When we talk about worms in dogs we are using a term to describe several internal parasitic infections that our pets are prone to. Owners can buy treatments for worms in dogs from pet shops and veterinary practices and should use them regularly. Worming is a vital part of responsible dog care.

There are two common types of worms in dogs in the UK. They are known as roundworms and tapeworms. Unfortunately many puppies are born with a roundworm infection so they are very hard to avoid. This underlines the importance of worming our dogs regularly, especially during puppyhood.

As worms in dogs go, roundworms can have serious consequences, despite the fact that many dogs which are infested will show no outward symptoms. Mature roundworms live in the intestines, where they feed on the contents. In other words, they eat your dog’s food! In cases of serious infection, there can be several roundworms living inside a dog at once. It isn’t surprising to find a heavily infested dog can be malnourished, lacking in energy and displaying a dull coat.

Inside adult dogs, roundworms may remain dormant in cysts inside the muscles. They then reawaken later on, often at times of stress. Very commonly, pregnancy awakens them and the larvae migrate around the body, infecting the unborn puppies. Treating the pregnant dog for worms will not rid the puppies of their infestation. This is why worms in dogs treatments for puppies are vital.

Soil becomes contaminated with eggs when they are released with a dog’s faeces. Then other animals ingest the worms when snuffling in the soil. Toxocara Canis is the most common roundworm and it can infect children when they come into contact with the eggs playing in contaminated soil. The worm larvae may then migrate around the child’s body and can cause serious and permanent damage to eyesight if they reach the back of teh retina. Regular treatment for worms in dogs is therefore vital for responsible dog ownership.