Most Dogs are affected by worms at some stage in their life, with many dogs becoming re-infected frequently, unless they are given regular, routine worming treatment. Treating for worms is simple and inexpensive. Regular treatments are strongly recommended for public health reasons, as some types of worm can be passed onto humans.
Types of worms that affect Dogs.
The two most commonly found types of parasitic worm in dogs are roundworms and tapeworms. Roundworms can grow to several cm in length long and are white in colour. They are string-like in appearance, whereas tapeworms are flat, resembling ribbons. Tapeworms can grow up to 60 cm long. Both roundworms and tapeworms live in the dog's intestines along with two other types of smaller worm (similar to roundworms) called whipworms and hookworms. However, these rarely affect dogs in the UK. Heartworm is also found in the Southwest of England and is becoming more frequently reported. These parasitic worms can live in the dog's lungs and heart and can cause a fatal infection.
What damage do worms cause?
Intestinal worms feed off the dogs intestinal contents and can damage the gut lining, causing loss of blood. In large numbers they can cause diarrhoea, dehydration and anaemia, and may lower your dog’s immunity making them susceptible to other diseases. If there are a lot of worms your dog may cough, lose weight, and have a rough, dry coat or a 'pot-bellied' appearance. Worm infestations in puppies can be particularly serious, causing poor growth and sometimes even death. If there are large numbers of worms the intestine can become blocked (although this is rare in an adult dog) and this may be fatal.
Roundworm eggs can survive for months or even years in the soil. They find their way into a new host either directly, (when eaten by a dog) or indirectly, (after being swallowed by a rodent which is then eaten by the dog). Immature worms also survive in the tissues of an infected dog. Immature worms can be passed from a mother to her puppies in the milk. Roundworms grow in the intestine laying thousands of eggs which pass out in the faeces to infect the environment.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms also inhabit the dog’s intestine, anchored to the intestinal wall by the head and growing a continuous ribbon of segments, each packed with eggs. The segments gradually break off and are passed out in the faeces. These segments look like grains of rice and may wriggle like a maggot for a short time before they dry up (sometimes still attached to your dog's fur). One most commonly occurring species of tapeworm is transmitted by fleas. Immature fleas pick up infection from dog faeces in the environment and dogs are then infected if they accidentally swallow an adult flea during grooming. There is also a less common type of tapeworm which uses mice, other rodents and rabbits to complete its life-cycle. This parasite lies dormant in the muscle or other organs of a small rodent or rabbit and dogs are infected if they eat these animals.
How can I tell if my dog has worms?
Signs of infestation can be found by inspecting your dog's faeces. Puppies may vomit or pass round worms (looking like string) in their faeces. Segments of tapeworm (looking like grains of rice), can often be seen in the faeces or in the fur around the tail base and back legs. Roundworm eggs can only be seen by using a microscope to examine the faeces.
How can worms be destroyed?
There are many highly effective treatments available which are affective in killing worms. These are available as liquids, pastes, tablets or powder. However, not all the products are equally good and some work against certain types of worms and not others. Your vet will be able to advise you on which product is best for your dog. Worms are so common that it is safe to assume that all puppies, dogs with fleas, and animals which regularly catch wildlife will be infected. Puppies should be treated with wormers every two weeks, from two weeks of age. Your vet will then advise you on the recommended interval which will depend on the product used. Older dogs should be treated about every three months although your vet may recommend a shorter treatment interval if your dog is in contact with young children. You should discuss with your vet the most appropriate treatment regime for your pet.
Can my family catch worms from the dog?
The common roundworm found in dogs is a rare but potentially serious cause of human disease. The larval stages of this worm burrow through the gut wall and become embedded somewhere within the body and can cause serious damage if they end up, for example, in the eye. There are occasional reports of the victim, usually a child, being blinded in one eye.
What can I do to reduce the risk?
Apart from regularly worming your pets, there are a number of other measures which can stop worms being passed on from dog to dog, or from dog to people.
§ Clean up faeces regularly from your garden, disposing of them in a suitable manner.
§ Check your dog for signs of fleas and treat them regularly using the product recommended by your vet. Fleas are more numerous during summer and autumn, although will survive all year round in centrally heated homes.
