How to Treat Worms in Dogs

There are five basic types of worms that a dog owner should be familiar with: heartworms, and four types of intestinal worms including roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms. Your local veterinarian will know which types are common in the area you live and also know how to test for and treat these parasites. Specific medications are required to prevent and treat these conditions, many of which can be fatal. This article provides some guidelines for recognizing and treating all five types of worms, though it should be noted at the outset that parasitic diseases are often undetectable unless the dog is heavily infested or has been infected for a long time.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Signs and Symptoms

1
Understand intestinal worms. Roundworms, tapeworms, whipworms and hookworms are found in the intestinal tract of dogs and are shed in the feces of infected animals. These worms share several common symptoms that can be identified in some cases.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Some intestinal parasites are transmitted from one dog to the next by what is called “fecal-oral transmission.” The worm eggs are deposited by an infected dog through the feces and enter the dog's intestinal tract by mouth. Even though you cannot see the eggs or even the feces anymore, there can be eggs in the grass waiting for your dog to walk through. Your dog will lick their paws and ingest the eggs which begin the intestinal infection.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Tapeworms specifically are transmitted by dogs accidentally ingesting fleas.^{[3]XResearch source}
- While you may not be able to determine which type of intestinal worms your dog has, keeping an eye out for these symptoms can help you determine if your dog may need treatment for intestinal worms.
2
Check your dog's feces. Intestinal worms can often be detected by observing changes in a dog's normal feces. Be on the lookout for any of these issues:
- Roundworms and whipworms can both cause diarrhea. If your dog suffers from this condition often or for an extended period of time, this merits a trip to the vet.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Hookworms and whipworms can both cause blood to appear in a dogs stool. If you notice blood in your dog's feces, contact your vet immediately.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Tapeworm segments can often be seen in the dogs feces or clinging to the hair around its anus. If you notice something that looks like grains of white rice in the dog's excrement, this is most likely a sign of tapeworm.^{[6]XResearch source}
A dog with intestinal parasites may vomit frequently. In particular, this can be a sign of roundworms or tapeworms.^{[7]XResearch source}
4
Listen for coughing. In some cases, a dog with worms may develop a cough. More specifically, this may be a symptom of roundworms.^{[8]XResearch source}
- A cough can be a sign of several different health conditions, so if your dog develops a cough, it is wise to contact a veterinarian promptly.
5
Keep an eye out for physical changes. If your dog suddenly becomes swollen around the mid-section, or loses weight rapidly, either of these may be a sign of intestinal worms.^{[9]XResearch source}
- A swollen belly may be a sign of roundworms, whereas weight loss could suggest roundworms, tapeworms, or whipworms.
6
Pay attention to your dogs coat and skin. Some intestinal worms can be detected by their impact on sheen of your dog's hair or the condition of its skin.^{[10]XResearch source}
- If your dog's normally lustrous coat has become dull and flat, this could be a sign of roundworms.
- Skin irritation could be a sign of hookworms.
If your dog has been more flatulent than usual (i.e. is "farting" a lot), this can also be a warning sign, specifically of whipworms.^{[11]XResearch source}
8
Look for signs of anemia. Because these parasites steal vital nutrients from your dog, they may cause your dog to become iron-deficient.^{[12]XResearch source}
- Anemia can be observed by looking at a dog's gums. Dogs' gums should be pink, like a persons. If they are pale, this is a likely sign of anemia, a condition that can result from both hookworms and whipworms.
9
Watch your dog's behavior. There are number of behavioral changes that can occur if a dog has intestinal parasites. For example:
- A dog with tapeworms may become agitated, experience abdominal pain, or experience itching around the anus, leading it to drag its hindquarters along the ground.^{[13]XResearch source}
- A dog with hookworms or whipworms may become lethargic. A sudden decrease in your dog's energy can be a warning sign that merits a visit to the vet.^{[14]XResearch source}
10
Have a veterinarian check for heartworm routinely. Heartworms are a blood parasite and are transmitted by mosquito bite from one dog to the next.^{[15]XResearch source} Unlike the other types of worms discussed in this article, early infection with heartworm has no symptoms, and the dog can look and act fine for years.^{[16]XResearch source} As such, it is important to have your dog's blood tested for heartworm regularly.
- In most areas, an annual blood test is sufficient for both detecting potential cases of heartworm and ensuring any heartworm preventative medications are not making your dog unhealthy.^{[17]XResearch source}
- In the advanced stages of infection, a dog may display symptoms such as a swollen belly, dull coat, coughing, rapid or labored breathing, or lack of energy.
- For a dog displaying these symptoms, it may already be too late, as many advanced cases of heartworm are fatal. Thus, it is very important to have your dog checked regularly by a professional.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Treatment Options

