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Gastro-Intestinal Worms

Roughly 80% of Australian dogs carry one type of gastro-intestinal worm or another. Not only can they be dangerous and even fatal to puppies and adult dogs, some can also be transferred to humans, especially children.

  • are eaten or penetrate the skin of paws and legs
  • can also be transferred to pups through mother's milk
  • can be fatal if the infection is severe
  • can infect humans
  • weight loss
  • loss of appetite
  • bloated stomach
  • black diarrhoea
  • increased thirst
  • lethargy
  • dermatitis
  • become infested by ingesting, through the placenta, from mother's milk
  • grow between 9 – 20cm long
  • can be fatal if the infection is severe
  • can infect humans
  • coughing
  • diarrhoea
  • vomiting
  • pneumonia
  • bowel obstruction
  • a dull coat
  • swollen stomach
  • dogs become infested by ingesting whipworm eggs
  • grow between 4 – 7cm long
  • infections in puppies can be fatal.
  • weight loss
  • stomach pains
  • diarrhoea, occasionally with fresh blood
  • pale eyelids and gums
  • dehydration
  • a dull coat
  • dogs catch from swallowing infected fleas
  • may be more than 1 metre long
  • not a major health risk
  • can infect humans
  • irritation
  • itching around the anus
  • tapeworm segments in the faeces – look like grains of rice
  • dogs catch from swallowing infected fleas
  • may be more than 1 metre long
  • not a major health risk
  • can infect humans
  • dogs catch from eating infected internal organs of sheep, cattle, kangaroos and pigs in the country
  • grows to only 7mm long
  • not a threat to dogs but can be life threatening to humans due to the formation of large, fluid-filled cysts in the human’s body

  • minimise exposure to areas heavily contaminated with other dogs’ faeces
  • remove faeces from litter trays and children's sand pits
  • clean your dog’s sleeping area regularly
  • feed your quality dog food (not intestines)
  • wash your hands after handling your pet and before eating
  • don’t let your dog lick your face
  • use a regular de-worming treatment

By using a de-worming product such as Canex® * at two, four, six and 12 weeks of age, and then every 3 months for the rest of their life.