Dog Worms

Dog worms are a huge problem for people and their pets.  
It is especially important to treat worms in dogs because
certain dog worms can be transmitted to humans.   Dr. Sam
discusses dog worms and how they affect your dog as well
as the potential to affect you and your family members.

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Worms in Dogs

Almost 14% of the U.S. population is infected with
Toxocara, a parasite of dogs and cats that can be passed
from animals to humans. The results of the study that
looked at a representative sample of the U.S. population
show that Toxocara infection is more widespread and
common than previously understood.” – from the CDC
quoting a recent research study.

Toxocara sp worms otherwise known as roundworms in
dogs can cause diarrhea and weight loss in puppies and
adult dogs.  They also can affect people when the eggs or
larvae are ingested accidentally causing a condition called
“visceral larva migrans.”  The larvae migrate throughout the
body in people and most of the time do not cause
permanent damage.  Rarely, however, they can cause
permanent damage by traveling through and damaging
nerve or retinal tissue causing blindness.  This is why it is so
important for your family pets to be placed on a strict
intestinal parasite control program.  In addition, have your
children avoid sandboxes and wash your hands after
handling soil.

Hookworms are another common intestinal worm that we
see in dogs.  This worm in large quantities can cause
diarrhea and rapid intestinal blood loss especially in puppies.  
The human version occurs when larvae crawl around in our
skin tissues causing a condition called “cutaneous (skin)
larva migrans.”  People can pick up these worms by running
around barefoot in places where pets defecate (sandboxes,
yards and beaches).

Other worms in dogs include whipworms and tapeworms.  
Whipworms cause dog colitis and tapeworms although not
very damaging are spread through the flea.

- Sam Meisler DVM

The statements or information on this website have not
been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.