Worm infestations are quite common in dogs and cats, and sometimes the infestation may not be detected. This blog post highlights seven symptoms that might indicate that your pet needs deworming, and these symptoms include worm segments in the faeces, diarrhoea, vomiting, changes in appetite, weight loss, scooting, skin problems, and respiratory problems.
There are a lot of things to keep your eye on when you share your home with a pet, and one of those signs is worms. The thought of worms (i.e., intestinal parasites) is undeniably gross! But it’s completely unavoidable as part of pet parenting. Left untreated, certain worm infections can make your pet ill and suffer, and even cause death. Some intestinal parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can potentially be transmitted to humans. Let’s take care of it as soon as possible, as no one wants to put their pet and their family at risk, right?
Before we get into the common signs you can look out for it your pet has worms, let’s have a quick overview of the types of worms in pets.
Types of Worms in Pets
There are several types of worms that can infest your pet; each has its own unique characteristics and potential health impacts. Generally speaking, the most common intestinal worms in pets are roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. It is worthwhile to note that pets are also susceptible to lungworms and heartworms.
With the naked eye, you can only see roundworms and tapeworm segments in your pet’s faeces and around their anal area. However, many worm infections require a veterinarian check-up for precise detection.
7 Signs of Worms in Pets
Some pets may feel tired and act differently when they have worms, while others may seem completely normal. In many cases, worm infestations are only detected during veterinary testing.
Here are some of the symptoms of worms to look out for:
1. Visible Segments
A very easy way to find out if your pet has worms is by checking their stool or vomit. These worms may look like grains of rice (in the case of tapeworm infection) or small pieces of spaghetti noodles (in the case of roundworm infection). You can also check out these parasites around your pet’s anal area or around their bedding.
2. Diarrhoea
If you notice the presence of diarrhoea, unusual stool colour, mucus, or even blood, it can be indicative of a variety of health issues in your pet, including worms. Hookworms can cause severe blood loss due to bloody stool, or they may cause a mucus-covered stool with a bad odour.
Vomiting and diarrhoea can be signs of worm infestations. But, they may indicate other health concerns as well. A veterinary assessment is recommended if signs persist.
3. Changes in appetite and lethargy
A sudden change in your pet’s appetite is one of the classic red flags for worm infestations. The discomfort caused by worms may lead your pet to eat less, or they may just sniff their food and walk away. Others may become unusually hungry because the parasites inside them are stealing your pet’s nutrients, leading them to feel constantly hungry.
This way, your pet’s energy degrades too. Your energetic pet may seem consistently tired, sleep more, or lose interest in playing. It’s worth monitoring your pet’s behaviour if they seem “off” or not themselves.
4. Weight loss (especially if your pet is a healthy eater)
A pet with a heavy worm infection can experience weight loss, as the worms are taking a toll on its nutrition. This nutrient loss can prevent your pet from maintaining a healthy weight. You can run your hand along your pet’s side; you may easily feel their ribs have become more prominent, and you’ll notice less padding over the hip bones.
5. Scooting and anal irritation
When your pet slides their bottom across the floor or carpet, it is called scooting. While worms can cause irritation, scooting is more commonly linked to anal gland issues. You may notice them biting and licking their bottom to reduce the worm irritation. A veterinary check is important to determine the exact cause.
In addition, scooting can cause redness, swelling, or small wounds from scratching. It is even bad for the floor, as it leaves bacteria, a bad odour, and poop.
6. Skin issues
This one is an often-overlooked, yet valuable way to check for issues with your pet’s health. Heavy worm infestation may interfere with your pet’s essential nutrient absorption, which can cause a dry, flaky coat and hair loss over time. Regular grooming and close observation can help detect these changes early on.
You may notice their skin has become more susceptible to allergies, infections, or other dermatological issues. If you find that your pet’s normally healthy-looking coat and skin appear dull, it could be a symptom of worms.
7. Respiratory symptoms
Some worm larvae (lungworm and heartworm) can travel through the bloodstream and reach various organs, including the lungs, causing respiratory problems such as shortness of breath, chronic coughing, and even pneumonia.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know about these general red flags of worm infestation, you can help your beloved fur baby with a better and healthier life. Even your healthy-looking pet can carry worms, so it’s important to do regular vet check-ups. Additionally, administering pet deworming treatments regularly is the best thing you can do to prevent any serious harm to your furry companion.
