Unfortunately, there is no vaccination against worms. Dogs are therefore constantly under threat from these parasites. It makes sense to worm dogs regularly or, alternatively, to have a fecal test carried out and then worm them if the test is positive.
How does a dog become infested with worms?
There is a risk of dogs becoming infected with worms when they are walked. Even sniffing and slight contact with barely visible dog excrement or vomit can lead to the transmission of worms. The same applies if dogs constantly lick everything in the wild or eat dog excrement. Dogs can also become infected with worms if they eat small mammals, such as mice, which act as intermediate hosts for worms. Worm infestation can also occur when dogs lick each other. And even if a dog never left its home, there would still be a certain risk. This is because worm eggs and larvae can get stuck on our shoes and be transported into our home. So it is quite normal for dogs to be confronted with worms sooner or later.
What are the consequences of a worm infestation for dogs?
A healthy dog with a strong immune system can easily cope with a certain number of worms. Many dogs have worms, although their owners are not even aware of it. However, if they get out of hand, they can affect the digestive system, deprive the dog of important nutrients, lead to blood loss, attack the intestinal wall and damage organs. It must also be borne in mind that the dog can henceforth pose a risk of transmission to all members of the same species and sometimes also to humans. If the dog sleeps in the bed or has other intensive contact, certain types of worms can be transmitted.
Symptoms in dogs with worm infestation
There are different worms that can infest dogs. Therefore, the symptoms are not always the same. However, the following is typical:
- Diarrhea
- Blood in the stool
- vomiting
- Itching in the anus
- flatulence
- Deficiency symptoms
- Shaggy coat
- Weight loss
Which worms can infest dogs?
The most common type of worm found in dogs is the roundworm with the Latin name Toxocara canis. It reaches a length of around 10 to 20 centimeters and is mainly found in the intestines. If it nests in the uterus or the mammary glands of a pregnant bitch, the puppies can also become infected very quickly. This can also be caused by hookworms, which are only 1.5 centimeters long. Like the whipworm, which is about 5 centimeters long, they feed primarily on blood. Lungworms only live temporarily in the intestines. These parasites, which are only a few centimetres long, live up to their name and primarily infest the lungs, causing breathing difficulties and coughing, among other things. Finally, dogs can also become infected with the fox tapeworm and cucumber tapeworm, which are only a few millimetres long.
How often does a dog need to be wormed?
The problem with worms is that they cannot be warded off by vaccination for a long period of time. Shortly after a successful worming treatment, dogs can become infected with worms again. However, this starts a process that usually lasts several weeks until there is an increased incidence again due to reproduction. For this reason, many vets recommend an interval of around three months. For dogs with an increased risk of infection, such as hunting dogs or those on a BARF diet, it may make sense to shorten the interval to one to two months. On the other hand, it can also be extended to four to six months or even longer if the risk appears to be very low. It is best to discuss the recommended intervals with your vet.
Worming treatment for dogs
If you think your dog has worms, you should not just buy any worming medication and administer it. Depending on the type of worms and whether it is a puppy or an adult dog, different worming treatments may be used. You should therefore always visit your vet for a definitive diagnosis. They can determine whether it is actually worms and can diagnose the species. The choice of medication will depend on this. This is usually a normal tablet, but there are also pastes, chewable tablets and liquids. In puppies, several doses are recommended during the growth phase, while the interval discussed with the vet is sufficient for adult dogs.
Alternatives for a worming treatment
It is understandable that some dog owners are looking for alternatives to the classic worming treatment. The chemical products can lead to side effects such as diarrhea, stomach rumbling, exhaustion, itching, gastrointestinal complaints or vomiting. Natural alternatives include pumpkin seeds, coconut oil, pineapple powder and various herbs. Dog owners have very different opinions about the effectiveness of these remedies. Scientific studies on this subject also produce very different results. But there is another alternative to the classic worming treatment: simply have a fecal examination carried out at regular intervals instead. In this case, you only need to use a worming agent if the dog actually has worms.