Just Great, My Dog Has Worms, Now What?

Article Title: Just Great, My Dog Has Worms, Now What?
Author: Nicholas Scoville

It can be a devastating and disgusting diagnosis when a
Veterinarian tells you that your dog has Worms. Even worse, you
may actually see the Worms coming out of your dog or in their
stool, if they have Roundworms or Tapeworms. Trust me when I say
that that can be a nearly traumatic experience. Also disturbing,
some of these Worms can even be transmitted from your dog to
you, which is called zoonosis. These include Roundworms and
Hookworms, so you should take extra precautions and follow your
veterinarians advice to the letter, if you dog has one of these
parasites.

Each type of wormy parasite requires a different treatment or
medication, and will display different symptoms. Every dog owner
should at least have a working knowledge about the warning signs
of a Worm infestation and the treatments involved. Here are the
five types of Worms that may infect your dog.

1. Roundworms - There are two types of Roundworms and they are
the most common Worm infestation in dogs. The symptoms of
Roundworms include: pot-belly appearance, diarrhea, vomiting,
dull coat and weight loss. You may even see this type of Worm in
your dogs vomit or feces. They look like pieces of spaghetti up
to 6 inches long or longer. This type of Worm is usually treated
with oral medication, with follow-up fecal screenings. This is
one of the types of Worms that can be transferred to humans, but
good hygiene will usually eliminate this threat.

2. Hookworms - Hookworms can not be seen with the naked eye, so
they are usually diagnosed by your Vet with a test. The symptoms
of Hookworms include: bloody stool, anemia, weight loss, pale
gums, diarrhea and low energy level. This parasite is usually
treated with oral medication, follow-up fecal screenings, and in
the worst case, a blood transfusion. This is the other type of
Worm that can be transmitted to humans. Good hygiene and
cleaning up after your infected dog can prevent a human
infection.

3. Tapeworms - Common Tapeworm symptoms include abdominal pain,
nervousness, severe itching around the anus, vomiting and weight
loss. You may also see this Worm in your dogs feces. The broken
sections, which may still be moving, will give the dogs stool a
rice like appearance. Tapeworms must usually be treated with a
prescription oral or injection dewormer medication.
Over-the-counter dewormer medication is usually not strong
enough to clear this kind of Worm infestation.

4. Whipworms - This Worm can not be seen by the naked eye, and
must be diagnosed through testing. Symptoms of a Whipworm
infestation include anemia, weight loss, flatulence, diarrhea
with blood or mucus in the stool and lack of energy. These Worms
can be difficult to treat with over-the-counter medication, but
there are very effective prescription treatments.

5. Heartworms - Although easily preventable, untreated
Heartworm infections are potential fatal. The symptoms usually
do not show up until the last stage of the disease, and include
pot-belly, coughing, lack of energy and dull coat. Because
symptoms do not appear until its too late, it is best to use a
over-the-counter preventative medication to stop these Worms
before they endanger your pets health.

Having a Wormy dog can be an unpleasant experience, but in
almost all cases there is an effective treatment available to
help your favorite dog live a healthy and Worm free life.

About The Author: Go to http://www.Dewormed.com to learn more
about dog Worms types and treatments. If you think you have the
stomach for it, go to http://www.dewormed.com/page.cfm/id/14861
to see pictures of Worms in dogs.

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