Internal Parasites in Puppies

Contents:

• Heartworms
• Roundworms
• Hookworms
• Whipworms
• Tapeworms
• Symptoms of worms in puppies
• Treating and preventing worms

Heartworms in dogs

Heartworm disease can be life-threatening if left undiagnosed or untreated. Even when identified, treatment carries risks—making prevention absolutely essential for your puppy’s health.

Heartworm is transmitted between dogs by the bite of infected mosquitoes. The heartworm larva then travels through the dog’s body and ends up in the heart and lungs. As the worms grow, they can cause severe lung and heart damage.

Although heartworm disease is most commonly found in regions where mosquitoes are more prevalent, it is not only confined to these areas, with cases of heartworm disease diagnosed in nearly all parts of Australia. Young puppies can be bitten by mosquitoes so it is important to start heartworm prevention early. Heartworm is not an intestinal worm unlike the other worms discussed below.

Roundworms in dogs

It’s common for puppies to contract roundworms from their mother, either while still in the womb or through her milk during nursing. In addition, puppies can become infected by ingesting roundworm eggs from contaminated environments or by consuming infected rodents or birds.

Signs of roundworm infestation in puppies may include a pot-bellied appearance, stunted growth, weight loss, diarrhoea and intestinal obstruction.

Humans can become infected with roundworm too, through accidental ingestion of eggs from a contaminated environment. Roundworms can migrate through the human body and cause damage to organs including the brain, eye and other tissues.

Hookworms in dogs

Puppies can become infested with hookworms by ingesting the larvae from a contaminated environment, by penetration through the skin or via the milk when suckling. Hookworms attach to the lining of a dog’s small intestine using their biting mouthparts and feed on blood. In large numbers, they can cause significant blood loss, leading to anaemia. Hookworm infestations can cause damage to the intestine, bloody diarrhoea, weight loss and coughing, sometimes resulting in very severe disease and can even be fatal, especially in puppies.

Hookworm eggs are passed in the faeces of infected puppies and dogs. Hookworms that affect puppies and dogs can also infect and cause disease in people. The eggs hatch and the larvae can also infect people by penetrating the skin (e.g., if walking barefoot on contaminated sand or soil). The larvae can then migrate through the skin resulting in itchy and inflamed skin lesions. Hookworm infections in humans can also result in a more serious condition of the gastrointestinal tract.

Whipworms in dogs

Whipworms are so named for their characteristic whip-shaped body. Whipworms are an important cause of disease, even in older dogs. Adult whipworms live in the large intestine where their thin head burrows into the intestinal wall. They can cause diarrhoea (sometimes bloody) and severe infestations can result in weight loss and anaemia (especially if a long term infestation or if the dog also has hookworm).

Dogs may become infested with whipworms by ingesting eggs from contaminated environments such as dog parks. These eggs are extremely hardy and can remain viable in the environment for years—even under harsh conditions.

Tapeworms in dogs

Dipylidium caninum, commonly known as the flea tapeworm, is the most frequently encountered tapeworm in puppies. Because fleas act as the intermediate host, effective flea control is key to preventing infestation. Puppies typically become infected by ingesting an adult flea that carries the tapeworm.

Another tapeworm to be aware of is the hydatid tapeworm, which can be acquired when dogs consume raw offal or scavenge native wildlife such as kangaroo or wallaby carcasses. This parasite poses a serious health risk to humans, so it’s important to speak with your veterinarian to assess whether your dog may be at risk.

What are the symptoms of internal parasites in puppies?

Heartworms may cause no obvious signs early on, however, as the disease progresses dogs may develop signs such as coughing, lethargy, exercise intolerance, weight loss and difficulty breathing.

Intestinal worms can cause signs such as vomiting, diarrhoea (sometimes bloody), dehydration, anaemia, weight loss and poor coat appearance

How to treat and prevent puppy parasites?

Using an effective parasite control product is an essential part of owning a puppy. NexGard SPECTRA® makes parasite protection easy. It provides the most complete protection against fleas, ticks, mites, heartworm and intestinal worms, all in one tasty, monthly chew. It can be used in puppies from 8 weeks of age and 1.35 kg bodyweight.

See product label for full claim details and directions for use.