Worried about puppy worms?
Puppy worms are actually a pretty normal, but irritating, part of life when you're a puppy parent. Many puppies have worms, most are born with roundworms (transmitted from their momma), but in most cases these worms are easily treated. Even severe infestations usually respond to the appropriate medications. With this comprehensive guide to puppy worms you should be able to get (and keep) your puppy worm-free! The Facts About Puppy WormsWorms are internal parasites that set up shop inside your precious puppy. The most common worms found in puppies are roundworms, followed by tapeworms, whipworms, hookworms and heartworms.Intestinal worms are parasites, and they steal all the nutrition that should be going to your puppy. They also multiply and grow rapidly, and a few puppy worms can turn into quite an army in a pretty short space of time. If little Fido has worms which are left untreated he can get quite sick, and will probably look and feel like it too. Luckily prevention and treatment are fairly straightforward and, in a healthy puppy, very effective. Dog worm medication is most effective when given, or prescribed by your veterinarian. Over the counter dog worm medications are often ineffective at best, and can have unwanted side effects. If you bought your puppy from a responsible breeder they will most likely have started their puppies on a schedule of de-wormings several weeks before they go to their new families. Roundworms These are the most common worms and are often transmitted from mother to puppy. They're then transmitted through the puppies feces and if proper hygiene is not followed it's possible (but fairly unlikely)that these puppy worms could be to transmitted to human members of your family. In puppies, symptoms of a roundworm problem can include a thin, scrawny look accompanied by a round, distended tummy. A dull, coarse and out-of-condition coat is another sign. If Fido has a lot of roundworms he may even vomit, cough or have frequent diarrhea.
Your veterinarian will most likely do a fecal exam (test Fido's poop to see if he has worms) and then administer the appropriate medicine. Although you can buy over-the-counter worm medicines, it's not advisable to treat your puppy yourself. Leave that kind of stuff to the professionals! Tapeworms The most common type of tapeworm is spread by fleas. The worms are then shed in the puppy's feces, they are usually in segments which look like single grains of rice. If you check Fido's poop you will most likely be able to tell whether or not he has tapeworms. However, the definitive test needs to be done at your veterinarians office, where they can prescribe the right medication to fix the problem. The most common tapeworms are not easily transmitted, or dangerous to, people. But there is a variety that can cause serious health problems and even death in humans so again, good hygiene is a MUST. Treating your puppy with a flea preventative is very effective in eliminating the danger from these puppy worms. 
WhipwormsThese particular puppy worms are more common than people think, maybe because they're generally difficult to detect. Fido is at risk of catching whipworms if he eats something that's been in contact with contaminated soil or feces. Your veterinarian can make a diagnosis and give appropriate treatment, which needs to be repeated at specific intervals in order to get rid of all the worms at different stages of development. Hookworms There ar 4 kinds of hookworm and unfortunately the most common one (which prefers a warm climate) is the most dangerous. Transmitted through feces, the hookworm thrives in warm soil and is contracted when the larvae penetrates the skin of it's host. Humans can also contract hookworm so it's best not to walk barefoot in the yard or parks where dogs eliminate. Hookworms can be fatal in young puppies and can cause severe anemia, diarrhea or pneumonia in older pups. Your veterinarian is the best person to diagnose and treat this parasitic infection. A regular heartworm medication can also control and prevent hookworm infestation. Heartworms Of all puppy worms, this is the most dangerous. As it's name suggests it attacks the heart and is always serious, and often fatal. 
Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes. As it isn't easy to detect in the early stages, regular tests by your veterinarian (often yearly) for these parasites are recommended.Treatment for heartworms is long, complicated and expensive so this is definitely a case where prevention is WAY BETTER than cure. See my Heartworm Prevention page for all the information and advice you need to keep your precious pup safe. I personally believe in giving your puppy a monthly, preventative medication (such as Heartgard Plus) but you should always check with your own veterinarian before giving your puppy any kind of medication.
Using a monthly flea and tick control medication such as Frontline Plus can help to prevent or eliminate external parasites. This has a direct and beneficial effect in reducing the chances of poor Fido getting puppy worms, as he isn't being bitten by, or ingesting, fleas. Visit my Fleas and Ticks page for more information on this. You can get a professional answer to any veterinary question you have by using the box below. Answers generally come back within a few hours (often much sooner) and for an average cost of about $12 it's an affordable way to get peace of mind! If you're interested in the natural approach to healthcare for your puppy, check out this gentle herbal product that can help protect your pup. It also helps to heal and repair the damage done by worms to the lining of your his digestive tract, while strengthening his immune system.  Canine Inulin PK for Dog Worms - $ 32.95 Retail Price: 35.99 You Save: $3.04 After De-Worming...Some puppies may have a mild reaction to the de-worming medications. Symptoms can include tummy upset, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite or feeling extra tired.This type of reaction is similar to a mild reaction to vaccinations and is generally nothing to worry about. Most pups who have been treated for puppy worms feel better within 12 - 24 hours. You may also notice that your pup passes worms in their stool, or occasionally they will vomit them up. This shows the medication is working and again isn't usually cause for concern. However, if your pup vomits or has diarrhea repeatedly, excretes a large number of worms, or seems to be feeling really unwell (rather than just a bit 'under the weather'), do call your veterinarian for advice. It's always better to be safe than sorry with young puppies, so if you're at tall worried, check with your vet.... and remember, although your pup may experience a mild reaction, it's still vital that he be treated for puppy worms, as the health risks of the worms are far, far more serious! Puppy Health
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