As a parasite, roundworms tend to nest in the internal tracts of a dog and deposit their eggs into their feces. This behavior allows the detection of roundworms in dogs through microscopic imaging. As previously mentioned, roundworms may also be spread to nursing puppies through the mother or to older dogs through contact with another infected animal. Some of the known carriers of roundworm eggs include cockroaches, rodents, chickens and earthworms. Unfortunately, these eggs are also not only resilient but also resistant to extremely harsh environmental conditions that would normally control other viruses or communicable disease outside of a host. 

If roundworms are detected through a fecal exam or other diagnostic tools, your veterinarian will likely prescribe an oral roundworm treatment protocol and suggest preventative measures that will help decrease the chances of recurrence. Adult roundworms can often be detected with the naked eye in the feces of a dog, but eggs will not. For this reason, any indications that a dog may have roundworms warrants and immediate appointment with your veterinarian to obtain an accurate diagnosis and an expedited treatment response to mitigate long-term effects that may be possible. 

Unlike other types of worms that are spread through contaminated feces, tapeworms are often spread through the ingestion of fleas that are carrying immature tapeworms. Depending on the age of the tapeworm, they will range in size from 4 to 28 inches in length and will segment inside of the intestines. Often, pet owners will not be aware of a tapeworm infection until these segments start getting shed from the rectum of their dog and get caught on the surrounding anus or fur. In some cases, severe tapeworm infections will lead the dog to shed weight. 

Tapeworms can be diagnosed through fecal examinations by a knowledgeable veterinarian. Unlike roundworms and hookworms, there is minimal risk of tapeworms being spread to pet owners or their family unlike a child swallows a flea that is carrying an immature tapeworm. If signs of tapeworms are observed around the anus of a dog or the dog begins to lose weight unexpectedly, it is important to seek a professional diagnosis as soon as possible to begin treatments and eliminate the internal parasites that they are carrying. 

As another common type of dog worms, hookworms are often transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated dog feces or through immediate contact with open wounds or skin cracks. Although uncommon in puppies, hookworms are a known internal parasite among adult dogs and prefer to reside in the small intestine. Since hookworms can cause anemia in dogs because they feed on blood, early detection and treatment is critical for ensuring a favorable outcome and speedy recovery. 

Like roundworms, hookworms are capable of being transmitted from dogs to pet owners and other animals that may be inside of the home. Most dogs that have hookworms may not show symptoms of an infection until it becomes much worse. If a dog is suspected of having hookworms, or other potential parasites, a diagnosis by a veterinarian as soon as possible is recommended to ensure they receive the appropriate treatment for the worms they are currently harboring. 

Found in the cecum and colon of infected dogs, whipworms are among the smaller internal parasites that may become problematic. Although they only reach around ¼” long, whipworms are often considered the most dangerous and harmful dog worms in existence; however, they are geographically limited in their reach. Like hookworms, whipworms feed on the blood of a host and, as they reproduce, quickly deplete blood supply levels from the inside causing anemia. For puppies, a whipworm infection can often be life-threatening if not treated quickly. 

Although there have been rare reports of dog whipworms being transmitted to humans, whipworms are not considered a significant health risk for humans like they are for animals. Symptoms of a whipworm infection include blood, watery diarrhea and weight loss as well as some general debilitation. Without treatment, whipworms can quickly have fatal consequences if they are able to continue reproducing. Any observed symptoms of a potential infection should warrant a veterinary diagnosis and treatment.