Intestinal parasites in dogs: an accurate guide

Intestinal parasites are not all the same. Cardiopulmonary and subcutaneous filarial worms must be distinguished from helminths that live in the intestine.

A useful classification

Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms have different life cycles and consequences. Dipylidium and Echinococcus must not be described as the same parasite or as having the same intermediate host.

Filariasis belongs to a different group of vector-borne diseases.

Diagnosis

The appearance of faeces and symptoms are not always enough to identify the parasite. Faecal examination, clinical history and environmental risk guide the choice of further investigation.

An animal can be infected even when no worms are visible.

Prevention and zoonoses

Removing faeces, controlling fleas where relevant and using risk-based programmes reduce exposure. The risk to people must be explained parasite by parasite.

Sources and document updates

This information is general and does not replace diagnosis, prescription or instructions from a veterinarian. For a medicine, the summary of product characteristics or package leaflet for the specific presentation is authoritative.

• ESCCAP — GL1 - Worm control in dogs and cats (accessed 24/07/2026)
• ESCCAP — GL4 - Parasitological diagnosis in cats, dogs and equines (accessed 24/07/2026)

Editorial transparency: sources are provided to allow the documents to be checked. Professional review is only declared after genuine approval by a qualified, identifiable person.