Internal parasites, or worms, will affect virtually all pets at some point during their lifetime. Puppies and kittens are born with worms, and will need to be dewormed several times during their first year of life.

From then on, you’ll want to deworm your pet periodically. Regular deworming ensures that intestinal parasites are eradicated before they can make your pet ill.

If your pet hasn’t been dewormed recently, and you notice any of the below symptoms, see your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet will collect a stool sample to determine what treatment your pet needs based on what species of parasite they’ve contracted.

8 Symptoms of Intestinal Parasites in Dogs and Cats

Many symptoms of worms in pets are nonspecific - one or more types of internal parasites may be the cause, but these symptoms can be similar to those of other health issues. If you notice any of the below symptoms, see your veterinarian as soon as possible.
 

1. Visible worms, larvae, or eggs.

The majority of internal parasites are not visible to the human eye. What’s more, your pet may not pass worms, larvae, or eggs if they do not have a heavy parasitic load. Often, worms are passed through your pet’s stool only after dewormer has been administered.

That said, visible worms, larvae, or eggs are a sure sign that your pet has a parasitic infection. You may notice long strands in your pet’s vomit or feces. Or, you might notice tiny tapeworm segments, which look like grains of rice, around your pet’s anus or on their bedding. Eggs or egg sacs, too, can sometimes be visible, and look like tiny white or light brown specs.

2. A distended belly.

A pot-belly appearance is a common sign of a high load of intestinal worms. Your pet’s belly may stick out at the sides, and it may feel firm and round.

3. Unexplained weight loss.

Intestinal worms absorb nutrients from food your pet eats, so they may lose weight even though they’re still eating. Some affected pets appear bony and ribby from the sides, often with a protruding belly full of worms.

4. Vomiting and diarrhea.

Pets with intestinal parasites often have gastric upset, and they may vomit or have bouts of diarrhea that may or may not contain worms or worm segments.

5. Scooting and itching.

Tapeworms release segments full of eggs that exit their host through the anus. Tiny, white in color, and similar to a grain of rice or sesame seed in appearance, tapeworm segments can cause irritation and itching around the anus. Your pet may lick or bite at their anus, or they may scoot along the floor on their bottom to relieve the itch. If you look closely, you may also notice moving segments crawling around your pet’s hindquarters, or there may be dried-up segments left on your couch or in your pet’s bed.

6. Dull, dry coat.

Intestinal worms absorb nutrients that your pet needs to thrive. Lack of nutrients can leave the coat dry and brittle. Pets with worms often appear unkempt, with a scruffy, dry coat. In cats, worms also can cause lethargy that makes them unable to groom themselves.

7. Anemia.

Hookworms attach to the inner lining of the intestine and suck blood from the host’s blood vessels. Though tiny, in large numbers a hookworm infection can cause anemia. Anemia from hookworms is most common in kittens and puppies, though it’s sometimes seen in adult dogs and cats too. In pets, signs of anemia include lethargy and pale lips and gums.

8. Coughing.

Parasites in your pet’s lungs can cause a dry cough. Hookworms and roundworms can migrate from the intestines to the respiratory system. A persistent cough can also be caused by lungworms. Heartworms, too, can cause coughing and exercise intolerance.

How Often Should Dogs and Cats Get Dewormed?

By the time your pet has symptoms of worms, they will already have been feeling ill, and in some cases, can experience lasting, even permanent damage. Puppies and kittens are especially vulnerable to serious complications and death from untreated intestinal parasites.

Puppies, kittens, and nursing queens or dams should be dewormed every few weeks. Adult dogs and cats can be dewormed regularly with all-in-one protection. Many pet parents use a monthly heartworm preventative that also defends against intestinal parasites.

Pets that frequent dog parks, boarding facilities, spend time outdoors, or catch and eat prey may need to be dewormed more often.

Most importantly, see your veterinarian at least yearly for a wellness exam. Bring a stool sample so your vet can test your pet for intestinal parasites that are not yet causing symptoms.

With year-round protection and regular wellness exams, you can give your pet the happy, healthy, worm-free life they truly deserve.

VISION

Every pet deserves to live a long, happy, healthy life.