Seeing your dog throw up can be distressing, and if there are worms in the vomit, it's even more concerning. Worms are common in dogs, with types like roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms. Signs of infestation can be similar regardless of the worm type, including vomiting, diarrhea, an inflated belly, lethargy, poor skin and coat, and appetite changes. But just because worms are seen in the vomit doesn't mean they caused it. Many dogs have intestinal worms without showing signs, and vomiting could be due to something else. Clearing the worms is an important first step in your pup's recovery.
The 3 Possible Reasons That Your Dog is Throwing Up Worms
1. Roundworms
Roundworms are the most common worm infestation in domestic dogs, especially in puppies who can get them from their mother in the womb or through her milk. Many dogs have roundworms without signs, but puppies with severe infestations may have a pot-bellied appearance and significant weight loss. The worms can cause vomiting and can be passed to people, posing a risk to young children and pregnant women.
Causes
Dogs get worms by ingesting infected fecal matter or eating infected animals like birds or rats. Puppies often get worms from their mothers, either in the womb or while nursing.
Signs
Signs include a pot-bellied look, vomiting, diarrhea, poor coat quality, and weight loss. Appetite may change, either eating more as worms consume nutrients or less due to a bloated feeling.
Prevention
Worming a dog before and during pregnancy helps prevent puppies from getting infected. Puppies should be wormed at 2, 5, and 8 weeks old. To reduce the chance of contracting roundworms, clean up dog mess promptly and prevent dogs from eating wildlife.
Treatment
Treatment usually involves oral medication. Puppies are given deworming liquid at 2, 5, and 8 weeks. Ongoing deworming treatments are advised throughout the dog's life, but it's not 100% guaranteed, and vets may do a fecal analysis after treatment.
2. Tapeworms
Tapeworms are relatively common in dogs. They're long, flat parasites made of segments that attach to the dog's small intestine and take nutrients directly. Adult tapeworms release segments with eggs (proglottids) that look like grains of rice and may be seen around the dog's bottom. Once in the environment, the proglottid dries out and releases eggs, which are eaten by fleas or other animals, and the cycle continues when a dog swallows an infected flea or rodent.
Causes
Puppies and dogs easily pick up tapeworms, especially those with fleas or who eat a lot of rodents. Since adult tapeworms' proglottids are hermaphroditic, one tapeworm can reproduce, and dogs of all ages can get infected.
Signs
Infected dogs may scoot their bottoms along the floor due to itchy proglottids. Proglottid segments may be seen around the bottom or in the bed, looking like small white moving pieces of rice. Severely infected animals may show weight loss and coat changes.
Prevention
Flea prevention is crucial as tapeworms are mainly transmitted by fleas. Also, prevent dogs from eating wildlife and their own or other dogs' poop. Deworming dogs every 3 months can prevent a heavy worm burden.
Treatment
If you suspect your dog has tapeworms, take it to the vet. Tapeworms can be harmful to puppies as they steal nutrients, leading to stunted growth. Vets treat tapeworms with an injection or specific worming tablets.
3. Hookworms
Hookworms are common in dogs, especially puppies. They're very small and hard to see with the naked eye, unlikely to be seen in vomit. They have sharp teeth to attach to the dog's intestine and release an anticoagulant, causing continued bleeding even after detaching. Infestations can be dangerous, especially for puppies.
Causes
Hookworms can be passed from mother to puppy through colostrum or milk. Eggs in infected dog feces can lead to infection if ingested or through contaminated soil. Hookworms can also penetrate the dog's skin and migrate through the bloodstream to the lungs, then be coughed up and swallowed, maturing in the small intestine. They can accidentally infect humans through the skin from contaminated soil, causing cutaneous larva migrans, but the larvae die in humans as they're not the intended host.
Signs
In dogs, signs include vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, and anemia due to intestinal bleeding, which can be severe in puppies.
Prevention
Prevention methods are similar to roundworms and tapeworms, but preventing larvae from burrowing into the skin is more challenging. Ensuring a bitch is hookworm-free before breeding and keeping her away from contaminated areas, maintaining good hygiene around the dog, and routine vet checks can help.
Treatment
Treatment for hookworms is similar to other intestinal worms. Puppies are wormed at 2, 5, and 8 weeks, and dogs should be routinely wormed every 3 - 6 months depending on risk.
Vomiting In Dogs
Just because you see worms in your dog's vomit doesn't mean the worms caused the vomiting. Vomiting may be a sign of another condition, and if it continues or your dog is lethargic or not eating, consult a vet. They can confirm the worm type and the best treatment. If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, you can use an online service like PangoVet to talk to a vet online and get personalized pet advice at an affordable price.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should You Take Your Dog to the Vet?
There are over-the-counter worming tablets, but you need to know the parasite type for the correct medication. Prescribed medication is often more effective, and your vet can also check if worms are the cause of the vomiting.
Can I Treat My Dog for Worms Without Going to the Vet?
Over-the-counter and non-prescription treatments for worms may not be as effective as prescription drugs, and a vet can rule out other causes of vomiting.
Can Humans Catch Roundworms from Dogs?
Humans can catch roundworms if they ingest a larvated egg, usually seen in children who put their hands in their mouths after playing in contaminated dirt or sand. Dog roundworm larvae can't develop into adult worms in humans but can damage organs like the eyes.
Do I Need to Disinfect My House If My Dog Has Roundworms?
Always disinfect areas where your dog may have defecated. Cleaning your dog's bed and frequent lying areas is a good idea, especially if your dog has worms. Since fleas transmit tapeworms, de-fleaing the house can help prevent the spread of intestinal worms.
Conclusion
Intestinal worms are a major problem for some dogs, especially puppies who can get them from their mother. Signs of infestation vary by worm species and can include a pot-bellied appearance, vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis, poor coat condition, and eating habit changes. Treatment usually involves worming tablets, and sometimes a vet may use a worming injection. Featured Image Credit: MRAORAOR
