Intestinal Worms

Intestinal worms, including tapeworms, hookworms, and roundworms, can cause dog health problems such as diarrhea, weight loss, dry hair, and vomiting. In some cases, there are no symptoms and the worms can be passed from mothers to offspring during pregnancy.

There are many types of intestinal worms:

• Tapeworms are one of the most common intestinal parasites in dogs. Dogs contract tapeworm by licking and swallowing fleas that are carrying tapeworm eggs.
• Hookworms and whipworms can cause anemia by sucking large amounts of blood from the intestinal wall vessels of dogs.
• Roundworms are particularly dangerous because they can infect humans; they infect children more often than adults.

Regular de-worming preparations (once per month) for dog health care can control and eliminate most parasitic worm infestations.

Worm medications for dogs include ivermectin, milbemycin oxime, nitroscanate, and praziquantel.