9 Red Flags Your Dog Has Worms

1. Change in Appetite

What to Look For: A sudden change in your dog’s appetite, up or down, may indicate worms. Some dogs may lose interest in food, while others develop an increased appetite.
Why It Happens: Worms eat nutrients meant for your dog. This causes irregular hunger. If the worms are taking too many nutrients, your dog may eat more to try and make up for the loss.
Interesting Fact: Hookworms latch onto the intestines and consume blood. This can cause anemia and severe appetite changes as the infestation worsens.

Pro Tip: A change in appetite may not mean worms.

But, if it’s accompanied by other signs, a vet visit is worth it.

Real-Life Example: One dog owner noticed her Labrador was suddenly eating too much.

He even tried to sneak food from the counter, which was very unusual.

A vet visit revealed a hookworm infestation.

It caused a change in appetite.

Prevention Tip: Regular deworming treatments help prevent appetite shifts due to worms.

A diet that supports immune health can help your dog resist infestations.

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2. Weight Loss Despite Eating Normally

What to Look For: If your dog eats normally, or more, but is losing weight, it may have worms.
Why It Happens: Worms drain nutrients. They make it hard for your dog to maintain a healthy weight. As the worms consume more of what your dog eats, they can quickly become malnourished.
Fun Fact: Roundworms cause weight loss in dogs, especially puppies. They compete for the same nutrients.

Health Note: Unexplained weight loss is a major red flag.

It’s especially concerning with a dull coat or lethargy.

Real-Life Example: A beagle owner noticed her dog lost weight even though his eating habits hadn’t changed.

After checking for other symptoms, she found the weight loss was due to roundworms.

Prevention Tip: Regularly deworm your dog.

Feed it a nutrient-rich diet.

This will boost its health and help it resist worms.

3. Scooting or Dragging Rear End

What to Look For: If your dog scoots or drags their rear on the ground, it usually means their anal area is irritated.
Why It Happens: Tapeworms and other parasites cause itching by the rear end. This leads to scooting to relieve the itch.
Fun Fact: Scooting can signal anal gland issues. But it’s often a sign of tapeworms. The worm segments irritate the anus.

Pro Tip: If your dog scoots often, check for worms.

Consult your vet if it continues.

Real-Life Example: A pet owner noticed her dog frequently scooting and, after a vet visit, learned her dog had tapeworms.

After a quick round of medication, the scooting stopped completely.

Safety Tip: Don’t let your dog scoot too much on rough surfaces.

It can cause skin abrasions and increase the risk of infection.

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4. Visible Worms in Stool or Vomit

What to Look For: Seeing small, white, rice-like segments in your dog’s stool or vomit can be a sure sign of worms. These segments may be alive and moving or dried up.
Why It Happens: Some worms, especially tapeworms, break into small segments. They pass through your dog’s stool or vomit, making them visible.
Safety Tip: Always wear gloves when handling your pet’s waste. Some worms can be transmitted to humans, especially if they come into contact with your skin.

Pro Tip: Check bedding and around the house.

Worms can sometimes be visible outside of stools.

Safety Guide: When inspecting your dog’s stool, wear gloves.

Look for small, rice-like segments (tapeworms) or spaghetti-like worms (roundworms).

Always wash your hands afterward and disinfect the area.

5. Bloated or Swollen Abdomen

What to Look For: A round, bloated belly, especially in puppies, is a significant warning sign of worms.
Why It Happens: Worms, like roundworms, can cause gas and fluid to build up in the abdomen. This can cause a swollen or bloated appearance.
Important Note: Puppies are at high risk of bloating from worms. If untreated, this can cause serious health issues.

Health Tip: If your puppy has a distended abdomen, seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.

Bloating, combined with lethargy or vomiting, can signal an advanced infestation.

Real-Life Example: A puppy owner noticed her pet’s abdomen was unusually round and firm to the touch.

A quick trip to the vet confirmed a case of roundworms, which was treated before it worsened.

Prevention Tip: Deworm puppies every two weeks until they are 12 weeks old.

They are highly susceptible to worms in early life.

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6. Coughing or Respiratory Issues

What to Look For: If your dog has a cough, wheeze, or shortness of breath, it could be due to worms.
Why It Happens: Some worms, like heartworms and roundworms, travel to the lungs. They interfere with breathing and cause symptoms.
Interesting Fact: Heartworms are dangerous parasites for dogs. They spread via mosquitoes and mainly affect the lungs and heart.