1
Get a fecal test. If you suspect your dog is suffering from intestinal worms, your first step should be to make an appointment with your veterinarian, who will be able to properly diagnose the problem and prescribe the appropriate treatment.^{[18]XResearch source}
- Your vet will most likely ask you to collect a stool sample before your appointment. She or he will use this sample to determine whether and what type of intestinal worms your dog may have.
2
Administer treatment medication. Most intestinal parasites can be treated with one of several different oral medications. Which type you use and how frequently is must be administered will depend on your veterinarian's recommendations and the type of worms your dog has.
- For roundworms and hookworms, you'll most likely need to give your dog oral medication, called a "dewormer," and the dog will probably have to be checked for reinfection every 3-6 months for a certain period of time after the treatment has begun.^{[19]XResearch source}
- More than one medication will treat roundworms and hookworms, some of which can be found “over the counter,” while others require a veterinary prescription. Pyrantel pamoate and fenbendazole can be found over the counter as a treatment for both roundworms and hookworms.^{[20]XResearch source}
- Pyrantel is safe enough to give most puppies starting at 4 weeks of age. It is best to contact your veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.^{[21]XResearch source}
- In the case of roundworms or hookworms, the dog will also most likely need to have monthly heartworm medicine that contains roundworm prevention administered to manage reinfection.^{[22]XResearch source}
- The drugs, Praziquantel and Epsiprantel, are commonly used to treat Tapeworms.^{[23]XResearch source}
- Whipworms can only be killed by certain medications. These include fenbendazole or febantel. This treatment will last for five days, and will need to be repeated after three weeks. Monthly heartworm medicine that contains medication to prevent Whipworms is also often recommended.^{[24]XResearch source}
3
Get treatment for heartworm immediately. A dog that has been infected with heartworm should receive treatment as soon as possible The treatment for adult heartworm infection requires a veterinarian.^{[25]XResearch source}
- The severity of the infection and the amount of damage the worms have done to the heart and lungs needs to be evaluated by your veterinarian so that the proper treatment plan can be developed.^{[26]XResearch source}
- There are several steps to a typical heartworm treatment that take place over a period of six to twelve months. These steps include oral medication, as well as a series of injections (typically three) of special medicine into the back muscles of the dog.^{[27]XResearch source}
- Heartworm is a very serious condition, and even with treatment, some dogs with advanced infections will not survive.
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Prevention

1
Get your dog checked regularly. To ensure that any type of worms are caught and treated before the case becomes advanced, see a veterinarian regularly.
- For preventative purposes, it's a good idea to get your dog's feces tested at least once a year.^{[28]XResearch source}
- If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors or with other dogs, if your dog hunts and eats live prey, or if you live in an area where any of these parasites are especially common, it is a good idea to have your dog's stool tested more frequently.
2
Administer a heartworm preventative. Preventing heartworm is safer and cheaper than treating it, so you should start puppies on heartworm prevention medication as young as 8 weeks of age. Many of the preventatives available for heartworms are are also effective in reducing the risk of intestinal parasites, making the use of these medicines doubly important.^{[29]XResearch source}
- There are many forms of Heartworm prevention medications available and your veterinarian can advise you of your options.^{[30]XResearch source}
- The most common heartworm preventatives are available in both oral and topical forms.
- Many heartworm preventatives also help to prevent fleas and ticks. While no one product prevents all parasites, your veterinarian will help you decide which product is most appropriate for your pet's health.^{[31]XResearch source}
- Heartworm prevention is typically administered or applied monthly, although there is one variety that can be administered as a long-acting injection and lasts six months.This medication only prevents heartworms and does not protect against intestinal parasites.
- If you live in an area where heartworm prevention is not required, there are medications such pyrantel pamoate, fenbendazole and praziquantel that can be administered that treat only intestinal parasites.^{[32]XResearch source}
3
Keep your dog free of fleas. Tapeworm infections occur most commonly as a result of dogs eating fleas, so keeping your dog free of these nuisance insects is the best way to prevent tapeworms.^{[33]XResearch source}
- There are several over-the-counter topical and oral flea prevention medications, as well as prescription flea products, that effectively manage fleas and therefore control tapeworm infection.^{[34]XResearch source}
- Although not as effective, this can also be attempted with flea collars and flea baths.^{[35]XResearch source}
Hookworms and whipworms are both commonly transmitted through feces. Clean up your dog's poop often, and keep your dog away from the leavings of other dogs.^{[36]XResearch source}
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Question
Where can I buy worm meds for my dog? He takes Sentinel.
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Expert Answer
Sentinel is a good all round wormer, as it not only treats heartworms, but whipworms, hookworms, and roundworms. The only major group it doesn't work against are tapeworms. Look for a wormer containing praziquantel to take care of the latter. Ask your vet if you can't find it in your area.
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Question
How often do you deworm a dog?
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Expert Answer
Basic deworming for an adult dog should be done three to four times a year. This applies even to lap dogs, since they are born with a burden of worm eggs that passed across the placenta from the mother. Those eggs hatch out over the duration of the dog's life. In addition, if the dog scavenges or has fleas, then more frequent worming (monthly) may be required.
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What happens when you deworm a dog?
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Expert Answer
Dewormers work in one of three ways. Some cause the outer 'skin' of the worm to dissolve so that the dog's digestive juices can then attack the worm. Others cause the worms to be paralyzed, so that it loses its grip on the intestinal wall and is passed out in feces. The third group interferes with the worms' metabolism, causing them to die.
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Tips

Monitor your pet and contact a veterinarian if you have any concerns
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Clean your yard regularly.
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Always remember to consult the vet before giving any medication to the dog.
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Warnings

Both heartworms and many intestinal worms can be fatal if left untreated. Have your dog checked regularly, and if you have any reason to believe your dog may be infected, seek professional assistance.
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In severe cases of hookworms, some dogs may need to be hospitalized to receive intravenous fluids and possibly even a blood transfusion.
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Be careful when handling with your dog's feces, as hookworms and roundworms can also infect humans.^{[37]XResearch source}
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Hookworms can be transmitted to unborn puppies. If your dog is pregnant, it is especially important to vigilant for any signs of worms.^{[38]XResearch source}
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