Worms in dogs: everything important about deworming
There is probably no dog owner who does not have to deal with the scourge of worms in dogs at one time or another. After all, worms are spread practically all over the world and for affected dogs, an infestation with them is often associated with extremely unpleasant consequences.
As the owner, you should therefore take a possible infestation of worms in your dog seriously and, if necessary, take care of deworming your four-legged friend as soon as possible.
In the following, you will learn which symptoms indicate worms in your dog and what consequences the parasites can have for your four-legged friend. We also explain how to protect your dog from worms and what you should look out for when deworming.
Which worms are common in dogs
There are different worms that use dogs as hosts. Most of them nest as intestinal parasites in the digestive tract of the quadruped. However, there are also worm species that attack other organs, such as the heart.
If your dog is suffering from worms, it is probably one of the following species:
- The approximately 20 centimetre long roundworm (Toxocara canis) is considered to be the most widespread type of worm among dogs in Europe.
- Canine tapeworms (Echinococcus granulosus) are primarily found in dogs in the Mediterranean region, while they are hardly ever found in Europe.
- Fox tapeworms (Echinococcus multilocularis) can be transmitted not only to foxes but also to dogs.
- An infection with cucumber tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum) occurs by swallowing infected fleas.
- Heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis) cause dirofilariosis in dogs. Their larvae are transmitted by certain mosquitoes.
- Lungworms (Angiostrongylus vasorum) are transmitted by infected intermediate hosts and damage the dog's lungs and heart.
- The eggs of the whipworm (Trichuris vulpis) are extremely resistant, which is why the worms are a common problem, especially for dogs in shelters and kennels.
- Hookworms (Ancylostomatidae) grow to about 1.5 centimetres long. They nest in the intestines and feed on the dog's blood.
How dogs get infected with worms
Dogs can get infected with worms in different ways. Since even a small number of larvae or eggs is sufficient, it is hardly possible to completely prevent infection with worms in dogs in practice.
For example, the four-legged animals can pick up eggs and larvae through contact with the excrement of other animals, contaminated soil or already infected conspecifics. Puppies can already be infected with worms in the womb. In addition, transmission from the bitch to the young animals via the mother's milk is possible.
Apart from this, barwing in dogs can also lead to worm infestation by feeding contaminated raw meat. A frequently underestimated risk in this context is posed by communal feeding and drinking bowls, such as those provided by some dog-friendly restaurants.
In addition, many worm species use other animals, such as mice or rabbits, as intermediate hosts. By consuming an infected intermediate host, the worms then enter the dog's body, which serves as their final host.
Typical symptoms of worms in dogs
It is not always easy to detect an infestation of worms in dogs. Especially in adult animals with a strong immune system the parasites often only show slight symptoms.
If the worms can multiply unhindered in the dog's body, they can cause serious problems, especially in young and weakened animals. In addition, even a symptom-free dog can excrete worm eggs and thus contribute to the further spread of the parasites.
In order to avoid both, it is important to detect a possible worm infestation in the dog as early as possible and to treat it promptly.
The following symptoms can indicate worms in dogs:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Dull coat
- Hair Loss
- Symptoms of deficiency
- Cough
In addition, worms in dogs often cause severe itching of the anus, to which affected animals react with so-called sledging and increased licking. In addition, a massive worm infestation can lead to a significantly bloated belly.
Diagnosis of worms in dogs by the veterinarian
Because of the sometimes quite unspecific symptoms that worms cause in dogs, it is usually advisable to consult a vet. They can examine the excrement of the four-legged friend and, if necessary, carry out blood tests.
In this way, it can be determined whether the dog's complaints are actually caused by worms or whether they have some other underlying cause.
In some types of worms, whole worms or at least individual limbs of the parasite are regularly found in the dog's faeces. In this case, the parasite infestation is of course also very easy for laymen like owners to recognise.
Can dogs infect humans with worms?
For most owners, their dog is a loyal companion with whom they maintain a close relationship. However, the physical contact that comes with this can, at least with some worms, lead to transmission from the dog to humans.
Such a zoonosis represents a health risk that should not be underestimated, especially for children and older people. If your dog suffers from worms, it is therefore advisable to temporarily restrict physical contact with your four-legged friend and in particular to stop him licking your face.
In addition, regular deworming of dogs is advisable in order to avoid possible consequences for the health of the four-legged friend as well as his human companions.
Deworming in dogs
To treat the infestation with worms, the dog must be dewormed. So-called deworming agents are used for this. The active ingredients contained in these products ensure that the worms die in the dog's body and can then be gradually excreted with the faeces.
Although deworming products are used regularly, their use to treat worms in dogs should be viewed critically. This is because the chemical agents contained in many common preparations not only eliminate the worms, but can also be a burden to the dog itself.
In addition, the regular intake of a worming treatment can lead to the development of resistance and thus impair its effectiveness. It is therefore worth considering natural alternatives for worming dogs.
Natural worming cure for dogs from Bellfor
Due to the possible side effects of many worming treatments, we recommend that you use Bellfor Vermal to worm your dog.
Bellfor Vermal is a natural worming cure that we have developed especially for dogs. Selected ingredients such as wormwood herb, ginger and pumpkin seeds ensure good digestibility.
Bellfor Vermal does not put unnecessary strain on your dog's body, nor can it lead to the formation of resistance. At the same time, the natural preparation scores with its excellent effectiveness. Use our well-tolerated worming treatment either prophylactically or to counteract an already existing worm infestation in your dog.
Avoiding worms in dogs
In view of the numerous possible ways of infection, it is not possible to completely avoid infestation with worms in dogs. Nevertheless, you as the owner can do something to at least significantly reduce the risk in your four-legged friend.
To this end, you should pay particular attention to hygiene. Keep the dog bed clean and try to keep your pet away from other animals' excrement when walking. In addition, it can be useful to avoid public drinking bowls in restaurants or beer gardens and take a water bottle from home instead.
In addition, we recommend that you carry out a prophylactic deworming of your dog about every three months. With Bellfor Vermal you can do this particularly gently, so that regular use is no problem.
The most important facts about worms in dogs at a glance
Worms are a serious risk for both dogs and their owners. Regular deworming is therefore highly recommended. However, classic worming treatments often put a considerable strain on the dog's body.
For this reason, we recommend that you give preference to natural alternatives whenever possible when deworming your dog. With Bellfor Vermal you can reliably counteract worms in your dog without having to accept the side effects associated with chemical deworming.
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