Dogs from all over the world are facing different types of infections among which the worm infection is the most common type of infection which can lead to the death of your beloved dog. Worm infestation in dogs is contagious and can be transmitted to humans as well. All dogs of any breed and any age or gender are in danger of developing a worm infestation. However, puppies and old dogs often suffer from a worse reaction to worms because their immune system is weaker and unable to fight off these intruders effectively.  Therefore, it is very important to deworm a dog in the early stages of the infection.

How do I know what kind of worms my dog has?

• Roundworms

The most common parasite to infect dogs is the roundworm. Roundworm is almost the guaranteed illness that all dogs will suffer at some time in their life. Puppies infected with roundworms from their mother while feeding. It is very contagious so if a dog comes into contact with another afflicted animal sniffed around in soil where an infected dog has relieved himself or has been bitten by a flea or mosquito that is carrying the parasite your dog might get the contagious infection of roundworms

• Whipworms

Whipworm is one of the most pathological parasites of dogs. Whipworm can cause severe health problems including chronic colitis and anemia which of both can be deadly. The presence of worms in your dog’s poop indicates that your dog has already been infected for days with a whipworm infection and you have to move to a deworming routine to prevent it.

• Hookworms 

The hookworm is especially dangerous to dogs because the areas that it bit within the dog’s intestine will continue to bleed. Hookworms can also be fatal when picked up by puppies. The most common cause of young dogs developing hookworm is from the milk of their mother. 

• Tapeworms 

Tapeworms are one of the most well-known types of worms in dogs. It can grow 4 to 8 inches long. They are made up of sections. Each section is about the length of a grain of rice and some tapeworm sections will detach and be passed through the feces out of the dog’s rectum which then can be noticed by the dog’s owner.

• Heartworms 

As the name indicates these lie in your dog’s heart or pulmonary arteries and they can only come from being bitten by an infected mosquito while they are preventable and treatable. They can also be fatal if deworming by the owner is delayed.

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How do you know if your dog has worms?

Worms in your dog’s poop are a sure sign of parasite infestation however you won’t always know of worm infestation from a dog’s feces alone. Worms in dog poop are just one of the many signs and there are many other symptoms that you should be aware of which are mentioned as under;

• Diarrhea 
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Eye infection
• Loss of appetite
• Hair loss
• Itching 
• Illness
• Scratching anus 
• Abdominal pain
• Dull coat
• Coughing 

It is only occasionally that part of the worm will break off within the intestine and make its way through the rectum and into the dog’s poop. Most commonly a dog’s feces will contain eggs of the parasite which are far too small to be seen with the naked eye. Routine veterinary examinations of a dog’s fecal matter are recommended to spot infestations before more severe symptoms manifest themselves the case of obvious symptoms of worm infestation in dogs means that the condition has already progressed to an advanced stage and potentially causing extensive damage.

How to deworm a dog at home?

There are different home remedies that are effective and pocket-friendly to deworm a dog at home. The home remedies are briefly discussed as under;

1. Apple cider vinegar: Add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to your dog’s food daily to increase the alkaline levels of his intestine. The enzymes in the apple cider vinegar weaken the parasites’ grip on the intestinal wall so that they can be carried away with food.
2. Virgin coconut oil: If your dog is strongly against apple cider vinegar, you might try virgin coconut oil instead. Virgin coconut oil smells delicious which makes it difficult for your dog to refuse. Adding a tablespoon of this oil to your dog’s food helps flush out worms and prevent gastrointestinal disorders.
3. Cloves: Clove is a popular spice that has been used to treat parasites in humans and animals. In fact, it is often used as an ingredient in anti-parasitic formulas. Give your dog a clove after each meal for an entire week and repeat the process every alternate week within two months.
4. Chopped carrots: Mix two tablespoons of coarsely chopped carrots into your dog’s moist food. The fibrous vegetable barges through your dog’s intestine potentially scraping and bringing some worms along. Since the chunky bits will not be easily digested, your dog will eliminate the carrots in the same size and shape along with the worms.
5. Unripe papaya: The latex of an unripe papaya fruit is rich in papain, an enzyme that is proven effective against worms not just in canines, but also in humans. According to studies, eating an unripe papaya 30 minutes before a meal kills intestinal parasites, including tapeworms. The seeds that are taken straight from an unripe papaya also expel intestinal worms. If your dog refuses to eat papaya fruit consider pulverizing the papaya seeds. Then mix two teaspoons of the powder with a cup of goat’s milk or almond milk.
6. Pumpkin seeds: Grind up pumpkin seeds and add them to your dog’s wet food. The seeds contain cucurbitacin, a compound that fights parasites rendering them paralyzed. When this happens, the worms can no longer hold onto the intestinal wall and it won’t be long for them to bid your dog goodbye.
7. Yogurt: Yogurt contains live microorganisms called probiotics or good bacteria. Probiotics confer many health benefits and this includes promoting the digestive system of its host. Probiotics strengthen the normal gut flora of your dog, inhibiting parasitic infections and inflammation. If you are going to feed your dog yogurt, it has to be plain, lactose-free, and sugar-free.

Prevention from worms 

There is no vaccine for worms in dogs but there are deworming medicines and a special worm prevention routine that all dog owners must follow as part of essential health care. Most dewormed medications are designed to be mild on a healthy dog system yet strong enough to kill off any worms. If you have multiple pets within the home it is important to quarantine the afflicted animal. Clean those areas where the dog has relieved themselves. You can disinfect these areas by clearing and spraying with a household disinfectant or a parasite-specific treatment.

Regular dog grooming, including bathing, brushing, and fur trimming, prevents worms by keeping the skin clean and reducing the risk of ingesting worm eggs. Checking for signs of worms during grooming sessions enables early detection and prompt treatment. Professional grooming and regular vet check-ups enhance preventive measures, ensuring your dog’s overall well-being.

Conclusion  

Worms in dogs is the most common type of parasite illness in dogs which can be seen in all breeds of dog and any age of the dog can be infected with the worm illness. These worm illnesses are contagious and can be fatal if not treated properly. It is the responsibility of the dog owner to deworm his dog properly to avoid any future incontinence.