Dogworm Prevention & Elimination

There are five unique varieties of dogworms your dog can get: heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. As a dog owner, you'll want educated yourself so that you can identify the warning signs--early.

Early detection is important because each kind of dogworm will require a unique form of treatment. Sometimes the signs of a dogworm infestation can be difficult to identify. Other times the signs (like vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss) are much easier to identify. With that in mind, it's a good idea to have your dog tested regularly.

Important Note: Some varieties of dogworms can be transmitted to humans. To promote good hygiene, it is important for pet owners to wash their hands and clothes regularly after playing outside with their dog-especially before mealtimes.

5 Familiar Dogworms -Which Do You Want to Overcome?

>> Heartworms

Heartworms arepassed on by infected mosquitoes, generally during the warmer months when mosquitoes are active. The infected mosquito bites the dog. And the dog develops heartworms which destroy the muscle tissue of the heart, leading to congestive heart failure.

Because heartworms are difficult to decipher in their early stages, many dogs die.

Early Detection: Signs and symptoms may include a pot-bellied appearance, coughing, dull coat and lack of energy.

Prevention & Treatment: Prevention is the best medicine. And, since heartworms are difficult to decipher until they are in their advanced stages, it's recommended that you start your dog on a prevention program when they're young.

You can start your puppy on a heartworm preventative, like Heartgard, as soon as 6 weeks of age.

>> Whipworms

Canines develop whipworms by consuming their eggs. Those eggs live in the dog's colon and are not noticeable to the naked eye. Once infected, the worms attach themselves to the puppy's intestinal walls and feed off them, causing intestinal bleeding.

Common symptoms may include anemia, weight loss, flatulence, diarrhea (with blood or mucus in the stool) and lack of energy.

Prevention & Treatment: You can care for your dog's whipworms effectively with fenbendazole (whose brand names are Panacur or Safe-Guard). You can administer the treatment for 3-5 consecutive days for the majority of parasites. Then, check with your veterinarian to see if a second round of treatment is recommended.

NOTE: You will have to have a veterinarian's prescription to buy deworming products.

Dogworms are an ugly threat. You can read about the 3 other kinds of dogworms--and how to easily prevent them--at our Heartgard website.