Early detection is important because each type of dog worm will require a different form of treatment. Sometimes the signs of a dog worm infestation can be hard to spot. Other times the signs (like vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss) are a lot easier to detect. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to have your dog tested regularly.

Important Note: You should know that some types of dog worms (like hookworms and round worms) can be transmitted to humans. To promote good hygene, it is important for pet owners to wash their hands and clothes regularly after playing outside with their dog—especially before mealtimes.

Five Familiar Dog Worms –Which Do You Want to Overcome?

#1 Roundworms

There are two kinds of Roundworms: Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonine. They are one of the most popular kinds of dog worms. An infestation of round worms, mostly found in puppies, causes a pot-bellied appearance.

Causes: Sometimes puppies can become infected before birth, through the mother’s uterus or through her milk. Puppies can also contract roundworms by ingesting another infected animal or infected soil.

Roundworm eggs live in soil. And when a puppy ingests the infected soil, the Roundworm eggs will hatch in his intestines. Those Roundworms can in turn produce more roundworms.

Early Detection: Roundworm Symptoms include pot-bellied appearance, diarrhea, vomiting, dull coat and weight loss. Look for signs of Roundworms in your dog’s stool or vomit. They have a spaghetti-like appearance and can grow to about 7 inches in length.

Prevention & Treatment: Puppies between 2 and 12 weeks old should be dewormed every 2 weeks. Puppies between 12 weeks and 6 months old should be dewormed monthly. Puppies older than 6 months of age are less susceptible to roundworms. Even so, continue to have your dog examined at least yearly (or more often if he’s considered “high risk”).

#2 Hookworms

There are two types of hookworms: Ancylostoma caninum and Uncinaria stenocephala. Hookworms are a small, thin that hooks itself on to the intestinal walls of its victim while sucking their blood. They are difficult to detect and invisible to the human eye.

These worms can also be transmitted to puppies while in their mother’s uterus or through her breast milk. That said, puppies of any age can contract hookworms, making regular veterinary visits all the more important.

And…like roundwoms, hookworms can also be transmitted to humans.

Early Detection: Even though hookworms cannot be seen by the naked eye, there are some telltale symptoms you should be on the lookout for: bloody stool, anemia, weight loss, pale gums, diarrhea and low energy levels.

Prevention & Treatment: Treatment usually consist of oral medications (dewormers), fecal exams and intravenous therapy. In some extreme instances, a blood transfusion might be necessary.

Because some pups die before the hookworm is ever detected, it is important to schedule regular visits with your vet.

#3 Tapeworms

The Tapeworm is another dog worm that can infect your dog’s intestines. Dog’s get them by ingesting infected fleas.

Early Detection: Tapeworms get their name from their long, flat, tape-like appearance. They are visible to the naked eye, and can be found in the infected dog’s fecal matter, around his anus or in his bed.

Common symptoms include abdominal pain, nervousness, severe itching around the anus, vomiting and weight loss.

NOTE: Dogs cannot transmit tapeworms directly to humans.

Prevention & Treatment: “Regular” over-the-counter deworming medicines will not eliminate tapeworms in dogs. You’ll need something prescription strength, which will in turn be administered to your dog orally or by injection. Consult your vet for more information.

#4 Whipworms

Dogs contract whipworms by swallowing whipworm eggs. Those eggs live in the dog’s colon and are not visible to the naked eye. Once infected, the worms attach themselves to their hosts intestinal walls and feed off them, causing intestinal bleeding.

Common symptoms include anemia, weight loss, flatulence, diarrhea (with blood or mucus in the stool) and lack of energy.

Prevention & Treatment: You can treat your dog’s whipworms effectively with fenbendazole (whose brand names are Panacur or Safe-Guard). You can use the treatment for 3-5 consecutive days for most parasites. Then, check with you vet to see if a second round of treatment is recommended.

#5 Heartworms

Heartworms are transmitted by infected mosquitoes, usually during the warmer months when mosquitoes are active. The infected mosquito bites the dog. And the dog develops heartworms which destroy the muscle tissue of the heart, causing congestive heart failure.

Because heartworms are difficult to detect in their early stages, many dogs die.

Early Detection: Signs and symptoms include a pot-bellied appearance, coughing, lack of energy and dull coat.

Prevention & Treatment: Prevention is the best medicine. And, since heartworms are difficult to detect until they are in their advanced stages, it’s best to start your dog on a prevention program when they’re young.

You can start your puppy on a heartworm preventative, like Heartgard, as early as 6 weeks of age.

NOTE: You will need a veterinarian’s prescription to buy deworming products.