Pampered Dog Blog

Worms in dogs is a gruesome subject, as well as a bit of a nuisance. Despite this, it is still important you know where to look for worms in dogs. A better understanding of why you need to look here will ensure you minimise the chance of your dog having a worm infection.

Where To Look

There are two main places you can look for worms in dogs. You should check these places regularly, even if your dog is up to date in their de-worming programme. The worm’s type will determine their size, colour and shape. You will find they are generally a white to tan colour. Ringworms are the largest worms round, growing up to seven inches in length.

Vomit

Worms can be passed up in a dog’s vomit if it is a particularly severe infestation. When ringworms develop into ‘third stage larvae’, they migrate towards the host’s lungs. A dog will develop a cough when worms are present in the lungs. When the dog coughs the worms reach the throat and may be passed into the stomach. They then stand a chance of being vomited.

Whenever your dog vomits, be sure to give it the once over for worms. If you do find worms, take your dog to a vet immediately.

Faeces

There is also a chance that worms will be passed in a dog’s faeces. A dog’s faeces should be checked for worms every six months.

Your dog may be infested by tapeworms, which will appear in broken segments in their faeces. When they’re alive, tapeworms appear to expand and contract. Once dead, they will look a bit like uncooked rice.