WORMS IN DOGS

Worms are the most common internal parasites in dogs. It is sometimes obvious due to the presence of worms in vomit or faeces or it it may not be at all obvious that your dog is infested.

The most common canine worms are:

ROUNDWORMS (Nematodes) Which include the Ascarids - Toxocara Canis and Toxascaris Leonia

Dogs become infested with roundworms by eating infectious eggs or larvae. Pups can be infested directly from the mothers milk when dormant larvae become active and reach the mammary glands or via utero transfer. Subsequently almost all puppies are born with Toxocara Canis

LIFE CYCLE OF THE ROUNDWORM

TAPEWORMS (Cestodes) Which include Dipylidium Caninum - otherwise known as the Flea Tapeworm

Tapeworms are often easier to spot as they can often be seen in faeces or near your dogs anus. The most common tapeworm found in dogs is the Dipylidium Caninum, otherwise known as the "Flea Tapeworm". Subsequently, if you find evidence of tapeworms in your dog it is wise to also treat him for fleas. The most common route of infestation is due to the ingestion of fleas whilst grooming. It is not possible for dogs to catch it from each other as the worm needs an intermediatory host (ie the flea). It is particularly important to regularly worm your dog if he scavenges or eats raw meat

LIFE CYCLE OF THE TAPEWORM

Regular worming is the only way to prevent worm infestations. It is recommended that treatment starts at 2 weeks of age and continues on a fortnightly basis until the pup is 12 weeks old. It is also recommended that the bitch is also treated to prevent infestation via the milk. From 12 weeks of age your dog should be wormed every three months.

In some cases humans can contract Toxocariasis via the roundworm Toxocara Canis (dog) or Toxocara Cati (cat). The most common cause is due to the ingestion of embryonated eggs. The effects can be quite serious, especially for children and pregnant women. In these households it is particularly important that pets are regularly wormed.