We all know the importance of vaccinations and other shots for our puppies at a young age. Worming is something that can be overlooked if signs are not shown. But worming is very important and can cause major health issues if not taken care of at an early age.
Puppies mainly contract worms from their mothers at infancy. If their mother has worms, the puppy is usually guaranteed to have them as well. For young pups, this can be a death sentence. Worms consume the nutrients puppies take in which, essentially, slowly starves them. Even if your puppy is not showing signs of having worms such as a bloated stomach, increased appetite or worms in their stool, they can still be lying dormant. Anytime you get a puppy, immediately have him vet checked and schedule appointments for vaccinations, shots and worming.
Adult dogs are just as susceptible to worms as puppies. Dog waste left in your hard can harbor eggs and larva of worms, parasites and diseases for years after the stool has disappeared. This can be a danger to your pup and your family. Round worm larva is known to cause blindness and disease to the brain, lungs, kidneys, heart, liver and eyes. There can also be E. Coli, hookworm, ringworm, tapeworm and Salmonella lingering in the grass and soil of your lawn. If ingested by another dog or your own dog, serious health issues can ensue.
Scooping your yard of waste weekly can create a safer environment for everyone in your household and can also help to eliminate the need for worming.
Dogs can still contract worms from other places such as eating dead animals or catching an animal to kill. Wild animals carry many diseases and parasites that your dog has no defense to. Ticks and fleas can also cause heartworms which is one of the most dangerous worms a pet can have. Knowing the signs can save your dog’s life:
- Dull coat and fur
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Coughing
- Lower energy level
- Bloated or swollen stomach
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
As we say, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you notice these signs in your dog, take him to the vet along with a stool sample. Optimally, your dog’s stool should be checked by a veterinarian every 6 months to ensure he is safe from worms.
Worming is not something that only puppies may need. It is a very serious illness that can affect any dog of any age. Knowledge is the first step to protection. We gave you the first – it’s your turn to do the rest for you and your pup!





































