The most common canine worms are hookworms, whipworms, heartworms, tapeworms and roundworms, with tapeworms and roundworms being the most prevalent. Roundworms are typically found in young canines and puppies and tapeworms are found generally when there is an infestation of fleas. The symptoms of canine worms occur in the small and large intestines.
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Roundworm Symptoms
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Roundworms can grow up to seven inches in a canine's large intestine. Roundworms can be seen in a canine's stool. Humans can also contract roundworm from their canine friends. Roundworm symptoms include soft stool, vomiting and diarrhea.
Tapeworm Symptoms
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Tapeworms are usually caused by the consumption of fleas. Tapeworms appear like small pieces of rice and can be seen in a canine's stool. Generally there are no symptoms for a canine that has tapeworms; rarely the dog can vomit or have diarrhea.
Hookworm Symptoms
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Hookworm cannot be seen in a canine's stool. Symptoms of hookworm include weakness, anemia and dark blood in the canine's stool. Hookworm is only visible under a microscope after obtaining a stool sample. As with roundworm, humans can contract hookworm from their pet.
Whipworm Symptoms
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Whipworm symptoms include anemia, blood in diarrhea, weight loss and fatigue. Whipworm, like hookworm, is visible under a microscope. Whipworms are long, thin worms that live in the canine's intestine.
Heartworm Symptoms
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Heartworms are the most dangerous canine worms and can remain undetected for several years. Heartworm symptoms include coughing, fatigue, weakness, nausea and diarrhea. Symptoms of heartworm are usually not noticeable until it reaches an advanced stage.
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