How to Prevent Worms in Dogs

Roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms are some of the common parasites that can infest your dog. They can cause diarrhea, weight loss or vomiting.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dog Brushes
• Dog Flea/tick Control Medication
• Dog Shampoo
• Pooper Scoopers
• Dog Shampoo

1. Get puppies tested as early as three weeks after birth. They will often already be infested with worms and will need to be treated.

2. Take your dog in for an annual exam. Ask your veterinarian to recommend broad-spectrum preventive products. The newest products protect against roundworms, heartworms, ticks and fleas.

3. Control fleas (see related eHow 'Get Rid of Fleas'). Fleas can transmit tapeworm if your dog ingests them.

4. Avoid exposing your pet to stray animals or wildlife, as they are often carriers for fleas and other parasites. Dog parks that are not well maintained are a common source of parasites.

5. Prevent your dog from eating animal carcasses, such as those of birds, rabbits and rodents. Carcasses can carry immature worms that can then mature after your dog has ingested them.

6. Prevent your dog from eating feces'his own or that of other dogs and other animals. Contact with fecal material from another animal is the most common way for a dog to get intestinal parasites.

7. Take precautions when traveling with your dog. Before you go, check with your travel agent or veterinarian about risks at your destination.

8. Inspect your pet's anus and feces to spot signs of tapeworms. Tapeworm segments are small, white and flat, resembling grains of rice.

9. Have a stool specimen checked by your veterinarian to be certain that your dog remains parasite-free.

Tips & Warnings

• Parasite types vary, depending on locale and whether the animal is an indoor or outdoor pet.
• Infestations can be asymptomatic until triggered by stress.
• Avoid over-the-counter and home remedies. These are generally less effective and can also be dangerous.
• Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog shows any signs of illness (vomiting, diarrhea, tremors or poor coordina-tion) after administration of worm medication.

Resources

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[ninae87]

on 7/8/2009 My dog got whipworm when she was just a puppy. When I took her to the vet, he told me that whipworm is something found in the soil and there is no way to get rid of them. The best you can do is make sure your dog is on a monthly preventative. Since then I have done a lot of research on dog feces. I strongly suspect that at some point, someone's dog got into my yard that was infected and that's how my dog got it. It's really simple, and really important to pick up after your dog- it will go a long way in helping prevent the spread of worms.

I use the Rascodog ReadyLeash because it has bags built-in to the handle, that way I never forget a bag and I always pick up the poop! www.rascodog.com

[Vanessa22]

on 1/13/2009 Healthy dogs are much less likely to get fleas or worms. So keeping your dog active and on a healthy diet is very important when it comes to prevention. Thanks!

[LynnG3]

on 10/17/2008 Great advice, I give my Shih Tzu Ivermectin tablets, one tablet once a month, every month, no skipping, and I also use Frontline flea and tick spray every 30-60 days.

[tweety]

on 8/20/2007 how old should a puppy be to be treated for worms I bought a 6 wk old puppy and she has dirahea and drags her butt alot after she pottys.

[MotherToAZoo]

on 4/21/2007 If your dog is prone to intestinal parasites, use Interceptor, Heartgard Plus, or AdvantageMulti. It's a simple way to prevent parasites at the same time you prevent heartworms.