Description of Worms
Worms are the common name for Canine parasites which exist internally (their eggs or larvae exist externally). As internal parasites they live off the puppy or dog robbing them of vital nutrients needed to stay healthy. Left untreated, intestinal parasites will stunt the growth and weaken young puppies. Worms -and Parasite eggs are shed into the environment via feces and can infect other dogs. There are many different types of dog and puppy parasites and unfortunately most puppies are actually born infested with 'worms' - which can be passed from worm- carrying mothers. The generic term "worms" is usually used to describe Roundworms - the most common of all the canine worms.

Different Types of Worms
There are several types of internal parasites, or worms, which affect pets and are as follows:

Roundworms also referred to as Round worms - (Called Ascarids)

Hookworms also referred to as Hook worms (Ancylostoma caninum)

Tapeworms also referred to as Tape worms (Dipylidium caninum)

Whipworms also referred to as Whip worms (Trichuris vulpis)

Heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis)

Single-cell parasites such as Coccidia and Giardia

Intestinal parasites, or worms, exist in all ages of dogs with the greatest frequency in puppies. These more commonly refer to the Tapeworms and the Roundworms. Roundworms are typically found in puppies, whilst tapeworms are more common in older dogs.

Spread of Worms - A Hazard to People (Zoonotic diseases)
Many of the canine internal parasites are also classified as Zoonotic diseases, those which can be directly
communicable to people. Research surveys have shown that as many as 12% of the 80 million dogs in the USA have mild worm infections. Approximately one quarter of house yards in the USA have been found to contain roundworm eggs. The Spread of Worms, including Roundworm, can be carried from one animal to another and from animals to humans. Humans are rarely infected with the canine tapeworm. The biggest risk is to our children, who often do not pay care and attention to basic sanitary and cleansing requirements, and are therefore more susceptible to these parasites.

Common Symptoms of Worms
These symptoms are a generalisations of what might be expected should a dog or puppy have worms:

Detecting Different Types of Worms
There is only one reliable way to detect "worms" and that is for a Veterinary Surgeon or Canine Health Specialist to undertake stool examinations. These examinations should be performed by a veterinarian at 6, 9, and 12 weeks of age. This will enable the Vet to detect any "Worms" and ensure that your pet remains free of internal dog parasites. This detection process is essential and will ensure that the dog or puppy is not shedding parasite eggs into the environment.

Treatment of Worms
Medication to control the worms can be prescribed by a Veterinary Surgeon or Canine Health Specialist at 6, 9, and 12 weeks of age. Medication should be prescribed to treat the worms regardless of whether parasite eggs are detected in the stool of the puppy - if the mother is found to be infected. This is because the eggs of the parasites may not have yet developed or are numerous enough to be detected.

Prevention of Worms
Preventing or reducing the occurrence of dog and puppy worms by taking de-worming prevents the shedding of parasite eggs by your dog or puppy. These eggs contaminate the environment, and, as they can lay dormant for some considerable time can later re-infect your dog or puppy.

About This Advice
We hope that this information about Canine Worms has been of some assistance. But please remember that if you are in doubt about your Dog's Health you should consult your vet or other suitably qualified expert.

You can find details and contact information for any UK vet here

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