Worms in Dogs
Dogs and puppies are commonly
infected with four sorts of worms: roundworms (Toxocara canis),
hookworms (Uncinaria stenocephala), whipworms (Trichuris vulpis),
and tapeworms (Diphylidium caninum, Echinococcus granulosus,
and Taenia spp.).
Roundworms
Most puppies are born infected with roundworms. Infection
occurs when the roundworms cross the placenta and infect the
unborn puppies. Adult dogs occasionally have roundworms. Worms
lay lots of eggs that can live a long time in environment.
Symptoms include:
• vomiting and diarrhoea
• worms in vomit or faeces
• pot belly, especially in puppies
• dull and rough coat
• poor appetite
• weight loss
• severe infestations can kill young puppies due to
intestinal blockages.
Hookworms
Common in farm working dogs. Cause serious disease when living
in the gut, sucking blood.
Symptoms include:
• diarrhoea
• weight loss.
Whipworms
Live in the gut and lay lots of eggs that can live a long
time in the environment.
Symptoms include:
• diarrhoea
• weight loss
• abdominal pain.
Tapeworms
Infection can be caused by the dog eating fleas when grooming
itself. Fleas can carry the immature stage of the tapeworm.
Dogs can get infected by eating raw sheep and goat meat. The
hydatids tapeworms pose a very serious risk to humans.
Symptoms include:
• small white objects around the bottom (same size
as grains of rice or sesame seeds)
• irritation and rubbing around the bottom.
Treating
Worms in Dogs
Treating dogs against worms is important to
prevent disease and reduce the spread of worm eggs in the
environment. The worm eggs can also pose a risk to people
and treating puppies and dogs will reduce the risk of infection
to humans.
Young puppies can be treated by using Cancare
tablets.
Young puppies should be treated at the
following times 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 weeks of age.
Older puppies over 12 weeks of age should be wormed every
month until six months of age with Drontal.
Adult dogs should be wormed for all four types of worms using
Drontal worm tablets. Drontal tablets come in two different
sizes, and are given at different dose rates depending on
the size of tablet.
The frequency of treatment is usually every three months.
In some situations treatment may need to be increased. Pregnant
and lactating bitches should be wormed every two weeks until
the puppies are weaned. Cancare should be used for these situations.
These tablets are for sale over the counter at the SPCA Veterinary
Care Clinic.
If you have any queries concerning your pet please do not
hesitate to get in contact with us.
Worming
Recommendations
Younger Puppies (2 - 12 weeks)
• Worm puppies every two weeks until 12 weeks of age.
• Use Cancare - dose rate one tablet per seven kilograms
bodyweight.
• Cancare kills roundworms and hookworms.
• Weigh your puppy and work out the dose it requires.
• The dose rate is one tablet per seven kilograms.
• Round the amount up to the nearest half tablet.
Older puppies (12 weeks - 6 months)
• Worm puppies every month until six months of age.
• Use Drontal - dose rate one tablet per ten kilograms
bodyweight.
• Round the amount up to the nearest half tablet.
• Drontal kills roundworms, hookworms, whipworms,
and tapeworms.
Adult Dogs
• Worm dogs every three months.
• Use Drontal - dose rate one tablet per ten kilograms
bodyweight or Drontal for Large Dogs at dose rate of one
tablet per 35 kilograms bodyweight.
• Drontal kills roundworms, hookworms, whipworms,
and tapeworms.
• Weigh your dog and work out the dose it requires.
• Round the amount up to the nearest half tablet.
• Remember to treat for fleas on the dog and in the
environment as well.
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