The amount of harm that worms can cause your pet ranges from a mild level that is barely detectable to severe disease and possibly death. The severity of harm depends on the age of your pet as well as the amount and type of worms present. For example, a healthy adult dog with a few tapeworms present may barely show any signs of illness, whereas, a young puppy with a heavy hookworm infection may have a severe illness. Besides the intestine, worms can be found in many other locations in the body, including the heart, kidneys, urinary bladder, lungs, the skin, as well as many other tissues. The mechanical presence of worms allows bacterial infections to occur and can cause occlusion of organs.
Worms can damage tissues by literally eating the surface of tissues that they contact.
Parasites may produce anti-enzymatic substances that prevent digestion of food in the bowel. Worms can cause anemia- especially whip worms and hook worms. Parasites can cause malnutrition by actually competing for food and nutrients in the bowel. All rights reserved.