Puppies and dogs can become infested with numerous types of worms; however, the most deadly of all worms is heartworm. Heartworm is aptly named because in its mature form, adult-sized worms inhabit and reproduce in the dog's heart and lungs. Other worms — like roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms — occupy and wreak havoc in the dog's digestive system.

Heartworm

Even though heartworm treatments are generally effective, these treatments aren't without their own health risks to the dog. Even with treatment, a dog infected with heartworms can still die. There's no need for this to happen. Effective, safe preventive medications are available and are reasonably priced so that every Chihuahua can be protected.

In cold, northern states, heartworm preventives may not be necessary during the winter. In more temperament climates or in areas in which you can have a few freak warm days in the winter, year-round protection is recommended. Areas that are particularly bad for heartworm year-round are those that are 150 miles inward from either coast or in the heart of mosquito country, the Mississippi Valley.

Heartworm preventives are available in pills and chewable tablets that can be given daily or monthly, as well as topical solutions that are applied monthly. In addition to protecting against heartworm, some preventives include protection from several intestinal worms, as well as fleas, ticks, and mites. Many of these products are gentle enough for young puppies and are recommended as early as three months of age.

Intestinal Worms

This category includes roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. All can sap your Chihuahua's health quickly, with some infestations being more damaging than others. Your veterinarian will require that you provide an annual fecal sample in order to test for the presence of worms. If you own a puppy, expect your veterinarian to require that your Chihuahua puppy undergo one or more wormings to rid her of roundworms, a parasite commonly passed from mother to puppy. Roundworms can cause a puppy to have a pot-bellied appearance and, if the infestation is severe, can block the puppy's intestinal tract and cause death.

The other worms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms, rarely cause an infestation in a healthy adult dog that is so great as to jeopardize the dog's health. However, because these worms can be passed on to humans, it is important that you watch for any changes in your dog's health (including vomiting, lethargy, and anemia), and bowel movements (especially diarrhea) that would indicate an infestation of worms.

Preventive measures are key in keeping your dog healthy, and it is no different when it comes to worms. Clean your dog's feces up when walking your dog, and prevent her from sniffing or ingesting other dogs' feces and dead critters that may be infested with parasites. Additionally, discuss with your veterinarian your options with several different heartworm medications that protect dogs from several types of intestinal worms, too. These medications are effective and, since you'll already be giving your Chi heartworm preventive, you can administer them at no additional cost.