Are There Really Worms Coming Out of Your Dog at Night? How to Recognize and Treat Parasites

If you’ve ever found yourself watching worms crawl out of your dog’s sleeping area at night and wondered what they are and where they came from, you’re not alone – intestinal parasites in dogs are a common problem. These parasites can be roundworms, hookworms, or whipworms, all of which are picked up by dogs when they ingest worm eggs or larvae and then develop into adult worms in the dog’s intestines before being passed in the dog’s feces or vomit.

As gross as it is to see, the worms crawling out of your dog are a common sight at night when dogs are at rest and the worms are most active. To help you understand what’s going on and what to do about it, this article will summarize what veterinary experts and other reputable sources say about the different types of worms, how to recognize them, how to treat them, how to prevent them, and the potential health hazards they present to dogs and people.

The Most Common Types of Worms That Dogs Can Get

There are several types of worms that dogs can get, and each has its own unique qualities and ways of being transmitted. The most common worms are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and heartworms.

Roundworms are long and spaghetti-like and can grow up to several inches in length in a dog's intestines. They are usually transmitted when a dog eats roundworm eggs or larvae from the environment, including soil, feces, and prey. Hookworms have hook-like mouth parts that they use to attach to the lining of the intestines, which can cause bleeding and anemia. Dogs get hookworms when they eat larvae from the environment or when the larvae penetrate the skin.

Whipworms live in the large intestine and can cause chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and bloody stool, according to research cited by VCA Animal Hospitals. Their eggs can survive in the environment for years. Tapeworms need an intermediate host, such as a flea or rodent, to complete their life cycle before they can infect a dog when the dog eats the host.

Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes and develop into worms that live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels, which can be fatal to the dog's cardiovascular system and stamina. As noted by PetMD, even dogs that seem healthy can have worms, so regular deworming and other preventative measures are recommended by veterinarians.

Risks and Precautions: Zoonotic Worms

Some worms that infect dogs are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted to humans and cause health problems. According to Nemours KidsHealth, the roundworm species Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati are especially worrisome because their eggs are excreted in dog and cat feces and can survive in soil for years. If the eggs are accidentally ingested, which is especially common in young children, they can hatch into larvae that travel through the body and cause ocular larva migrans (eye infection) and visceral larva migrans (organ/tissue infection).

The CDC also notes that hookworm infections, which occur when larvae burrow into the skin, typically from contact with contaminated soil or sand, can cause skin irritation and inflammation. In addition, Echinococcus tapeworm infections are on the rise in some areas, leading to the development of cysts that can damage organs and tissues.

To minimize the risk of transmission, VCA Animal Hospitals recommends keeping pets on regular deworming schedules, cleaning up after pets promptly, and keeping children away from animal feces. Good personal hygiene, including handwashing, is also important to prevent the accidental ingestion of worm eggs or larvae.

Symptoms of Worms in Dogs

Worms in dogs can cause a wide range of symptoms that can differ based on the type of worm and the severity of the infestation. Small Door Veterinary lists some of the most common symptoms of worms in dogs as weight loss, anemia, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weakness, and changes in coat condition. In addition, dogs may show visible signs of worms in their feces or vomit, and they may have a pot-bellied appearance, especially if they are puppies.

The Indian Head Animal Hospital explains that roundworms can cause vomiting, and tapeworms can cause small, rice-like segments to appear near the dog's anus. Hookworms can cause lethargy, diarrhea, and anemia, and whipworms can cause chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and dehydration. Forever Vets explains that heartworms are the most dangerous and can cause lung and organ disease if they are not treated.

It's also important to remember that some worm infestations may not cause any symptoms, especially in the early stages. Small Door Veterinary stresses the importance of regular veterinary visits and fecal tests to catch and treat any worm issues early.

How Are Worm Infestations in Dogs Diagnosed and Treated?

If you take your dog to the vet with symptoms that suggest a worm infestation, the vet will likely start by conducting a fecal exam and possibly a blood test to confirm the diagnosis. As WebMD notes, stool samples are examined under a microscope to determine if they contain worm eggs or larvae, and this will also help the vet figure out which type of worm is causing the infestation.

Once the type of worm is identified, the vet will prescribe a deworming medication that is effective against that particular type of worm. According to Hills Pet, dewormers come in a variety of forms, including liquids, tablets, chews, injections, and topical treatments. The type and dosage of medication your dog is given will depend on the severity of the infestation, and in some cases, the vet may recommend multiple treatments to ensure that the worms are completely eradicated.

Petco notes that it's important to make sure that you follow your vet's instructions exactly when it comes to treating and preventing worm infestations in your dog. If you don't, you may not be able to fully eradicate the worms, and this could lead to a recurrence of the infestation that could threaten your dog's health.

Preventing Worm Infestations: What Pet Owners Can Do

Preventing worm infestations in dogs involves a number of proactive measures, including regular deworming and the use of preventive medications. The American Kennel Club recommends deworming dogs every month until they are 4 months old, after which they should be given a monthly heartworm medication that also protects against intestinal parasites.

It's also important to make sure dogs are protected from fleas and ticks, as Small Door Veterinary points out, some worms, like tapeworms, are transmitted by fleas. Good hygiene, including cleaning up after pets and washing hands, can also help reduce the risk of transmission.

Petco warns against feeding dogs raw meat or prey, which can lead to worm infestations. In addition, keeping outdoor spaces clean and preventing dogs from digging or eating dirt are good preventive measures.

These steps can help pet owners ensure the health and well-being of their dogs while reducing the risks of potentially dangerous worm infestations.

Conclusion: How to Keep Your Dog Worm-Free and Healthy

While worm infestations in dogs can be worrisome, pet owners can take steps to keep their furry friends safe and healthy by learning about the common types of worms, their symptoms, and how they are transmitted. This will help you know what to look for and how to prevent your dog from becoming infected.

Although the image of worms crawling out of a dog's rear end at night may be disturbing, it's important to remember that this is not an uncommon occurrence. Worms don't typically leave a dog's body on their own, and their presence is usually discovered in a dog's feces or vomit. It's important to seek veterinary care to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

In addition to the health risks that worms can pose to dogs, certain types of worms, such as roundworms and hookworms, can also be a concern for humans. To reduce the risk of zoonotic worm infections, pet owners should practice good hygiene, clean up after their pets as soon as possible, and avoid areas that may be contaminated with feces.

To keep your dog healthy and free from worms, it's important to make sure your dog gets regular veterinary care, including fecal examinations and deworming treatments. In addition, pet owners can help reduce the risk of worm infestations by using flea and tick control products and taking other preventative measures. By staying informed and working with your veterinarian, you can help ensure that your dog stays healthy and free of worms.