Worms in dogs is a gruesome subject, as well as a bit of a nuisance. Nevertheless, it is important you know where to look for worms in dogs and why you need to look there. A better understanding of why you need to look here will ensure you minimise the chance of your dog having a worm infection.

The Places To Look

You can look for worms in dogs in two places. You should check these places regularly, even if your dog is up to date in their de-worming programme. The worm’s type will determine their size, colour and shape. In general they tend to be a tan to white colour. Growing up to seven inches in length, ringworms are the largest you will find infested in dogs.

Vomit

The nature of a worm’s lifecycle means there is a fair chance of your dog passing them up in their vomit, especially if they are infected with ringworms. When ringworms develop into ‘third stage larvae’, they migrate towards the host’s lungs. Their presence in the lungs will generate coughing in the dog. When they’re coughed into the host’s throat they re-enter the dog’s intestine where there is a chance they will be vomited.

When your dog vomits, it’s important you always give it the once over for worms. Take your dog to the vet immediately if you find worms.

Faeces

If your dog has a worm infection then it is likely some of the worms will be passed in their faeces. A dog’s faeces should be checked for worms every six months.

If in their faeces you notice quarter to a half inch broken segments, then there is a fair chance your dog has been infected with tapeworms. When they’re alive, tapeworms appear to expand and contract. When they die they will look like sesame seeds or uncooked rice.