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Worms in dogs are a concern for all owners because their presence can be a potential health threat for humans, as well as the well being of your pet.
The symptoms of worms in dogs do not become evident until the disease has progressed to its latter stages, so it’s important to make sure your dog is dewormed regularly, even if they appear perfectly healthy – to stop any possible problem before it has the chance to arise.
There are a number of types of worm your dog can be susceptible to, each with an individual set of potential problems. There are, however, some common tell tale signs that could mean your dog has a worm infestation.
Please note that these symptoms are intrinsically linked to one another, so it is likely your dog will suffer from more than one of them at the same time.
Dull Coat and Weight Loss
Keep an eye on the sheen and texture of your dog’s coat, as well as their weight level, so you can identify when things aren’t quite as normal.
Diarrhoea and Vomiting
Both familiar symptoms of illness in dogs and can occur frequently for many reasons – dogs are very prone to eating what they shouldn’t!. If your dog is well and has no other symptoms than loose bowels, then there is no immediate cause for worm concern – but diarrhoea can be the sign of serious illness so if you are concerned or if it continues, then consult your vet.
Low Appetite and Energy Levels
Again, it should be quite obvious when your dog’s appetite is below normal. Their reluctance to eat will have a subsequent effect on the dog’s energy levels. While there are a number of reasons why your dog may be reluctant to eat, this is a common symptom of a worm infestation. Again if you are worried, consult your vet.
It is important to familiarise yourself with these symptoms so you can identify whether your dog has worms as early as possible.
Remember, these symptoms occur at the latter stages of a worm infestation, so make sure you have your dog regularly de-wormed so you prevent problems before they have a chance to take hold.
No one knows the dog as well as their owners, so if your dog isn’t their usual ‘self’, then you should keep a close eye and always consult a vet if you are worried.
Pet Health Info is a free online resource, offering information on a range of pet health issues, including worms in dogs.