Does my dog have worms?

[summersoon]

I have a 3 year old english springer spaniel dog. We only got him this year. When we got him it looked like he had been mistreated because of his shyness and little weight.

Although he isnt shy anymore, he is still very underweight. We feed him tripe and pig heads, but he still isn't putting any weight on.

Could it just be in his nature, or is it possible he could have worms.

Thanks for any help xx

[Kozmic Blues]

I'm not sure!!

But even if he doesn't you should still treat him for them.

Springer spaniels are pretty thin dogs anyway because the are very active.

If you are worried take him for a check up.

[Clanad]

A rough-dry coat, weight loss, bad breath or just an overall poor appearance can be symptoms caused by intestinal worms in dogs. This would be my first concern. .You should be able to observe the worms or the eggs in any fecal matter if he is infected. If you are still uncertain about worms after checking as described above, you can take him to the vet but you can also go to a pharmacy and obtain some medicinal quality sulphur. Mix some of this with some lard or other animal fat, possibly marrow and feed it to him. Probably, for his size, about a half teaspoonful in an ounce or so of the fat. This is a good treatment for dog worms and much cheaper than a visit to the vet. I'd recommend repeating the application in 10 days or so in case unhatched eggs were left in his intestinal tract. The fat is eaten by the worms and the accompanying sulphur will kill them. For best results, deprive your dog of food for 24 hours or so before de-worming. The pork you are feeding him should be discontinued for the time being. Place him on a beef or lamb diet for a while, or a good quality commercial feed that's high in protein. By the way, has he had shots for distemper?
Best of luck!

[lankeela]

Or you could just worm him which you should do every six months anyway.

[debsoutho]

Hi Summersoon
I too have a springer spanial who is now 1 year old, and he is really fussy when eating, He will eat a certain food for a couple of days, then turns his nose up at it!! I have even cooked him meat etc in the hope that he will put weight on, he too looks underweight, but he is very healthy and full of energy. I took him to the vets to check why he was thin, she weighed him, but said she was quite happy though he looked on the thin side, she said she would be more concerned if he was fat.

[summersoon]

Thankyou all for replying.

Especially thanks to clanad for taking the time to give me all that information!

Also thanks to debsoutho, as i think my dog must be the same.

Even so im going to use some medicinal quality sulphur, as suggested by clanad, incase.

Thanks allxxxxx