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Worm Types

Hookworms in dogs reach 5-19 cm in length and can infect animals from the environment. This occurs when they are ingested or penetrate the skin of paws and legs. They can also be transferred to pups through their mother's milk. Hookworms cause a variety of clinical signs, including weight loss, poor appetite, bloated abdomen, black tar-like diarrhoea, dehydration, enteritis and lethargy. Severe infections can be fatal.
Roundworms reach 9-19 cm in length. They can infect dogs by ingestion, across the placenta, or be transferred to pups through their mother's milk. Roundworms cause a variety of clinical signs, including coughing, diarrhoea, vomiting, bowel obstruction, pneumonia, a dull coat, and a swollen abdomen. Severe infections can be fatal
Tapeworms The common flea tapeworm grows to 50 cm in length, and infects dogs after ingestion of infected fleas. This tapeworm causes irritation and itching around the anus but is not considered to be a major health risk. Another form of tapeworm is the Hydatid Tapeworm which grows to 7 mm in length, and is found in areas where sheep and dogs (or foxes) are in contact. While this tapeworm does not cause significant clinical signs in dogs, infection of humans can be life-threatening. Humans contract hydatids by swallowing eggs found on the coats and in the faeces of infected dogs. This form is not thought to be a risk in the UK, but is widespread in various parts of Europe.
Whipworms may reach 4-7 cm in length, and can only infect dogs when worms are swallowed. Clinical signs include abdominal pain, anorexia, pale eyelids and gums, dehydration, smelly bloody diarrhoea and weight loss. Infection in adult dogs is generally not as serious as infection in puppies, which can be fatal.

Control of Gastrointestinal Worms in your Dog
Regular de-worming of all pets, including pregnant bitches and puppies, will minimise infestation of your dogand help prevention infection of humans.

It is also important to maintain a hygienic environment:

Remove faeces from home and garden and dispose of thoroughly clean sleeping areas regularly

Feed your dog quality cooked or tinned meat or better still a complete diet such as Hills

Always wash your hands after handling your pet and before eating, and remember that it is particularly important for children to be taught this!

Do not let pets lick your face

Use a complete flea control programme, and control other intermediate hosts such as rats and mice

De-worming your dog

A wide variety of dog de-wormers are available from the Barrier Animal Care Clinic, including basic multi-wormers and combination medications which also help with flea control. Both palatable chews and tablets are available. (If you need a little help to give your dog pills, read our advice on the best method to give your dog medication.

Multi-wormer preparations should be given every three months to adult dogs. Pregnant or lactating bitches should be treated before mating, ten days before whelping, then two and four weeks after whelping. Pups should be de-wormed at two, four, six, eight and twelve weeks of age, then monthly until six months of age.

If you would like any advice on gastrointestinal worm control in your dog, please don't hesitate to contact Us or drop in and speak with one of our staff.

All wormer preparations vary in the frequency of dosing, please refer to the packaging supplied and drug label for more information.

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