

Mosquito bites can transmit the infection, and it takes 6 or 7 months for the larvae to mature. Heartworms are perhaps the most insidious of parasites. This can lead to dehydration and weight loss.Įven after your puppy’s treatment, the rate of re-infection is high.

If your puppy has a heavy infestation, he may have diarrhea or bloody stool. Whipworm will cause irritation and discomfort. There may not be any symptoms at all in the early stages. It takes three months for whipworm eggs to mature. They’re just a quarter inch in length, with a thick end that attaches to the puppy’s intestinal wall and tapers to a thin end resembling a whip. Like hookworms, whipworms get their name from their shape. This is a serious symptom, and delicate puppies can actually bleed to death internally from having hookworms. Take your puppy to the vet immediately if you notice blood in their stool. Signs of anemia include weight loss, pale gums, and weakness. Hookworms can cause severe anemia and even death. HookwormsĪs the name implies, hookworms have a hook-like mouth that attaches to your puppy’s intestinal wall.Īlthough they’re only about 3 millimeters long, they can do a lot of damage. Unfortunately, even after treatment there is a high incidence of reinfection. It’s important to talk to your vet about flea control that is appropriate for your puppy’s age. This brings up the importance of making sure your puppy doesn’t have fleas. If ingested, an infected flea will feed on your puppy’s intestines. You may see them near your puppy’s rear end, in their stool, or on their bed. They’re made up of segments which can break apart and look like rice. Tapeworms are white, flat, and can be as long as 8 inches. There are different types of tapeworms, but the most common one that affects dogs comes from fleas. They’re white or light brown in color and look like spaghetti. You may also be able to see the worms in your puppy’s stool or vomit. They feed off the intestines, and puppies who are severely affected can die from roundworms.Ī distended belly and upset tummy are the main indicators that your puppy is infected.

The sooner your puppy is treated, the less chance there is of complications. Roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms are the most common intestinal worms. It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms that your puppy is suffering from worms or other parasites. If your puppy eats these eggs, then they’ll get worms. When an infected dog defecates, parasite eggs are passed in the stool. They can also get infected from fleas or mosquitos.Ĭontact with another dog’s poop is another common way they contract worms. Puppies can inadvertently ingest parasites’ eggs from the ground or water. This can happen while still in the womb or while nursing if the mother is infected. One of the most common ways puppies get parasites is from their mother. Worm infestations that are severe can cause an intestinal blockage and result in death. If left untreated, intestinal issues will not only make your puppy feel sick, they can lead to other infections, anemia, and organ damage. When parasites’ eggs hatch in your puppy’s gastrointestinal tract, they grow by leaching vitamins and minerals that your puppy needs to grow big and strong. If left untreated, worms can cause some serious health problems in puppies. The good news is that worms are usually easy to get rid of with the proper treatment.Īlthough, as with most medications, there can be side effects of deworming a puppy.īut before we discuss the side effects of deworming a puppy, let’s look at the effects worms can have on a puppy. Or perhaps you’ve noticed your young dog has symptoms of worms.ĭon’t feel that you’ve been neglectful or that the breeder kept your puppy in unsanitary conditions. Is your new litter about to receive treatment for the first time? Are you wondering what the side effects of deworming a puppy are?
