Which symptoms of worms in dogs are common? One million dogs are estimated to be heartworm positive in the United States each year.Without a monthly dose of preventive, the larvae continue to develop inside the dog, eventually reaching the heart and lungs.When the same mosquito bites another dog, the larvae infect the healthy animal.Inside the mosquito, these larvae develop into their infective stage.Other carriers of heartworm disease include wolves, foxes, ferrets, coyotes, and raccoons. A mosquito bites an infected dog and ingests tiny heartworm larvae along with the animal’s blood.Ringworm spores, which is not a worm but a fungus, can be transferred from soil or other infected animals and can result in the development of hairless, dry, and round patches of skin.Grooming tools and contaminated soil can carry whipworm eggs.Mosquitos carry heartworm larvae and infect animals through bites.Puppies get hookworms transferred by their mothers.

Hookworms are acquired through dogs licking their skin and coat.Tapeworms develop after dogs ingest fleas or consume diseased rodents.Female dogs transfer roundworms to puppies through their milk.Roundworm eggs flourish and spread in dog feces, infecting grass, sand, and soil.Here are some of the common scenarios in which a dog may contact worms:

While up to 90% of puppies are born with roundworms or hookworms passed down from their mother, veterinarians often manage cases in which an adult dog has contracted or transferred microscopic whipworm, tapeworm, and heartworm larvae through contaminated environments, mosquito bites, and licking. Some worms can be transferred to people, young children or immunosuppressed people are the most susceptible. They are often referred to as intestinal parasites, which can infect adult dogs and nursing puppies.

Worms in dogs are a relatively common condition. Depending on the type of parasite, infections could affect the heart and arteries, lungs, intestines, or skin, and side effects might include diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy. Dogs exposed to contaminated soil or feces, grooming or licking by an infected animal, or contact with mosquitos can result in worms in dogs.

White worm flat head in dog feces