Could weight loss, vomiting, or a change in your dog’s coat be signs of worms? Your Plaquemine, LA, veterinarians, Dr. Katie Berthelot, and Dr. Charles Carville of Carville Veterinary Clinic offer treatments that will kill the worms and help your furry friend feel much better.
What causes worms?
With their penchant for sniffing (and eating!) poop and rolling in the dirt, it’s not surprising that dogs develop worms. Worms are often found in animal feces and may remain in the dirt even after the poop has been removed. Unfortunately, your poor pet may unwittingly pick up the parasites just by being a little curious.
Worms can also be transmitted from a mother to her puppies or by eating infected dead animals or fleas. Heartworm infections spread through mosquito bites.
Common types of worms in dogs include:
- Heartworms
- Roundworms
- Hookworms
- Tapeworms
- Whipworms
How can I tell if my dog has worms?
In addition to weight loss, vomiting, or a dry or dull coat, other signs and symptoms of worms include:
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Fatigue
- Lack of energy
- Pot-bellied abdomen
- Change in appetite
- Itching
- Skin irritation
- Hair Loss
- Coughing
- Anemia
- Blood in the stool
If your dog has tapeworms, you may see the small, flat, white worms in its feces. Roundworms can be seen in your dog’s feces or vomit and look like pieces of spaghetti. Your pet may scoot its bottom along the ground if it has worms.
What can be done to prevent and treat worms?
You may be asked to bring a sample of your dog’s poop with you to your pet’s appointment in the Plaquemine veterinary office. If your pet has worms, the eggs or the worms themselves may be visible when the sample is examined under a microscope. If your pet is diagnosed with worms, the veterinarian will prescribe medication that will kill the worms.
Monthly preventive medication can help your pet avoid worm infections. These medications can protect your dog from developing heartworm, roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm, depending on the type of the medication.
It’s particularly important to protect your dog against heartworm. The infection can cause permanent damage to your pet’s heart, lungs, and organs and can be fatal in some cases.
Are you worried that your dog may have worms? Call your veterinarians in Plaquemine, LA, Dr. Katie Berthelot and Dr. Charles Carville of Carville Veterinary Clinic, at (225) 687-7387 to schedule an appointment.