Do you suspect that your dog has worms? Before you spend your money on deworming pet meds , you first need to know what kind of worm infection you are treating. In this blog, we look at the five most common types of parasitic worms that infect dogs, as well as discussing which pet meds is the right treatment for each one.

Roundworm Symptoms and Pet Meds

Roundworm are one of the most frequently encountered worms in dogs. Puppies are often have roundworm, as the worms are transferred from the mother to the young, and adult dogs may catch these worms if they come into contact with them in their environment. If you think that your dog has roundworms, the symptoms that you should look for include weight-loss and general lack of condition, swelling in the abdomen, vomiting and diarrhoea. In many cases, roundworm can be seen in the vomit or faeces of an infested dog they are white and string-like, and grow to several inches in length. If your dog has roundworm, you should choose a pet meds which is specifically formulated to eliminate this type of parasite.

Heartworm Symptoms and Pet Meds

Heartworm is a growing threat for dogs and has been identified throughout the United States. Spread by mosquito bites, heartworm symptoms include coughing and respiratory difficulties, swollen abdomen, dull coat and lethargy. If you are concerned that your pet has any of these symptoms you should see a vet. Heartworm infection is serious and requires pet meds supplied by a veterinarian, as treatment may be ongoing. It is important to note that the best treatment for heartworm is preventative so considered using pet meds such as selamectin to protect your pet.

Tapeworm Symptoms and Pet Meds

There are several types of tapeworm which can infect dogs, with carriers including fleas, raw meat, rodents and contaminated soil. Symptoms of tapeworm are varied, with the most obvious being visible pieces of tapeworm body in the animal's faeces and irritation around the anus. Tapeworm infestation can also cause your pet to have abdominal pain, vomiting and loss of condition. If your dog has tapeworm, a treatment with a pet med which contains praziquantel praziquantel will prove to be rapid and effective.

Whipworm Symptoms and Pet Meds

Whipworm is a parasite which of particular concern to dog owners because it can be transferred to humans. Dogs become infected with this type of worm through contact with other dogs or contaminated soil. Unlike some other types of worm, the symptoms of whipworm are harder to identify and may include flatulence, blood in the faeces, diarrhoea and weight-loss. Dog owners who think that their dog has this type of worm will need to see a vet for confirmation (via stool sample testing) and the appropriate pet meds.

Hookworm Symptoms and Pet Meds

Hookworms are most common in adult dogs and can be passed on to humans via skin contact. These worms cause bleeding in a dog's intestines, which can lead to anemia(which may be identified by pale gums) and weight-loss. Other symptoms include blood in the faeces, lethargy and skin irritation. If you think that your dog is showing signs of hookworm infestation, you will need to seek treatment from your dog's vet.