What we commonly refer to as worms are various types of intestinal parasites, including hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. Each parasite has distinct lifecycles and feeding methods, resulting in different symptoms in your pet.
As a pet owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential signs of worm infestations in your dog or cat. Many pets may not display symptoms until the infection has become severe. This underscores the need for proactive measures, such as regular veterinary check-ups, to safeguard your pet's health.
Cause And Symptoms Of Worms
Weight loss: Intestinal worms reside in your pet's digestive tract, often leading to weight loss as a common symptom across all worm types.
Pale gums: Pale gums may indicate anemia, which can be caused by blood-feeding parasites such as hookworms.
Diarrhea or vomiting: Worms in the intestines can cause irritation, leading to diarrhea and vomiting, especially with roundworms and whipworms.
Distended belly: A potbellied appearance, especially in young animals, can indicate roundworm infection.
Sores between the toes: This symptom often occurs in pets that have contracted hookworms from contaminated soil. The larvae burrow into the skin, causing lesions.
Dull coat: Hookworms and roundworms can make your pet's fur look dull.
Visible traces of worms: Roundworms and tapeworms can be seen in an animal's feces. Roundworms are white or pale brown and can be several inches long, while tapeworm segments look like grains of rice.
Scooting: When an animal scoots or scratches its behind on the floor, it often indicates tapeworm infection. The irritation is caused by tapeworm segments being expelled in the feces.
Diagnosing The Condition
Even if your pet shows all the symptoms of a specific worm infestation, it is crucial to get a confirmed diagnosis. These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions that need to be ruled out. Typically, your vet can confirm the presence of worms with a simple fecal exam.
Treatment Of Worms In Cats And Dogs
After your vet confirms that your dog or cat has worms and identifies the specific type, they will recommend treatment options. Usually, this involves the same medication used for prevention, administered as a single dose or in a series of doses every 2-4 weeks until the infestation is eliminated.
Additionally, your vet might treat the symptoms caused by the worms. Significant blood loss can be dangerous for young animals and may require a blood transfusion.
