Intestinal Worms in Dogs

Worms are an unfortunately common problem for dogs, but the good news is that they’re usually easy to prevent and treat. With the right care and regular worming, most dogs stay perfectly healthy and avoid any long-term issues.

Dogs of all ages can pick up worms, but puppies are particularly vulnerable. Some types of worms can also pose a small risk to people, which is why routine prevention and good hygiene are so important for every household with a dog.

What Are Worms and Why Do They Matter?

Worms are parasites that live inside a dog’s body, most often in the gut. They feed on nutrients that your dog needs to stay healthy. While adult dogs often cope well with low-level infections, worms can make puppies very unwell and, if left untreated, may lead to more serious health problems.

Regular worming protects your dog and helps prevent worms spreading into the environment, where they can survive in soil for long periods.

The Most Common Worms in Dogs

There are four main types of intestinal worms that affect dogs:

Roundworms are the most common and can look like strands of spaghetti. Puppies are often born with them or become infected through their mother. Roundworms live in the intestines, but their larvae can travel through the body before settling back in the gut.

Hookworms are much smaller but feed on blood, which makes them particularly dangerous for young puppies. They are uncommon in Ireland but can be found in parts of Europe.

Whipworms live in the large intestine and are relatively rare. Many dogs show no symptoms unless the infection is heavy.

Tapeworms are flat, segmented worms that live in the small intestine. Dogs usually catch them by swallowing fleas while grooming or by eating prey animals. Small segments may sometimes be seen in your dog’s poo or around their bottom.

Although not an intestinal worm, lungworm is increasingly seen in Ireland and can cause serious illness. Not all routine wormers protect against lungworm, so it’s important to speak to your vet about the right prevention.

How Do Dogs Get Worms?

Dogs can pick up worms in a variety of everyday ways. Puppies may be infected before they’re even born or through their mother’s milk. Adult dogs can swallow worm eggs from contaminated soil, grass or poo, or become infected by eating raw meat, rodents or carcasses. Tapeworms are often linked to fleas, which is why flea control is an important part of worm prevention.

Treating and Preventing Worms

The best way to manage worms is prevention. Your vet can advise you on a worming plan that suits your dog’s age, lifestyle and risk factors.

Puppies need frequent worming during their first few months of life, while most adult dogs benefit from treatment every one to three months. Dogs that hunt, scavenge or live with young children may need more frequent treatment. Flea control is also essential to help prevent tapeworm.

Prescription wormers from your vet are the most reliable option. If you’re unsure which product to use, always ask for advice before treating your dog.