7 Unmistakable Symptoms of Worms in Dogs

Keeping our furry friends out of harm’s way comes with the territory as proud pet owners. But unfortunately, our pet’s daily habits can put them at risk despite our best efforts. In fact, intestinal worms in dogs are one of the most common health challenges for man’s best friend.

How Do Dogs Get Worms?

You might be wondering how your dog could have contracted worms in the first place. It’s actually surprisingly easy. Dogs can contract any of the ‘big four’ intestinal worms through many of their usual habits. From digging to exploring or even going on your daily walk, your dog can pick up roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and tapeworm.

The Environment

Your backyard can be a prime transmission source. Roundworm eggs are typically picked up through contaminated dirt consumed by your dog through normal grooming and self-licking habits.

Eating Prey

Dogs get their mouths on all kinds of things you wish they wouldn’t — and sometimes that includes small prey. Rodents and other prey animals can carry various stages of worms that are then passed onto your pet.

Nursing or in the Womb

The first way puppies contract worms is while they’re still inside their mother’s womb. However, once born, they can also become infected through nursing.

7 Common Symptoms of Worms in Dogs

So, how can you tell if your dog has intestinal worms? There are a few common signs that they might have picked up a nasty parasite.

1. Diarrhoea

Any changes to your pet’s number two is a warning sign. Keep an eye out for diarrhoea or changes in the consistency or frequency of their bowel movements. While not all worms are visible to the naked eye, you might be able to spot some in your dog’s poo.

2. Vomiting 

Vomiting is another sign that something isn’t right. If your dog is experiencing stomach upsets, there’s a chance that worms could be the culprit. 

3. Pot-bellied appearance

Does your dog suddenly look rounder in the middle? A pot-bellied or bloated appearance to your pet’s stomach could be a sign that worms are wreaking intestinal havoc. 

4. Low energy 

If your dog has worms, its energy levels will dive. While older dogs might take regular naps, a puppy that isn’t interested in play is cause for concern.

5. Change in appetite

If your typically ravenous pup isn’t interested in food, this might be a sign that they are unwell. On the other hand, your dog’s appetite might have suddenly sky-rocketed because worms are stealing its nutrients. 

6. Scooting

Worms can cause an itchy and uncomfortable rear end, so it’s not uncommon to notice your dog dragging or ‘scooting’ its behind to gain some much-needed relief.

7. No Symptoms can be a sign too

Having no symptoms can be a sign too. Sometimes your dog (particularly if they’re an adult) won’t show any clinical signs that they are infected with worms. This is dangerous as some of these worms can be passed onto people (known as zoonosis) or onto other pets who may be more vulnerable to parasite infections (e.g. puppies and pets with concurrent diseases). Asymptomatic infections can be just as much of a problem for your pet and family.