Dogs can be victims of internal parasites commonly referred to as worms in dogs, therefore veterinarian usually wants to check a stool sample. In fact, worms are one of the most common, but luckily very treatable, health problem in dogs. Roundworms and tapeworms can be seen in the stool sample with even unaided eye, but there are also whipworms and hookworms that are not so obvious. You should learn how to notice if your furry companion has worms in order to get him/her an appropriate treatment.
Common symptoms of worms in dogs are, as mentioned above, visible worms and eggs in a stool, in fur or area around rear. If your dog is scratching or rubbing rear against the furniture or on the floor, the signs of the itchiness might be due to worms, but also due to the problems with glands. As well in your dog’s stool, worms might be visible in a vomit. Puppy can receive worms from its mother and the symptom can be bloated belly or stomach. Diarrhea, in particular if it has blood in it, can be a symptom. Keep in mind that worms are actually stealing nutrients from your dog, therefore he/she might become weak and constantly hungry. In more severe cases, your dog might start losing his/her weight.
In case you notice your dog has worms or your dog’s veterinarian diagnose it, there are many effective and safe treatments available. Flavored chewable tablets as all-in-one medication for the heartworms, tapeworms, hookworms and roundworms are perhaps the best solution. They have many purposes and cover all the major types of worms, therefore it is convenient way for the dog owner to fight against dog’s worms. The correct dosage must be determined based on the dog’s weight and age. However, most of these convenient medications require one tablet per month no matter the weight.