There are a number of different ways to identify parasite worms. You can identify them by becoming familiar with the way common parasite worms look or you may browse through images online. The most common types of parasite worms in dogs include hookworms, tapeworms, roundworm, whipworm, and heartworm. Hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms, and whipworms live in the dog’s intestines and heartworms live in the dog’s heart and in the blood vessels that lead from the heart to the lungs.

To identify parasite worms, you can begin by looking for dog worms in your dog’s food, on or buried in your dog’s fur, around his anus, around his paws (from scratching), and it is not uncommon to find them in your dog’s ears. Roundworms look like spaghetti and tapeworm segments look like grains of rice.

If you think using images is a better way to best identify parasite worms, there are a number of reliable websites that publish dog worm photos. Visit The Dog Chat Forum at www.dogchatforum.com. This site offers a few pictures of dog worms and quite a bit of information about what they are and how to treat them. If you would like to search through a wide variety of dog worm photos (all in one place) try Photo Vault or Pic Search.

San Francisco-based Photo Vault features pictures of worms from A-Z as well as snakes, lizards, medical leeches, fish, and more. The site allows the user to enlarge images and it also offers basic information about each worm. Users cannot use the images without permission. If you are interested in using Photo Vault images, you must use the email function at the bottom of each enlarged photo to make a request, you can use the automated site called “Photovalet,” or you may contact Photo Vault directly by calling 707-775-2562.

Pic Search features more than 2,000 worm images. Users may search through images by entering the type of worm or search page by page. Pic Search has roughly 20 images per page. Each image offers basic information about the worm and/or a link to a website that offers more detailed information about each subject.

If you don’t find what you are looking for at Pic Search, Photovalet or Photo Vault, there are several other ways to determine which type of worm your dog might have. A good way to determine if your dog has worm and possibly which type is to check for symptoms. Symptoms of parasite worms in dogs include:

• Change in your dog’s appetite
• Coughing and hiccupping (due to heartworm)
• Diarrhea
• Distended abdomen in puppies
• Dull coat
• Inability to exercise
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Weight loss

Parasite Worm Prevention

There are several ways to prevent parasite worms in worms. One of the most important ways to prevent a dog worm infection is to have your pet screened for worms twice per year. If your dog is considered high-risk for worms, you should have him screened more than twice a year. High-risk dogs typically live in condensed urban areas and they usually live in a home with more than one pet. Show pets and hunting dogs are also considered high-risk.

Caring for a dog with worms should be done only under the care of a vet. Most non-prescription medications don’t work. Your vet will have access to a number of cutting edge preventatives that are extremely effective against the most aggressive types of parasites such as roundworm, whipworm, hookworm, and heartworm.

In addition to preventative measures, it’s also a good idea to keep your dog clean and well groomed. You should also dispose of dog feces immediately. Never leave it in piles around your yard, dog run, etc. If you notice any of the symptoms of dog worms listed above, please contact your vet immediately.