What it is
Each kind of worm reaches a dog by its own route. Roundworm eggs stay infectious for years in soil where dogs relieve themselves, and puppies get roundworms from their mother before birth or through her milk. A dog catches tapeworms by swallowing a flea, or by eating raw meat, offal or rodents it has caught. Hookworms and whipworms spread through contaminated soil, and hookworm larvae can also get in through the skin.
The worms feed on the gut contents or on blood and irritate the lining of the gut. An adult dog can go a long time without any signs, while in a puppy a heavy burden of worms takes nutrients, holds back growth and causes diarrhoea and anaemia. Not all worms are visible to the naked eye, so seeing none in the stool does not mean there are none.
Pick up faeces straight away, in the garden as well as on walks, and wash hands after playing with the dog, especially children. Don't give your dog raw offal, and protect it from fleas. Your vet can tell you how regularly your dog needs checking and protecting against worms.
Signs you may notice
- Worms or worm segments in the stool
- Diarrhoea
- Swollen, round belly in a puppy
- Drags its bottom along the floor
- Loses weight despite eating well
- Dull coat
You may see spaghetti-like worms in the stool or vomit, or rice-like tapeworm segments around the anus. The dog may have diarrhoea, drag its bottom along the floor, lose weight despite eating well, its coat may turn dull, and a puppy may develop a swollen, round belly.
When to see a vet
Book a visit if you see worms or worm segments in the stool or around the anus, or if your dog is losing weight despite eating well. Bring a fresh stool sample. If a puppy is vomiting, has diarrhoea, is lethargic or has pale gums, have it seen promptly.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.