Pro Tip: Even with a heartworm preventative, yearly vet checks are key to confirm that your dog is worm-free.

Tip: To protect your dog from heartworm, avoid mosquito-prone areas at dawn and dusk.

These are peak times for mosquitoes. Also, use vet-approved heartworm preventatives.

7. Lethargy or Low Energy

What to Look For: Dogs with worms may be tired and less active. They may lose interest in their usual activities.
Why It Happens: Worms eat nutrients that your dog needs for energy. This causes fatigue as their body fights the infestation.
Interesting Fact: Anemia, from a severe hookworm or roundworm infestation, can cause low energy in dogs.

Pro Tip: If your active dog seems tired, a vet visit can check for worms.

Real-Life Example: An energetic lab suddenly lost interest in fetch and long walks.

After testing, her owner discovered it was due to a worm infection that was sapping her energy.

Tip: After treatment, give your dog high-quality protein. Also, add probiotics to help their gut recover.

8. Changes in Coat Condition

What to Look For: A dog’s coat may become dull, dry, or lackluster, and they may experience hair loss.
Why It Happens: Worms deprive your dog of nutrients. This harms their coat and skin as they lack vital vitamins and minerals.
Interesting Fact: A healthy dog’s coat shows good internal health. So, a decline in its condition often signals a problem.

Pro Tip: A nutrient-rich diet helps coat health. If your dog’s coat is still dull or flaky, see a vet.

Recovery Tip: Feed your dog food rich in omega-3s and zinc.

They promote coat health and can restore shine after a worm infestation.

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9. Frequent Vomiting or Diarrhea

What to Look For: Frequent vomiting or diarrhea, especially with no diet changes, may signal worms.
Why It Happens: Worms irritate the digestive tract. This causes vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, you may even see worms in the vomit.
Safety Tip: Persistent vomiting or diarrhea may mean worms. They can also cause dehydration. Make sure your dog has access to fresh water, and consult your vet for a diagnosis.

Pro Tip: If you have digestive issues, it may be worms.

Especially if you have weight loss, appetite changes, or lethargy. See your vet.

How Worms Are Contracted

Dogs commonly get worms from many sources.

These include soil, contaminated food, flea bites, and infected animals.

Understanding how worms are contracted can help you minimize the risk of infestations.

Soil and Environment: Contaminated soil can carry worms, like roundworms and hookworms. Dogs that enjoy digging, rolling, or eating dirt are more susceptible.
Flea Bites: Fleas carry tapeworm larvae, which can infect your dog if they accidentally ingest an infected flea while grooming.
Contact with Other Animals: Worms can spread through contact with infected animals or their waste, especially in dog parks.
Contaminated Water or Food: Worms like Giardia can be contracted from contaminated water sources. Ensure your dog drinks clean water, especially in public spaces.

Prevention Tip: Use a regular flea prevention program for your dog.

Don’t let them drink from puddles or standing water.

It may have worm larvae or other contaminants.

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Deworming Schedule for Dogs

Regular deworming is key to preventing infestations.

Here’s a sample deworming schedule for puppies and adult dogs:

Puppies: Start deworming treatments at 2 weeks old, then repeat every two weeks until they’re 12 weeks old. After that, a monthly deworming until they’re six months old is recommended.
Adult Dogs: Deworm adult dogs every 3 to 6 months, depending on lifestyle and exposure risks. Dogs that visit parks or meet other animals may need more deworming.
Senior Dogs: Older dogs may have weaker immune systems. So, consult your vet for a deworming plan based on their health and risks.

Pro Tip: Many vets combine deworming with annual check-ups, making it easy to keep track.

Always use vet-recommended products for safety and effectiveness.

Conclusion

Worms are a common issue in dogs.

They can cause many symptoms.

They include visible signs, like bloating or scooting.

They also include behavioral changes, like lethargy or appetite shifts.

Spotting these nine red flags early can help.

It can get your dog treatment before a severe infestation.

Deworming and vet check-ups are vital for dog health.

They prevent worms from causing pain and health issues.

Take action if you notice any of these symptoms, and consult your vet for guidance.

A simple deworming treatment can often resolve the issue and keep your dog healthy and happy.

Worms are common.

But, with the right care, they’re preventable and treatable.

This lets your dog live a comfortable, worm-free life.

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