eye, thus transmitting the parasites. Thus, both larvae and adult worms develop in the socket and adjacent tissues of the infected dog's eye. Humans can also be affected.
Worm symptoms in dogs
Depending on the types of worms that affect dogs, we can observe different symptoms. However, it is important to note that it is also common for infested dogs to show no symptoms Therefore, it is recommended to follow an antiparasitic regimen preventive Regular prevention is important because it eliminates parasites before they can cause the development of a serious disease in the dog. In addition, we prevent their transmission because we eliminate the worms before they reproduce, so we also protect other dogs and people.
In the dogs that do show symptoms, we see that these are the most prominent, grouped by systems:
Intestinal worm symptoms in dogs
In this case, the symptoms are caused by the action of the parasites on the digestive system. The effect are, above all:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bloody stools
- Anal itching
In this aspect, it is worth mentioning that it is normal for adult dogs to have intestinal parasites without showing any symptoms. On the other hand, in puppies, especially in important infestations, it is not strange that, in addition to the symptoms mentioned, the following is present:
- Swollen abdomen
- Slimming
- Bad coat appearance
- Anemia
- Pale mucous membranes
- Malnutrition
- Stunted growth
Lungworm symptoms in dogs
By staying in or passing through the lungs, as happens with some intestinal worms, this type of worm triggers respiratory symptoms, such as:
- Cough
- Nausea
- Pneumonia
- Slimming
- Exercise intolerance
- Coagulation problems
However, in some cases, lungworms in dogs can be asymptomatic.
Symptoms of Heartworms in Dogs
Occupying the heart and its communications with the lungs and liver can have very serious repercussions, even fatal, in affected dogs, especially in the most important infestations. Thus, these dogs can display:
- Exercise intolerance
- Slimming
- Cough
- Pulmonary embolism
- Liver failure
Symptoms of eye worms in dogs
In dogs affected by eye worms we will appreciate:
- Eye discharge
- Conjunctivitis
- They rub their eyes because of itching
- Hair loss around the eyes
All types of worms in dogs should be treated as soon as possible, so, in case of any of the symptoms mentioned, do not hesitate to go to the veterinary centerimmediately. Likewise, remember that the best treatment is always prevention, so don't forget to maintain the preventive antiparasitic regimen throughout your dog's life, since only so you can keep it well protected from future infestations.
Do worms in dogs spread to humans?
As we have seen throughout the article, several of the worms that affect dogs can also be transmitted to humans with great ease. For this reason, it is very important to carry out an adequate dog deworming plan and be very careful with children in those places where there may be eggs of the named parasites.
Treatment against worms in dogs
All types of worms in dogs that we have mentioned can be treated by a veterinarian Therefore, if we suspect that our dog is parasitized, we must go to consultation. The professional will perform the appropriate tests to detect and identify the parasites present.
In the case of intestinal, pulmonary and ocular worms, there are antiparasitic drugs that, in one or more doses, manage to eliminate the infestation. In worms or heartworms, the treatment is somewhat more complex, because if the worms die inside the circulatory system, they can obstruct it and cause the death of the dog. For this reason, the veterinarian must examine each particular case and prescribe a treatment in different phases, with the aim of limiting the risks for the dog.
Therefore, and taking into account the potential contagion to people of some of these parasites, without a doubt the best we can do for our dog from its first weeks of life is to establish, following veterinary advice, a correct deworming schedule that we will maintain throughout its life. Without a doubt, this will be the best treatment against worms in dogs.
Prevention of worms in dogs
As we have just commented, the best treatment is always prevention, which is why when we talk about worms in dogs we cannot forget the importance of deworming throughout the year. To prevent infestations of internal parasites such as those mentioned, in veterinary clinics we find different antiparasitic products, such as tasty and chewable tablets or syrups. Within them, we have products with very varied administrations and ranges of action, since some are administered every month while others every three months; some only protect against certain parasites and others against a broader range.
Among the different products that we can find, we certainly recommend the double monthly deworming, which consists of protecting the dog both from parasites external and internal by administering a single tablet every month. In this way, we not only keep it safe from worms, but also from fleas, ticks and mange-producing mites. Go to your trusted veterinary center and ask about this antiparasitic method.
