Worms in dogs are parasites because they live on their hosts’ bodies and suck off their nutrients. Indeed, the presence of worms should be taken seriously as it can cause a wide range of adverse health issues! You can either watch your dog suffer or act on it as soon as possible.
How To Tell If Your Yorkie Has Worms
You should watch out for common signs, including a potbelly, a dull coat, and lethargy, even coughing. You must also get your Yorkie to a veterinarian because these symptoms are also associated with other health issues.
Read on, and we will discuss more the common signs of worms in Yorkies. We will also look into the specific signs for each type of worm Yorkies are likely to have at some point.
The Most Common Signs of Worms
Keep in mind that dogs will excrete the worms in their bodies through their stool. You should then check your Yorkie’s stool regularly for signs of worms since early detection is key. Many worms are visible on the stool, such as roundworms look like spaghetti and tapeworms look like rice grains.
But even if worms and eggs aren’t visible on the stool doesn’t necessarily mean that these aren’t in your Yorkie’s digestive system! You should be observant of these common signs of worm infestation.
- A potbelly looks like a weight being centered on the stomach because of the bloating. Puppies are more likely to have it than older dogs.
- An itchy rash accompanies a dull coat, which may or may not, is a possible sign of worms. But don’t panic just yet as Yorkies are prone to dull skin, too.
- You can observe a habit of rubbing butt on the floor or furniture in your Yorkie. It is a sign that he’s trying to scratch an itch in his rear.
- An observable change in activity level, or lethargy and weakness, can also be seen in Yorkies with a worm infestation.
- Coughing is usually a sign of heartworms infection, especially when it has persisted for a week or so.
- Vomiting can also reveal signs of worms, so you may also want to check your dog’s vomit.
- Constant hunger coupled with a marked weight loss, a sign that the worms are living off your Yorkie’s nutrients.
- Diarrhea, particularly when there’s blood in it.
But there are also cases when Yorkies seem healthy, yet they already have a worm infestation. In this case, a fecal exam is the only way to determine the presence of worms.
The Most Common Worms and Their Specific Signs
Yorkies, like all dogs, can become hosts to one or more intestinal worms. Each type of worm has a specific appearance and effects on the canine body. Each type may also require specific treatments and prevention, but, in most cases, there are universal deworming agents.
Heartworms
These are among the most dangerous worms because of the difficulty in detecting them quickly. These can only be diagnosed through a blood test, and heartworm infestation takes several years before symptoms are seen. These can take between five and eight months before maturing, too.
Younger Yorkies between two and nine years old are at higher risk of getting heartworms. Look out for these signs:
- General weakness
- A dry and soft cough
- Loss of energy
- Anemia
Bring your Yorkie to a vet if you suspect heartworms so a blood test can be done.
Roundworms
Did you know that roundworms can grow as long as six inches? These parasites can live in your Yorkies’ intestines, eat partially digested food, and steal his nutrients. Yorkie puppies are at the highest risk of getting these worms, and a common sign is a reduced growth rate.
Telling your Yorkie has roundworms can be done by watching out for these signs:
- Malnourishment even with the right type and amount of food given daily
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Spaghetti-like worms in the stool and vomit
A stool exam will be done to check for roundworms and their eggs.
Hookworms
These are thin, small worms with an appendage that hook, so to speak, into the intestinal wall. While the naked eye can see larger hookworms, most can only be detected via a microscope. These can find their way into the lungs resulting in respiratory symptoms not present in other worm infestations.
The signs of a hookworm infestation include:
- Coughing since the hookworms are already in the lungs
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dark stool
- Bloody stool when the hookworms bite into the intestinal wall
- Anemia
Again, a stool exam is a must to get a definitive diagnosis since these symptoms are also present in other illnesses.
Tapeworms
These are tiny worms with a flat, long appearance. Despite their tiny size, these can be seen with the naked eye, usually on the stool. While tapeworms don’t cause serious health problems, these can be annoying for your Yorkie, so fast treatment is a must.
A few of the signs of tapeworm infestation are:
- Worms in or near your Yorkie’s anus
- Worms in the stool
- Licking or biting the anus
- Rubbing butt on the floor or furniture
- Vomiting
Your Yorkie may also be irritable because it isn’t easy living with worms in your butt, literally.
Whipworms
These are small intestinal parasites that cause severe discomfort and irritation. But it’s difficult to diagnose in its early stage, so a stool exam is necessary.
The common signs of whipworm infestation include:
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Anemia
- Bloody stool
The good news: These worm infestations are treatable! You should bring your Yorkie to his vet for a further examination so that treatment can start.
The Most Recommended Deworming Products
The vet visit is necessary so that your Yorkie will not be given an inappropriate deworming solution or given an overdose. Your vet will likely recommend these deworming products.
There are also a few natural remedies, although these generally work best in conjunction with a medical dewormer, and not on their own. Learn how to deworm a puppy naturally in that article.
Safe-Guard Canine Dewormer for Dogs
It is a universal deworming agent used in the elimination of roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. Puppies over six weeks old can take it, too.
Bayer Quad Chewable Dewormer
It is suitable for a Yorkie, too, and it’s suitable for eliminating common roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. Your Yorkie can take it as a beef-flavored chewable treat.
Sentry HC WormX DS
It is also a broad spectrum wormer, although it should also be noted that it’s more effective against roundworms and hookworms.
These deworming products can be bought without a prescription. But it’s crucial to ask your vet for a recommendation so that your Yorkie will be safe while his worms are being eliminated.
Conclusion
To conclude, worms aren’t cute in both their appearance and impact on your Yorkie’s heath! You should then take it upon yourself to regularly check his health and look out for signs of worm infestation.
And take precautions so that you d not end up contracting worms from your dog. Can I get worms from my dog sleeping in my bed? Yes, you can, so give your pup its own bed in a separate room. You and your Yorkie will be happier for it.
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