How To Train A Dog

The term ‘worms in dogs’ is used to describe many different internal parasites which can infect our pets. Owners can buy treatments for worms in dogs from pet shops and veterinary practices and should use them regularly. Responsible pet care and regular worming treatments go hand in hand.

There are two types of infections of worms in dogs which are common in the UK. They are known as roundworms and tapeworms. Unfortunately many puppies are born with a roundworm infection so they are very hard to avoid. This underlines the importance of regular worming, especially for puppies.

Although many infected dogs will show no outward symptoms of roundworms, compared to other worms in dogs, they can have serious consequences. Mature roundworms live in the intestines, where they feed on the contents. This means that they eat your dog’s food. In cases of serious infection, there can be several roundworms living inside a dog at once. This is why in severe cases of infection, dogs will appear malnourished, tired and have a dull coat.

Roundworms can remain dormant in cysts inside the muscles of adult dogs. They then reawaken later on, often at times of stress. It is very common for them to be awoken by pregnancy, prompting them to migrate around the body and infect the unborn puppies. Treating the pregnant dog for worms will not rid the puppies of their infestation. This is why worms in dogs are such a big problem to new born puppies.

mature worms release eggs which are passed in the dog’s faeces leading soil to become contaminated. Then toehr dogs pick up the eggs from the soil. Toxocara Canis is the most common roundworm and it can infect children when they come into contact with the eggs playing in contaminated soil. Worm larvae can migrate around the child’s body and will cause irreparable eye damage is they reach the retina. It is therefore very important to regularly treat worms in dogs.