Worming your dog

Being a dog owner is an extremely rewarding experience. From long walks together to cosy evenings at home, we share so much with our furry friends! But one thing we really don’t want to share with our four-legged pals is worms. 

Dogs can be susceptible to several types of intestinal parasites – or worms – including roundworms and tapeworms. Each can be contracted in a different way, from accidentally eating worm eggs to catching fleas, which host tapeworms. 

We can’t stop our canine friends from exploring (and unintentionally coming into contact with worms), because as many pet owners will know, they somehow manage to find almost anything on a walk – and most likely will put it near their mouths!

So, instead of keeping them on a tight leash (or under house arrest), it’s vital that we protect our dogs from worms in a simple, practical way…. regular worm treatments!

Why do we worm dogs?

Being a dog owner comes with lots of responsibilities, and one of the most fundamental things we can do to care properly for our dogs is to ensure they’re regularly wormed. Dog wormers treat the worms that have found their way into your pet’s body, stopping further damage and even death.

There are many different types of worms that can affect our pets, including roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and lungworms.

Preventatives 

The thought of our pet having worms isn’t pleasant, so it’s the least we can do to administer treatments effectively and consistently so we can prevent any complications from our pets getting worms. 

If you can prevent your pet from getting ill, then naturally it needs to be done! It only takes a minute to protect your dog from worms and lets them be their curious selves without the worry of contracting a parasite.

How do I know if my dog has worms?

There are a number of signs of worms in dogs that owners need to be aware of, however, dogs with worms may only show these symptoms if there are a lot of worms.

These include:

• Worms being visibly present in faeces, vomit or on their bottom
• A swollen stomach
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Weakness
• Loss of weight
• Low mood

What treatments are available?

There are a number of treatments available that will do the trick, however it’s important to note that a single treatment may not cover all types of worm infection.

 Your vet is best placed to recommend which treatment is the most suitable for your pet based on their knowledge of your pet and the local environment.

My dog is a puppy – do I still need to worm them?

Yes! Puppies are particularly vulnerable to worm infections as they can cause serious illness. Roundworms can be spread from mother to puppy via milk and even before birth, so a worming regime is essential for puppies from two to twelve weeks of age.

What happens if dogs aren’t wormed regularly?

Dogs face a number of risks from worms, so it’s best to treat your pet regularly. If they become infected, it’s possible to treat the infection but if left unchecked, all sorts of problems can incur – even death. 

To make it a simple, regular task on your to-do list, make a note in your calendar or set a reminder on your phone so you’ll always know when it’s time to worm your dog. 

If you’re prone to running out of dog wormers, set an advanced reminder for yourself so you can order worming treatments in good time! 

Or for certain products, you could even set up a repeat order so you’re always fully stocked. 

Lungworm

Once only affecting pets in certain parts of the south of the United Kingdom, lungworm is becoming more common across the country.

Lungworm larvae are found in infected frogs, snails and slugs, which are then eaten by the dog.  It can be difficult to detect symptoms initially but signs of infection include:

• Low energy levels
• Weight loss
• Breathing problems, including coughing
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Bleeding, such as nosebleeds and bruising.

If you think your dog is at risk of lungworm you should seek advice from your vet as soon as possible.

Phil’s top tips

• Keep on top of your dog’s worming treatment so they’re happy and healthy
• Find a treatment that works best for you and your dog – speak to your vet
• Set up a repeat order to ensure you’re prepared 
• Reward your dog with a treat or walk after you’ve successfully administered the treatment.