Types of Dog Worms - Symptoms and Treatments

Author: Peter Berry
Date Of Creation: 19 February 2021
Update Date: 13 November 2024
Anonim
Identify Different Dog Worms
Video: Identify Different Dog Worms

Content

If there are parasites that are known in dogs, they are called worms or roundworms. Most are associated with the gastrointestinal system, but in this article by PeritoAnimal, in addition to talking about the different types of worms in dogs that lodge in the digestive system, we'll mention those that parasitize other organs, such as the lungs, heart, or eyes.

We remember the importance of following a correct deworming schedule throughout the life of the dog, as this type of parasite can be especially problematic in the case of puppies.

intestinal worms in dogs

Among the types of worms in dogs, those that infect the digestive system stand out. They are very common, that is, they affect a high percentage of dogs and besides, some species can also parasitize humans. The following types stand out:


  • Flat or basket worms: the best known of this group is the tapeworm. As its name implies, its body is flattened and divided into several segments. Some can be seen around the anus and at the base of the tail, with the appearance of small grains of rice. A species called Dipylidium caninum is transmitted to the dog through fleas.
  • Round worms or nematodes: in this group, the most important is the so-called toxocara kennels, next to Toxascaris leonine. It is a spaghetti-like worm that can sometimes be detected in stool or vomit. It is a type of roundworm that is transmitted to humans through contact with the earth containing its eggs. The example of children who contract these parasites when they play with the earth and then put their hands over their mouths is typical.
  • hooked worms: hookworms, so called because of the shape of their mouth, with which they adhere to the intestinal walls and feed on blood and tissues. They can also be transmitted to humans. They manage to penetrate the body through the skin.
  • whip worms: are the trichocephali, like the Trichuris Vulpis. They are called whip worms because of their shape, with one end thicker than the other. They attach themselves to the walls of the intestine and feed on blood. Their eggs are especially resistant to the environment, which makes them difficult to eliminate.

To avoid this situation, we recommend you to read this other article by PeritoAnimal about the deworming of puppies.


Lungworms in dogs

In addition to the more familiar types of roundworms or intestinal worms, these parasites can also be found in the lungs.

It is also possible that bowel worms, in their cycle within the dog's body, end up in the lungs; in this case, respiratory symptoms appear in addition to digestive symptoms. Highlights the Angiostrongylus vasorum, which is transmitted by contact with slugs and snails.

For more information about this, we recommend you this other article on what happens if my dog ​​eats a snail?, in which you will see in more detail why it is dangerous for a dog to eat a slug or snail.


heartworms in dogs

Another location for this type of worm is the heart. THE Dirofilaria immitis stands out in this group, being transmitted through mosquito bites. It's a disease in expansion, because climate change increases temperatures around the world, which offers good living conditions for these mosquitoes, increasing their population and making contagion more likely.

These worms live in the right ventricle of the heart and in the pulmonary arteries. In large infections, they are also found in the right atrium, vena cava, and hepatic veins.

If you suspect your dog may have heartworms, in this article you'll find more information about heartworms in dogs - symptoms, treatment and prevention.

Eyeworms in Dogs

Finally, a type of worm in dogs that is perhaps more unknown is the eye worm. THE Thelazia is located in the eyes. It is transmitted by small typical fruit tree flies, which proliferate in the warmer months.

they enjoy the eye secretions of animals, and that's how they come in contact with dogs and transmit the parasites to them. Humans can also be affected.

Symptoms of Worms in Dogs

Depending on the types of worms, we can observe different symptoms. These are the ones that stand out the most, grouped by systems:

Symptoms of Intestinal Worms in Dogs

In this case, the symptomatology is caused by the action of the parasites on the digestive system. The effects are mainly as follows:

  • Vomiting.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Bloody stools.
  • Anal itching.

In this regard, it is noteworthy that it is normal for adult dogs to have intestinal parasites without manifesting any symptoms. On the other hand, in puppies and especially in significant infections, it is not surprising that, in addition to the symptoms mentioned, the following are present:

  • Inflamed abdomen.
  • Slimming.
  • Bad looking coat.
  • Anemia.
  • Mucosal pallor.
  • Malnutrition.
  • Growth delay.

Symptoms of lungworms in dogs

When remaining in or passing through the lungs, as with some intestinal worms, these types of worms trigger respiratory symptoms, like:

  • Cough.
  • Nausea.
  • Pneumonia.
  • Slimming.
  • Exercise intolerance.
  • Coagulation problems.

However, in some cases, lungworms in dogs can also be asymptomatic.

Symptoms of Heartworms in Dogs

Occupying the heart and its communication pathways with the lungs and liver can have very serious and even fatal in affected dogs, especially in more severe infections. Thus, these dogs can present:

  • Exercise intolerance.
  • Slimming.
  • Cough.
  • Pulmonary thromboembolism.
  • Liver failure.

Symptoms of Eye Worms in Dogs

In dogs affected by eyeworms, you may notice:

  • Eye secretion.
  • Conjunctivitis.
  • Rub the eye for itching.
  • Hair loss around the eyes.

In the face of any of the symptoms mentioned, do not hesitate to go to the vet immediately.

Treatment for different types of dog worms

All the types of dog worms we mentioned can be treated by a veterinarian. So if you suspect your dog is being parasitized, you should go to the office. The professional will perform the appropriate tests to detect and identify the parasites present.

In the case of intestinal, lung and eye worms, there are antiparasitic drugs which, in one or more doses, can eliminate the infection. In roundworms or heartworms, the treatment is a little more complex, because if the worms die inside the circulatory system, they can clog it up and cause the dog to die. Therefore, the veterinarian must examine each specific case and plan a treatment at different stages in order to limit the risks for the dog.

Therefore, and taking into account the potential for contagion of some of these parasites to people, the best thing you can do for your dog is without a doubt to establish, from the first weeks of life and according to the veterinarian's advice, a correct deworming schedule that must be maintained throughout its life.

This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Types of Dog Worms - Symptoms and Treatments, we recommend that you enter our section on Parasitic Diseases.