Pets can be a source of great joy and companionship for many people. However, they might not be in their usual, jolly self if they’re experiencing any illness or discomfort, such as having worms. The presence of worms would also have some serious negative consequences for your pets.
That being said, here are some of the signs that your pet might be suffering from worms:
- Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain
Diarrhea and abdominal pain can be signs of many different conditions. It’s also an indication that your pet might be suffering from worms. If your pet has worms, it’s also common to see diarrhea with blood.
Some kinds of worms attach itself to your pet’s intestines and infect the intestines’ linings, which can cause diarrhea in pets. If your pets have worms in their stomach, it may also cause abdominal pain. This is because the worms might be eating up their organs. On the other hand, the worms might also be positioned in a way that affects your pet’s organs, causing abdominal pain.
- Lethargy
If you notice that your pets are lethargic or less active, it might also be a sign that your pet is suffering from worms. Worms usually feed off their hosts, which means that they’re also feeding off the nutrients and calories that are supposed to be going to your pet’s organs. This is what makes your pet less active and have lower energy.
In addition to this, if your pets have worms, they might feel sick even though they aren’t sick. Your pet’s immune system might sense the worms as infection and try to combat it with a fever, which might also be the reason why your pet might also feel lethargic.
- Weight Loss With Increased Appetite
Weight loss, despite an increased appetite, is another sign that your pet might have worms. This is because, as mentioned, worms usually eat up the nutrition your pet is supposed to be getting from food. Instead of the food being digested by your pet, it’s being eaten up by the worms. Because of this, it’ll cause weight loss in your pets, making them feel constantly hungry.
- Vomiting
If your pet has worms, it may often cause vomiting. So, if your pets usually throw up, it’s one of the signs that your pet has worms in them already.
When the worms block a portion of your pet’s intestine, it’ll prevent food from going into your pet’s intestines. So, in effect, the food that your pet ingests is vomited instead.
- Dull Coat
Worms can also live in the skin and fur of your pets. With that, if you notice your pets having a dull coat or blemished skin, it’s a sign that the worms have also infected your pet’s skin.
For instance, for dogs, their fur and hair should be shiny and thick. If you notice some drying or dulling out, it might be a sign that there are worms.
- Potbellied Appearance
Seeing your pets being bloated or potbellied is another sign that they might have contracted worms; infections caused by worms can leave your pets bloated.
When worms reach your pet’s stomach, it can create a sensation that your stomach is full even if it’s not, which is because of the worms that live in your pet’s stomach. So, if you notice bloating in your pets, it’s best if you can have a vet to give them a checkup. Doing so may keep them healthy.
- Itchiness
Some problems may be caused by a worm infestation on the outside. For instance, ringworm on the feet can cause extreme itching, which is also common on the face and hands. If the infestation is on the skin, it may cause rashes and bleeding. This means that the worms also have infected some parts of your pet’s skin.
- Worms in Feces
Worms can also exit the body through your pet’s feces. If you spot some eggs or worms in your pet’s feces, that’s already a clear sign that your pets are suffering from worms.
Anything that’s long and moving is a worm. When that happens, immediately go to a vet to have your pets checked.
Conclusion
Once you suspect that there are worms in your pets, don’t wait a few more days and immediately bring your pet to the vet. Otherwise, the worms will damage the internal organs of your pet and may possibly lead to death.
A vet will be able to give the right prescription to get rid of the worms. So, consult your vet as soon as possible if you see any of the signs mentioned above.