Health Alert -Worms
Just the thought of worms can turn any stomach, but when owning a dog, worms
are a problem you will have to face. In fact, regular worming may just save your
dog’s life, particularly a puppy’s life.
Even though your dog may initially appear healthy on the outside, it is important to know that he is very
susceptible to worms, and must be treated on the inside.
Chris Taylor, of Aussie Pooch Mobile explains that just as we take care of our general and heart health, it’s
important to look after the health of your dog. And as in most cases, prevention is the best cure.
There are two distinct categories of worm – heart worm which is caught from mosquitoes and is potentially
fatal and intestinal worms which are caught in several ways (as set out below), even from a mother’s womb.
Without heartworm treatment a dog can die a painful death.
WORM WISE
Heartworm
Contracted from mosquitoes, heartworms are parasites (resembling spaghetti) and can grow up to a massive
35 centimetres inside a dog’s heart. As the heartworms grow they restrict blood flow in the heart and can
cause permanent heart damage.
By the time you start seeing symptoms of coughing, laboured breathing and finally heart failure, the damage
has already been done. Virtually all dogs are at risk but particularly those that live outside of cities or in lushly
vegetated suburbs – in other words, where there are more mosquitoes.
A monthly tablet will kill the heartworms before they mature and prevent any clogging of the dog's arteries.
Intestinal Worms
There are four main groups of intestinal worms – roundworm, hookworm, tape worm and whipworm, and
dogs are susceptible to all four forms. The climate and environment may also determine which kind of worm
is more likely to infect the dogs.
Roundworm
Roundworm infestations are more likely to be found in puppies or dogs under a year old. In some cases if left
untreated a puppy can die from roundworm so look for the symptoms of diarrhoea, vomiting, a pot bellied
appearance and dull coat.
Hookworm
This form of infestation can kill a puppy particularly in the lush tropical north of Queensland. In the cooler
states a different kind of hookworm will occur but rarely kill.
Whipworm
These can cause inflammation of the large and small intestines. Symptoms to look for are severe weight loss
together with constant diarrhoea.
Tapeworm
Tapeworm in dogs doesn’t necessarily make them ill. But there is one form of worm - hydatitis worm - which
can cause very serious illness in humans, so it’s even more crucial to worm your dog regularly.
So how do worms worm their way into your dog?
The most common way for dogs to contract worms is to accidentally eat the infective worm larvae since they
are microscopic. Puppies will become infected with roundworm in their mother’s womb. Once they are born
further infections of roundworm and hookworm may be transmitted in the mother’s milk.
The Queensland form of hookworm is even more ingenious since it can penetrate the skin of the dog!
Tapeworms are contracted by the dog eating a flea which is infected or eating bugs, beetles or lizards.
The hydatitis tape worm is contracted from eating infected offal.
Worm Watch
“You know your dog better than anyone so if you notice diarrhoea, vomiting, a pot bellied appearance
particularly in puppies, sudden weight loss even though they are constantly hungry, tail skidding (skidding
their bottom back and forth along the ground) or a poor, dull coat, have your dog wormed immediately - just
in case,” says Chris.
Prevention Better than Cure
There are a large range of worm preventers available. Qualified Aussie Pooch Mobile Operators will source
worming tablets for you, show you how to administer them and advise on general health of your dog. Or visit
your local vet who will also offer professional advice.
Worms can kill and cause severe discomfort, so be worm wise always.
ABOUT AUSSIE POOCH MOBILE
With over 150 franchises world wide, Aussie Pooch Mobile are the choice hydrobath operators for the care of
your dog and the environment. Operating for over 20 years, owner Chris Taylor explains that hydrobathing
your dog, will not waste water In fact, with Aussie Pooch Mobile hydrobathing approximately 25,000 dogs
monthly in Australia, it’s estimated that two millions litres of water will be saved each month.
All products used are Environmentally Friendly which means they will not harm your dog, the operator or
the environment. Products are all PH selected specially for dogs' skin to achieve the
best possible results for your dog. Natural ingredients include pine oil, tea tree oil,
rosemary, lavender, vitamin E, coconut oil and neem oil.
For more information and to book your dog in with Aussie Pooch Mobile
visit www.AussiePoochMobile.com.au or phone 1300 369 369.