Canine worms are a common problem that plague most dogs at least once in their lifetime. Some of the parasites that infect dogs are contagious dog worms that can be passed from one dog to the other. If left untreated, contagious dog worms can pose a severe health risk to your pet, which is why it is so important to regularly have your pet tested for worms by a veterinarian and given the proper medication to prevent a worm infestation.
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Hookworms
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Hookworms are one of the most common worms to affect canines, as there are a number of ways that a dog can contract the parasite. Hookworms attach themselves to the intestinal walls of the dog causing an infection that can result in serious illness if not treated properly. Hookworms are contagious, as they can be passed from one dog to another through contaminated water or soil, and also can pass from a mother to her puppies via the mammary glands and uterus. Hookworms consume the blood of the animal through the intestine, which can cause severe anemia, especially in young or weak dogs. Symptoms of hookworms in dogs include weakness or lethargy, weight loss and bloody diarrhea.
Roundworms
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Roundworms are a contagious dog worm that is passed from a mother to her puppies in utero. Immature roundworms that are passed to the puppies begin to develop once the puppies are born and the worms begin to lay eggs and reproduce. A fecal examination can detect the worms at an early age, though there are also some signs and symptoms of roundworms that may be present as well. Puppies with roundworms often exhibit a ̶0;pot-belly̶1; appearance and severely infected puppies may have symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss. Roundworms in dogs need to be treated early on to prevent possible obstruction to the intestines, which can be life threatening.
Tapeworms
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Tapeworms are parasites that are passed from one animal to another through the anus. Mature tapeworms reside in the intestine and shed segments of their body that are passed through the digestive tract. Once these segments dry, eggs are released and are consumed by flea larvae. When these fleas are consumed by the dog or other dogs, often through licking or chewing on themselves, the eggs within the flea are released back into the digestive tract for infestation to occur. Contagious dog worms like tapeworms do not usually cause significant health problems for the dog, but if left untreated severe cases can lead to weight loss and generally poor health.
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