There are 5 different types of dogworms your dog can get: heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. As a dog owner, you'll want educated yourself so that you will be able to identify the warning signs--early.

Early detection is vital because each kind of dogworm will call for a different type of medical care. Often the signs of a dogworm infestation can be difficult to identify. Other times the signs (like weight loss, vomiting, or diarrhea]) are much easier to identify. That said, it's a good idea to have your dog checked over regularly.

Important Note: You should know that some types of dogworms can be transmitted to humans. To promote good hygiene, it is vital for pet owners to wash their hands and clothes regularly after playing outside with their dog-especially before mealtimes.

5 Familiar Dogworms -Which Do You Want to Overcome?

>> Heartworms

Heartworms aretransmitted through infected mosquitoes, normally during the warmer months when mosquitoes are active. The infected mosquito bites the dog. And the dog develops heartworms which destroy the muscle fibers of the heart, bringing about congestive heart failure.

Because heartworms are difficult to detect in their early stages, many dogs die.

Early Detection: Signs and symptoms may include a pot-bellied appearance, coughing, lack of energy and dull coat.

Prevention & Treatment: Prevention is the best medicine. And, since heartworms are difficult to detect until they enter their advanced stages, it's recommended that you start your dog on a prevention program when they're young.

You can begin your puppy on a heartworm preventative, like Heartgard, as soon as six weeks of age.

>>Roundworms

There are 2 types of roundworms: Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonine. They are one of the most popular types of dogworms. An infestation of round worms, mostly found in puppies, causes a pot-bellied appearance.

Causes: Often puppies may become infected before birth, through the mother's uterus or through her milk. Puppies can also develop roundworms by ingesting another infected animal or infected soil.

Roundworm eggs reside in soil. And when a puppy swallows the infected soil, the roundworm eggs will hatch in his intestines. Those worms can in turn create more worms. Early Detection: Roundworm Symptoms include pot-bellied appearance, diarrhea, vomiting, dull coat and weight loss. Look for warning signs of Roundworms in your dog's feces or vomit. They have a spaghetti-like look and can grow to nearly 7 inches in length.

Prevention & Treatment: Puppies between 2 and 12 weeks of age should be dewormed every 2 weeks. Puppies between 12 weeks and six months of age should be dewormed once a month. Puppies older than six months of age are less susceptible to roundworms. Even so, continue to have your dog tested at least yearly (or more often if he's considered "high risk").

NOTE: You will have to have a veterinarian's prescription to buy deworming products.