Worms and Dog Hip Infection

by Robin
(Alabam)

Can worms cause an infection in my dogs hip? How bad are the worms if its gotten to that point? What can I do to treat them? The worm is short and white and looks like it has some type of sucker on the end of it.

Editor Suggestion - Worms and Dog Hip Infections

Hi Robin,

The short, white worms you're describing may likely be tapeworms. Tapeworms are a type of intestinal parasite that are usually transmitted to dogs when they ingest an infected flea. These parasites look like small, white pieces of rice or cucumber seeds in the dog's feces. Sometimes you can also see them near the dog's rear end.

While it's unlikely that a worm could directly infect your dog's hip, it's possible for a severe infestation to weaken your dog's overall health and potentially make them more susceptible to other health issues. Worms can cause malnutrition by absorbing nutrients, which could indirectly affect the overall health of your dog, potentially including bone and joint health. Severe infestations can lead to weight loss, abdominal pain, and other more serious health problems.

To treat tapeworms, the best thing to do is to consult with a veterinarian. They can provide a definitive diagnosis and the appropriate medication, often in the form of oral tablets or injections. These medicines are typically very effective at killing tapeworms.

To prevent future infestations, it's important to maintain a regular flea control program, since fleas are the most common source of tapeworms for dogs. Also, try to prevent your dog from scavenging or eating rodents, which can also carry tapeworms. Regular vet check-ups can also help catch any infestations early before they become a serious problem.

As for the hip issue, I would strongly suggest seeking veterinary advice. This might be unrelated to the tapeworms and could be due to a variety of causes, such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, trauma, or infection from other causes. A vet would be able to evaluate this and propose an appropriate treatment plan.

All the best,

Jeff
Editor and Publisher
Dog Health Guide