Symptoms of Hookworms, Whipworms & Roundworms

Hookworms, whipworms and roundworms are parasites. These worms can cause disease in your pet when left untreated. Dogs often become infested with worms by eating worm larvae off the ground, although some puppies receive worms from their mother. In small numbers, worms will not hurt your dog, but they do feed off of your pet and in large numbers will cause illness and even death.

  1. Hookworms

    • Primary infection of hookworms usually comes from ingestion, but ingestion can also be a secondary manner of infection. Hookworms are able to infect your pet by burrowing through his skin and entering the bloodstream. The hookworms will then work their way to the lungs, and the dog will swallow them after coughing them up. Hookworms can cause anemia in your pet; anemia will present with weakness and pale gums. You may also notice your pet losing a lot of weight and having a dull coat, but you probably will not see the small hookworms in your dog's stool. Your veterinarian can identify hookworms by looking at a stool sample under a microscope and, if found, recommend treatment.

    Whipworms

    • Whipworm infestations occur when dogs ingest worm eggs in soil or feces. Whipwoms live in the large intestine and the only symptom that you see may be diarrhea, which is sometimes mixed with blood. Diagnosis of whipworms can be difficult because they are not passed continuously, so they may not show up when your veterinarian microscopically analyzes a stool sample. Because of this, if your veterinarian suspects an infection, he may go ahead and recommend treatment because severe infection can be life-threatening.

    Roundwoms

    • The most common way for a dog to be infected with roundworms is through its infected mother while still a fetus or after birth when nursing. Adult dogs can become infected by eating feces or infected soil. Adult roundworms are easily seen in feces or vomit. Your pet will also have a "pot-bellied" appearance and may be weak and have a dull coat. Once diagnosed by your veterinarian, de-wormers provide safe treatment for roundworms.