The term ‘worms in dogs’ is used to describe many different internal parasites which can infect our pets. Owners can buy treatments for worms in dogs from pet shops and veterinary practices and should use them regularly. Worming is a vital part of responsible dog care.
There are two common types of worms in dogs in the UK. They are known as roundworms and tapeworms. Unfortunately many puppies are born with a roundworm infection so they are very hard to avoid. This underlines the importance of worming our dogs regularly, especially during puppyhood.

Whilst roundworms will not show symptoms in some dogs, they can have much more serious consequences than other worms in dogs. Adult roundworms live in the dog’s intestine and eats the contents. In other words, they eat your dog’s food! In severe cases, there can be several roundworms inside one dog. This explains why dogs with severe infestations are malnourished, have dull coats and lack energy.

In adult dogs, the roundworm larvae often form cysts within the muscles in which they lay dormant. In times of stress they awaken. It is very common for them to be awoken by pregnancy, prompting them to migrate around the body and infect the unborn puppies. Treating the pregnant dog for worms will not rid the puppies of their infestation. This is why worms in dogs are such a big problem to new born puppies.

Soil becomes contaminated with eggs when they are released with a dog’s faeces. Then toehr dogs pick up the eggs from the soil. The most common roundowmr in the UK is the Toxocara Canis and it can infect humans, especially children who come into contact with the eggs playing in contaminated soil or sand. The worm larvae may then migrate around the child’s body and can cause serious and permanent damage to eyesight if they reach the back of teh retina. Because of the potential implications of worms in dogs for canine and hu8man health, regular worming treatment is a massive part of responsible dog ownership.