Dogs are readily susceptible to worms and parasites. Unfortunately, with their natural unrestrained feeding habits, there’s no way to prevent worms in dogs. However, when infected dogs show symptoms, there are lots of options to flush these worms in dogs and control the spread of the infestation.

The best way to curb infestation of worms in dogs is to monitor its diet. Human food may be given, but not when it is starting to get bad. Disposing of rotten food should also be done with care, lest dogs may topple garbage bins over and feed on the trash.

Here are the most common parasites, worms in dogs, their accompanying symptoms, and their treatment.

Hookworms

Hookworms are among the most occurring parasite that plagues dogs, because hookworms are contracted in the soil as eggs. They fasten on intestinal walls to feed on the blood supply of their host. Because hookworm rapidly populate, severe infestation may occur and can cause anemia to dog and human alike. Though hookworm infestation can be asymptomatic, severe infestation can result to a pot bellied appearance. From the loss of blood, weakness comes as a result, and vomiting.

Hookworms in dogs can be contracted as easily by a human, that’s why routine dog checkups by vet should be done. Albendazole is the known treatment for hookworm.

Tapeworms

Tapeworms are another more known parasite in dogs. Symptoms for tapeworm infestation can include abdominal discomfort. This is because tapeworms can grow to several feet in length that can sometimes reach 100 feet, blocking or cramping parts of the intestine. Loss of appetite is also one of the symptoms, diarrhea, and obvious malnutrition.

Tapeworms are acquired by dogs when eating contaminated food and from fleas. Given the nature of a dog’s eating habits, tapeworms in dogs usually is hard to avoid. They can also be acquired through the ingestion of other infected parasites, such as fleas. The most obvious presence of tapeworm should be when there are segments attached on the fur under their tail or along their anus. Praziquantel is a known treatment for tapeworm infestation.

Whipworms

Also a frequently occurring worms in dogs, they are acquired by dogs as eggs swallowed, either by licking or eating food dropped into the soil. Symptoms could include anemia, dehydration, and diarrhea though sometimes they remain asymptomatic.

Fighting worms in dogs include annual if not quarterly checkups with the vet. Most worms in dogs are contracted from the soil and through other infected dogs. Because it is literally impossible to prevent your dog from playing on any patch of gravel, especially if you want to keep a healthy and happy dog, there’s no way really to stop parasites from entering your dog’s body. You can however prevent the proliferation of the parasites by dealing with them at the first sign.