One of the more unpleasant aspects of being a dog is the potential for internal parasites that can infest your pug if they're not kept at bay with preventive medication. Intestinal worms take a toll on dogs by leaching nutrients from the body. They can cause internal bleeding, dull fur, and a potbellied appearance. Heartworms can be fatal if left untreated. And some worms can be transmitted to humans.

How do you know if your pug has worms? A fecal exam is usually necessary to determine the presence and type of worms that have invaded your pug's body, although tapeworms can occasionally have more obvious signs. Tapeworms can cause your dog's rear end to itch, and you may see him scooting his bottom on the ground in an attempt to get more comfortable. Tapeworm segments, which resemble grains of white rice, can sometimes be seen in feces or clinging to the fur around the anus.

In any case, a diagnosis is important because different worms require different medications to kill them. Don't assume that an over-the-counter product or a folk remedy such as raw garlic will take care of the problem. It's best to treat the infestation appropriately the first time and get rid of it. It's even better to prevent worm infestation in the first place by giving a regular course of heartworm medication, which also prevents most intestinal parasites.