There are numerous types of worms affecting dogs everywhere.
As a pet owner, you will need to be aware of all of them to protect your dog from infection and potential diseases.
Below is a list worms affecting dogs along with their causes, symptoms and treatments.
Tapeworms Tapeworms are rice-sized worms that resemble tape with their long, flat appearance.
They originate when a dog eats a flea that has previously digested a tapeworm egg.
In the dog, the flea is then broken down by the intestines.
After further developing, the tapeworms then latch onto the dog's intestine by using hooks and suckers.
While small, you will be able to see these worms in your dog's stool - possibly still alive.

• Symptoms: Rice-sized worms in stool, weight loss despite increased appetite, diarrhea, dry skin
• Treatment: Must use different type of treatment medication (tablets) than ones used for other types of worms

Roundworms Roundworms resemble spaghetti and can be up to eight inches in length.
They originate in your dog through digestion of roundworm eggs from infected soil (or insects) or can be passed from a mother to her puppy through feeding.

• Symptoms: Swollen stomach, diarrhea, vomiting
• Treatment: Can use Sentinel all-in-one product to treat and control roundworms, hookworms and whipworms.
  

Hookworms Hookworms are microscopic worms that are named for their ability to hook onto the walls of animal intestines.
They have abnormally sharp teeth that can cause extensive intestinal bleeding in dogs.
Similar to roundworms, hookworm eggs enter into dogs through digestion of infected soil (or insects) or can be passed onto puppies through feeding.

• Symptoms: Weight loss, bloody stools, diarrhea
• Treatment: Can use Sentinel all-in-one product to treat and control roundworms, hookworms and whipworms

Whipworms Whipworms have long necks and short, fat bodies that resemble a whip - hence their name.
They use their long necks to feed off of the dog, ultimately, causing bleeding.
Dogs obtain them through digestion of whipworm eggs that other dogs have previously shed.

• Symptoms: Weight loss, bloody stools, diarrhea
• Treatment: Can use Sentinel all-in-one product to treat and control roundworms, hookworms and whipworms

Heartworms Heartworms are transmitted through mosquito bites and can eventually lead to heartworm disease in canines.
Over many months, the microfilariae (heartworm eggs) develop into adult worms, located in the lungs and heart.
The resulting disease is called dirofilaria immitis, or heartworm disease, and can be fatal to your dog.

• Symptoms: Difficulty breathing, mild-worsening cough, fatigue when exercising, reduced appetite, weight loss
• Treatment: There is only one US-approved method of treatment for heartworm disease in its advanced-stage.
  The treatment involves a series of two or three injections into your dog's back muscles.
  You will need to keep your dog confined with minimal exercise for one to two months to reduce the likelihood of severe respiratory problems or blood clots.
  While this treatment and associated confinement can be difficult, in many cases you can expect a full recovery if the disease is discovered in time.
  

While the previously mentioned treatment options can be effective, prevention is always the best way to fight these parasites from attacking your dog.
One Sentinel tablet per month effectively prevents roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and heartworms.
Numerous once-a-month tablets are also available to fight tapeworm.
Start now to better ensure a long, healthy life for your dog.