Dogs and puppies are prone to intestinal parasites such as whipworms and roundworms. Fly larvae, such as mango worms or cuterebras (pronounced cuetuh RE-bra), infect skin.
Roundworms
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Roundworms have a thin, light-tan color and are between four and fifteen centimeters in length (about one inch to six inches). They are usually about one millimeter to two millimeters (about 1/ 16 of an inch). The worm has a spear-shaped end and a lightly coiled other end. The entire roundworm becomes tightly coiled, like a serpent.
The majority of adult dogs do not show any symptoms when infected by roundworm. Some adult dogs will vomit roundworms, or have them in their poop.
Infected puppies will have a potbellied look and dull hair coat. The diarrhea may contain mucus. Infected puppies are more likely to vomit roundworms alive and have them in their poop than adult dogs.
Whipworms
Whipworms, which are white and very thin worms measuring between 4.5 centimeters and 7.5 centimeters (about 2 to 3-inches), are found in the tropics. The worm looks like a leather whip, similar to the ones used in Indiana Jones films. The worm’s thick handle is similar to a leather whip, while the thin lash is similar to a whip.
Whipworms are not usually visible in dogs with a few whipworms. Infected dogs will usually show weight loss and diarrhea.
Hookworms
Hookworms can infest a dog’s intestines, but they can also be contracted through the skin of their feet. This can cause intense itching. Dreamstime.com
Hookworms have an off-white color and are one to two centimeters in length (about half to 3/4 inch). They are 4 to 5 millimeters (about 1/8 inch) wide. The hook-like end of these worms is similar to a fishing hook.
In most cases, dogs with a few hookworms present in the small intestine do not show symptoms of infection. Infected dogs may have tarry, dark stools. Untreated, these dogs can become anemic and lethargic. They may also lose weight.
Anemia can be life-threatening in puppies with hookworm. These puppies can also appear thin and lethargic.
Hookworm can also cause pododermatitis. Hookworm is commonly thought to be an intestinal parasite. Hookworm can enter the body of a dog through the underside webbing that runs between the toes. Hookworm can cause intense itching if it enters the skin.
Tapeworms
The tapeworm is a worm that can be anywhere between 15 and 70 centimeters (about 6 inches up to two feet) long. Proglottids are the part of the tapeworm most commonly seen in dog poop and on the skin surrounding the anus. They are a fragment of the mature worm which breaks off into the poop. The proglottids are small rice grains that may be found around the anus of a dog or on his fur. They also contain tapeworm egg.
Infected dogs rarely display any signs of tapeworms. Dogs can scoot their butt on the floor if they have tapeworm proglottids.
Worms in Dogs Whole Dog Journal
