WORMING TREATMENT FOR DOGS

Worms can be potentially deadly for dogs. It is very important that you administer regular worming treatment.

How do I know if my dog has worms?

Worms are one of the most common issues impacting dogs but can often be difficult to notice until your dog’s health is already at risk. The more common worms infecting dogs are heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms and whipworms. Here are the top 8 things to look for that may indicate your dog has worms.

1. Coughing: Increased coughing is a known symptom of some worms, particularly advanced cases of heartworm.

2. Worms or eggs in the faeces: While not all kinds of worms are visible to the naked eye, many are so it is worthwhile having a look.

3. Worms in vomit: Same as above, it is worthwhile having a look.

4. Scratching bottom along floor: Dogs often do this when itchy or irritated. While this can be caused by various things, worms is a possibility.

5. Bloated stomach: This is a more common side effect noticeable in puppies.

6. Food thieves: Worms steal food from their hosts so one noticeable symptom may be that your dog has lost weight and/or increasingly hungry.

7. Diarrhoea: This can be another symptom of worms, particularly if the diarrhoea has blood in it.

8. Dull coat or loss of hair: While it varies between different breeds, a good sign of a healthy dog is a thick and shiny coat of hair. If you notice it appearing more dull or dry or significantly thinning out, this may be a symptom of worms.

If you think your dog has worms, speak to your vet to seek immediate treatment and get recommendations on preventing the problem happening again in the future. Top brands include Panoramis and Advocate.