Introduction
Dogs can be infected by many different internal parasites throughout their lives, and even while they are in the womb. Many of these parasites tend to settle in the gastrointestinal tract, causing clinical signs that are somewhat similar. There are a number of ways that dogs can be exposed to and pick up worms, even if they have vigilant owners and live in spotless environments.
Puppies can become infected with certain internal parasites in utero and also through their mother’s milk. Dogs also can become infected by ingesting parasite adults, eggs or larvae found in contaminated soil, fecal material, fleas, rodents or other infected animals.
Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Worm Infestation in Dogs
Internal parasites that primarily live in a dog’s gastrointestinal tract feed off of the nutrients that would normally be absorbed by and through the dog’s digestive system. As a result, most of the signs attributable to infestation by these GI parasites mimic symptoms of malnutrition and gastrointestinal distress. These include:
- Unexplained weight loss; poor weight gain in puppies; stunted growth
- Increased or decreased appetite
- Poor coat quality; dandruff
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Diarrhea that may be bloody or mucoid
- Fresh blood in the stool from blood loss in the lower gastrointestinal tract (hematochezia)
- Dark, tarry stools from blood loss in the upper gastrointestinal tract (melena)
- Seizures
- Pot-bellied appearance
- Failure to thrive
- Vomiting
- Scooting
- Anemia
- Possible but rarely intestinal tract obstruction; abdominal distress
- Respiratory distress if the parasites penetrate the lungs
In some instances of intestinal parasite infestation, pet owners will see the worms or parts of the worms around their dog’s anal area or in its feces. Tapeworm segments look like grains of white rice, and expelled roundworms have a spaghetti-like appearance.
Signs of internal worm infestation can be confused with more serious illnesses, and over-the-counter deworming remedies do not necessarily target all types of internal parasites. If you notice any of these signs of intestinal worm infestation in your dog, it really is best to enlist the assistance of your veterinarian, which will no doubt include a complete fecal assessment of your dog.