How Does a Pet Get Worms?
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Worms That Puppies Can Get
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Worms are intestinal parasites that live off the nourishment the animal takes in. Hookworms, roundworms, whipworms and tapeworms are most commonly found in puppies. Other types of worms and intestinal parasites found in dogs include heartworm, Coccidia and Giardia.
How a Puppy Gets Worms
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Puppies born to a mother with worms will most likely carry the parasites. A puppy may eat something that is infected with worm larvae, as is the case with roundworms. A dog gets a tapeworm by ingesting an infected flea. Poor housing conditions or overcrowding can provide conditions for a worm infestation. Poor hygiene of both humans and animals can promote parasites. Stale or improperly stored food is a perfect situation for parasite infestation. Even a dog park with fecal matter from other dogs can be a hazard. As an infected puppy sheds roundworm eggs through stools, the eggs have a hard coating and can lay dormant in the yard for months. Another dog steps in or eats the stool, and the roundworm eggs are ingested in a new host puppy.
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Diagnosing Worms in Puppies
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New dog owners should make a veterinary appointment for a general checkup. The pet owner will need to bring a small fresh stool sample to the appointment. The veterinarian will mix a tiny amount of the fecal matter with a chemical and look for parasites and worms under a microscope. Warning signs of worms in a puppy include bloated belly, voracious appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or worms in stool/vomit. Keep in mind that some dogs show no signs of infestation as eggs can lie dormant for long periods of time in the dog's intestine.
Treating Worms in Puppies
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Puppy breeders usually worm every litter regardless of the presence of parasites. This does not guarantee the puppy immunity to worms. Every dog should have a stool sample tested at the time of adoption or if changes in health and appetite occur. Over-the-counter wormers do not treat all worms and need to be given far longer than prescription doses given at a veterinarian. Store brands will usually only treat round, hook and whipworms, although some don't even do that. A veterinarian will use a product that will treat the specific worms your puppy has.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Christine Cameron
