Identifying Worms in Dogs

For canine owners, worms in dogs can be a persistent nuisance. Puppies are most at risk from worm infestations, but they can pose health risks for dogs of all ages.

Primarily worms in dogs are a health threat, but their lifecycle also happens to be extreme interesting. Learning about them isn’t necessarily for the faint-hearted, but understanding how to identify them can be beneficial to your pet’s health, as well as extremely fascinating.

Length

The most common worms in dogs usually grow to being about seven inches and these are known as roundworms. Another type of worm commonly found in dogs is the hookworm. These tend to be a lot smaller than their roundworm siblings. As a result, the complications of tissue migration are far less frequent.

Colouring and Shape

There are similarities between the colouring and shape of worms in dogs. They will be a spaghetti shape and tan to white in colour. The exception to this is tapes worms, which tend to be short, flat and red in colouring. You will normally find tape worms in the dog’s faeces if they have an infection. Consult a vet immediately if you find what you think are tapeworms.

Where To Look

You now know how to identify what worms in dogs are, you now need to know where to look for them. Firstly, you need to learn where to look.

There are two places you should look for worms in dogs: their faeces and their vomit. Dogs pass worms in their stool, so check it regularly. As part of their lifecycle worms will infest near the throat. This can result in them being vomited by the dog. If your dog is sick, then thoroughly check their vomit for worms.

Worms in dogs can pose serious problems for their health, but once you know where to look and what you’re looking for, then you can aid in their prevention.

Tagged with: worm dogs breeds

Filed under: The AKC Dog Breeds

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