Common Signs of Intestinal Worms in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Intestinal worms can affect dogs of all ages, but the signs are not always easy to spot.
Some dogs may develop obvious symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting or weight loss. Others may show little to no outward signs while worms continue to affect their health.
This is one of the reasons regular worming is so important. By the time you notice a change in your dog's health, an intestinal worm infection may already be established.
Understanding the common signs of intestinal worms in dogs, how infections are diagnosed and treated, and how regular prevention can help keep your dog protected can make it easier to act before a small problem becomes a bigger one.
What Are Intestinal Worms in Dogs?
Intestinal worms are parasites that live inside a dog's digestive system. Different types of worms can affect dogs, with roundworms, hookworms and whipworms among the most common.
These parasites can compete with your dog for nutrients, irritate the intestinal tract and, in some cases, cause significant illness.
Some intestinal worms can also pose a risk to people, particularly children and others who may come into contact with contaminated soil or faeces. This makes regular parasite prevention important for your dog's health and the health of your household.
Common Signs of Intestinal Worms in Dogs
The symptoms of intestinal worms can vary depending on the type of worm, the severity of the infection and your dog's age and overall health.
Here are some signs to watch for:
1. Diarrhoea
Changes in your dog's stools, including ongoing or recurring diarrhoea, can sometimes be associated with intestinal worms.
You may also notice mucus or blood in the stool, particularly with some types of worm infection.
However, diarrhoea can have many different causes, so it is important not to assume worms are responsible without veterinary advice.
2. Vomiting
Some dogs with intestinal worms may experience vomiting. In more severe infections, worms may occasionally be visible in vomit.
If your dog is repeatedly vomiting, seems unwell or cannot keep food or water down, they should be assessed by a veterinarian.
3. Weight Loss
Unexplained weight loss can be another warning sign.
Intestinal worms can interfere with nutrient absorption or consume nutrients within the digestive tract. If your dog is losing weight despite eating normally, it is worth speaking with your veterinary team.
4. Changes in Appetite
Some dogs with worms may have a reduced appetite, while others may seem unusually hungry.
A noticeable or ongoing change in appetite should always be investigated, particularly when it occurs alongside other symptoms.
5. A Bloated or Distended Abdomen
A swollen or rounded abdomen can sometimes occur with intestinal worm infections, particularly in puppies with a significant worm burden.
A noticeably distended abdomen should not be ignored, especially in a young dog.
6. Poor Coat Condition
A healthy dog's coat should generally appear clean and well maintained. Dogs affected by significant intestinal worm infections may develop a dull or poor-quality coat as their overall health is affected.
7. Scooting or Irritation Around the Bottom
Dogs may drag their bottom along the ground for many reasons, including anal gland problems and skin irritation.
While scooting is not a definite sign of intestinal worms, changes around your dog's rear end can be worth discussing with your veterinarian, particularly if other symptoms are present.
8. Lethargy or Weakness
A dog that seems unusually tired, weak or less interested in normal activities may be unwell.
In severe cases, certain intestinal worms can contribute to anaemia and significant weakness, particularly in puppies.
Can You See Worms in Your Dog's Stool?
Sometimes, but not always.
Certain worms or worm segments may be visible in faeces, while other infections can only be identified through appropriate testing.
Not seeing worms does not mean your dog is worm-free.
This is why relying on what you can see is not an effective way to determine whether your dog needs intestinal worm prevention.
How Are Intestinal Worms Diagnosed?
If your veterinarian suspects an intestinal worm infection, they may recommend examining a stool sample.
Faecal testing can help identify evidence of certain worm infections and determine whether further treatment is needed.
Your veterinarian will also consider your dog's symptoms, age, lifestyle, health history and parasite prevention routine when assessing their risk.
If your dog has symptoms that concern you, avoid giving a worming treatment based solely on guesswork. Your veterinary team can help determine the most appropriate approach.
How Are Intestinal Worms Treated?
Treatment depends on the type of worm and your dog's individual circumstances.
Your veterinarian may recommend an appropriate worming treatment to target the specific parasite involved. In some cases, follow-up treatment or testing may be necessary.
It is also important to address the source of exposure where possible and maintain good hygiene, particularly around faeces.
Never assume that one worming product protects against every type of intestinal worm. Different products have different coverage, so it is important to choose prevention based on your dog's needs.
How Can You Prevent Intestinal Worms?
Prevention is generally easier than dealing with an established infection.
Regular intestinal worming can help reduce the risk of your dog developing a significant worm burden. Your dog's recommended prevention schedule can depend on factors such as their age, lifestyle, environment and exposure risk.
Other practical steps can also help:
Pick up your dog's faeces promptly.
Wash your hands after handling dog faeces or cleaning contaminated areas.
Keep your dog's living areas clean.
Avoid allowing your dog to eat faeces or other animal waste.
Keep your dog's parasite prevention up to date.
Speak with your veterinarian if your dog is overdue for worming.
Don't Wait for Signs to Appear
One of the biggest challenges with intestinal worms is that your dog may not show obvious symptoms.
A dog can appear completely healthy while carrying intestinal parasites. Waiting until you see worms in their stool or notice significant symptoms can mean the infection has already progressed.
Regular parasite prevention helps reduce this risk and keeps worming as part of your dog's routine healthcare rather than something you only think about when there is a problem.
Protect Your Dog With Regular Intestinal Worming
If you cannot remember when your dog was last wormed, or you are unsure whether their current parasite prevention provides the right protection, now is a good time to speak with your veterinary team.
At Goodna Vet, we can help you understand your dog's individual parasite risks and recommend an appropriate prevention plan.
And this October, there is an extra reason to make sure your dog's parasite protection is up to date.
From October 5 to October 31, dogs receiving their annual SR-12 heartworm injection and/or annual Bravecto Quantum flea and tick injection can receive 12 months of intestinal worming at no extra cost.
If a heartworm test is required before the injection, the test is also free as part of the promotion, including for dogs who are new or overdue for their heartworm prevention.
Book your dog's appointment before October 31 and speak with our veterinary team about keeping their parasite protection on track.
When Should You See a Vet?
If your dog has persistent diarrhoea, repeated vomiting, unexplained weight loss, weakness, blood in their stool or any other concerning change, contact your veterinarian.
And even if your dog appears perfectly healthy, regular parasite prevention is still important.
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