does your dog have worms?

Prevention is a far better strategy for dealing with worms and parasites than treating your dog once they’re suffering from an infestation. Your veterinarian will recommend prophylactic testing and medication as part of your dog’s annual preventive care. Follow these recommendations to help keep your dog healthy and worm-free.

If you suspect your dog has any type of worm infestation, take them to the vet as soon as possible. Once your vet diagnoses your pet with a specific worm, they’ll prescribe the appropriate treatment to help remove the parasite. They’ll also help treat any secondary health issues, like blood loss or digestive upset, caused by the worm.

Different kinds of worms and worm larvae are transmitted in different ways. Some internal parasites, like roundworm, can spread to pets in the womb or through nursing even if the mother has no sign of infection — a big reason why your vet recommends routine deworming meds during your pet’s first year.

Not all worms are created equally. Roundworm can show up as long, ribbony pieces in poop. Tapeworm appears as rice-like pieces in poop. Hookworm is rarely seen in poop but has a thin, hook-like appearance. Whipworm is unlikely to be seen with the naked eye in poop. And heartworm isn’t found in poop at all!