Worms, or intestinal parasites, can affect all puppies and dogs. Intestinal parasitism is one of the most common conditions in clinical veterinary practice and is frequently identified in all dogs.

Types of Parasites

Many types of parasites infect dogs. The most common canine intestinal parasites in the United States are roundworms (Toxocara cati or Toxascaris leonina), hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma braziliense, Uncinaria stenocephala), whipworms (Trichuris vulpis), and tapeworms (Taenia spp., Dipylidium caninum, Echinococcus multilocularis, Echinococcus granulosus). Several intestinal parasites can infect puppies through lactation from an infected mother, and this is why it is important to treat puppies with de-worming medications throughout puppyhood.

How are dogs infected with parasites?

Dogs are infected with roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms after ingestion of infective eggs and larvae from the soil and the environment. They can also become infected by ingesting the tissues and intestines of prey animals or tapeworm proglottids (infectious tapeworm segments full of eggs that look like pieces of rice). Ingestion of infected fleas can result in tapeworm infection in dogs, and all dogs diagnosed with intestinal worms should be treated for flea infestation.

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