Most puppies are born with some sort of parasitic infection, according to the veterinary website PetEducation.com, and many dogs will contract worms during their adult lives. Passed from the mother to the puppies or contracted from stool containing worms, these parasites are often harmless as long as they are treated around the onset of infection. However, if the parasites continue to stay with the canine, they can cause severe health problems, including anemia. Worming medication is the only way to effectively remove the worms. While many pet stores sell de-wormers, the most effective products are usually those that are available through a veterinarian.
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Roundworms
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Roundworms are the most common parasite found in dogs. They live in the small intestine. Dogs are typically infected with Toxascaris leonina or Toxocara cati, with the latter as the most common. A puppy can contract roundworms from its infected mother while still in her uterus or through the milk when nursing, while an adult can become infested by eating roundworm eggs, which are in soil or stool. The eggs than hatch in the intestine and become adult worms. A dog that has roundworms will often pass them during bowel movements. The worms resemble spaghetti. There are quite a few treatments for roundworms, and most heartworm preventatives also contain ingredients to protect your dog from future roundworm infections.
Whipworms
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Whipworms live in the large intestine of dogs and look like whips when adults. A dog becomes infected with the parasites from ingesting food or water that contains the microscopic whipworm eggs. About three months later, the eggs hatch and release whipworms, which burrow their mouths into the dog's intestinal wall and feed off of its blood. If the dog is infected with only a few worms, it may not be evident that it has an infection unless you have its stool tested. Dogs typically do not show clinical signs of infestation with a light infection. However, a heavy infection will cause mucous or blood in the stool, along with diarrhea. A veterinarian can prescribe medication to eliminate the dog's whipworm infection.
Hookworms
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Hookworms are one of the most common---and dangerous---types of worms that can affect puppies and dogs. These parasites contain teeth-like structures, or cutting plates, inside their mouths, which allow them to attach to the intestine of an animal and feed off its blood. Potentially life-threatening anemia can occur if there is a heavy hookworm infection within the dog. Dogs can contract hookworms through eating or even from larvae burrowing through their skin. Hookworms are persistent, and will live in soil and other surfaces, such as kennel bottoms, if not treated. See your dog's veterinarian for a fecal test and medication if you suspect whipworms.
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