Things You'll Need:
- Consultation with a trusted veterinarian
-
Step 1
Rule out roundworms first; they're the most common. They'll look like spaghetti noodles and can be up to a half-foot long. You’re most likely to see them in your dog’s vomit or feces. Other symptoms, especially when the infection gets bad, may include a swollen belly, dull coat and weight loss.
-
Step 2
Look for tapeworms around your dog’s anus, on its fur and in areas where he or she spends any time. The tapeworm segments--white, writhing, and rice-like--will be obvious. With an advanced case, your dog may also display agitation, weight loss, vomiting, itching around the anus and abdominal pain.
-
Step 3
Take a stool sample to your vet to be checked for hookworms, as they're not visible to the naked eye. Hookworms are especially nasty because they cause intestinal bleeding, which can lead to bloody stool, pale gums, fatigue and anemia. As with other worm infections, your dog may also show weight loss and diarrhea.
-
Step 4
Note any bloody diarrhea, flatulence, weight loss, anemia or fatigue, as these are also possible signs of whipworm infection. Your veterinarian will test the stool sample for whipworms as well as hookworms, because both are invisible except under a microscope.
-
Step 5
Ask your vet for a blood test to check for heartworms. Heartworms are invisible and the sneakiest worm of all, showing no symptoms until the infection is far enough along to cause lasting damage to a dog’s heart. In the late stage, signs may include a dull coat, swollen belly, weakness and coughing.
