Worms are one of the common health problems that plague our canine companions. There are five different types of worms that affect dogs: tapeworms, heartworms, hookworms, whipworms, and roundworms. When left untreated for too long, worms can have a significant negative impact on the life of your furry loved one.
Fortunately, there are a few warning signs that can tip off sharp-eyed dog owners to the presence of worms. Spotting these signs is important since quick medical intervention by vets in Surrey can save your dog’s life. With that in mind, here are three warning signs your dog may be suffering from tapeworms:
Proglottid Segments Around the Anus
Did you notice that your dog seems to have grans or rice stuck to the fur that covers his anus? If so, you definitely didn’t see rice. Those are called proglottids, or segments of tapeworms that contain its eggs. The presence of proglottids often indicates that your dog already has an adult tapeworm or two.
Your Dog Likes to “Scoot”
Worms usually cause inflammation and irritation around the anus, which is where eggs or young worms tend to exit the body. As you can probably imagine, the irritation may cause your dog to rub its bottom along the ground in an effort to relieve the itch. This is known as “scooting”.
Very Dull Coat of Fur
When healthy, dogs will usually have a thick and shiny coat. This is because its body is able to properly absorb the nutrients from the food that you give him. On the other hand, dogs that have tapeworms tend to exhibit a dull coat. This is because the tapeworms in the intestines absorb majority of the nutrients in your dog’s diet, leaving your canine friend malnourished.
If you notice any of the signs, you’ll want to try and take a stool sample from your dog and set an appointment with one of the trusted vets around Surrey, such as Dr. Anne Nelson. This will help your vet determine if your dog is suffering from tapeworms. If the diagnosis is confirmed, your vet will provide you with a prescription wormer formulated for tapeworms.
Sources:
Intestinal Worms in Dogs and Cats, petmd.com
Symptoms of worms in dogs, cesarsway.com
