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When it comes to the causes of worms in dogs, there are a few things that every dog does that could increase their risk. That’s why it’s so important to have a regular worming routine, right from when your dog is a puppy, all the way throughout their life. This regular worming regime is really important as you or your family could also be affected by worms – and the associated health risks especially to young children and the elderly – this could bring.
When it comes to the causes of worms in dogs, there are a few things that every dog does that could increase their risk. That’s why it’s so important to have a regular worming routine, right from when your dog is a puppy, all the way throughout their life. This regular worming regime is really important as you or your family could also be affected by worms – and the associated health risks especially to young children and the elderly – this could bring.
Dogs can get worms simply by doing what comes naturally to them. This is especially true if your dog can roam freely outside or is off the lead even for a short while.
SCAVENGING
You might not know it, but if your dog is regularly scavenging and roaming around in the garden or off the lead during their walks, they could be at a higher risk of contracting worms by eating infected animals. Things like birds or rodents can contract worms, and your dog can catch them too if they encounter them.
GROOMING
Roundworm eggs can attach themselves to your dog’s coat, so when it licks or grooms itself, these eggs can be ingested and a worm infection could develop.
EATING WORM EGGS
When other animals are infected with worms, they can pass these worms out in their poo. And if your dog accidently ingests or comes into contact with these faeces, your dog could get worms too.
EATING WORM LARVAE
Certain worm larvae including hookworm can also survive in soil, and if swallowed, your dog could develop an infestation.
FROM FLEAS
Fleas can carry tapeworm larvae that again, if ingested while your dog is grooming themselves, can lead to adult tapeworms developing within your dog’s intestine.
AS A PUPPY
In addition to all the causes above, your puppy could get worms – most commonly roundworm –from their mother’s milk or even be transmitted from their mother in the womb. That’s why it’s so important to start worming your puppy regularly.
The best way to stop serious worm infections is to regularly worm your dog. Most dogs will need worming at least every three months and many engaged in or at risk of the behaviours listed above could need worming as often as monthly. Dogs will be dogs after all!
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You love your dog. And for the most part, you’ll know it’s easy to tell how they’re feeling or what they want. Except when it comes to knowing if they have worms.