An Ultimate Guide to Handling Internal Parasites in Dogs

An Ultimate Guide to Handling Internal Parasites in Dogs

External parasites like ticks, fleas, and mites are easy to detect because of their visibility. Yet intestinal tract parasites are much harder to see; not only they’re usually inside the body, but their victims don’t show any signs of illness in the early stages of the problem.

Common Intestinal Parasites

  • Hookworms– feed on your pet dog’s blood as it attaches to the digestive tract wall. They can trigger blood loss, weight loss, severe looseness of the bowels, and death. Its eggs go to the digestive tract and ultimately to the pet’s feces. Larvae that hatch out from eggs live in the dirt. These larvae can infect the pet through skin penetration or inadvertently ingesting them when they lick their hair for routine cleaning.
  • Roundworms– also called nematodes- live inside the dog’s intestine and feed upon partly digested food. They’re generally white or light brown and also resemble spaghetti noodles. It can create vomiting, looseness of the bowels, and malnutrition. It can also be passed to human beings.
  • Tapeworms– are flat and segmented intestinal parasites. The tapeworm utilizes its mouth to attach itself to the small intestine wall. Sometimes they can be found in the area of the anus or newly passed feces.
  • Whipworms– get their name from their shape that appears like a whip. They have a thick anterior and long, thin posterior. They live in the colon or large intestine, attaching to the mucosal lining. These quarter-inch parasites, despite being little, can create severe complications for your pet dog.
  • Giardiasis– is a protozoal digestive tract infection in pet dogs. At the beginning of infections, the pet might not show any illness. Long-term infection might result in gastrointestinal issues and malnutrition. The protozoa can be transferred to people. Visit this website for more info about parasite control.

How Intestinal Tract Parasites Are Transmitted to Dogs

One of the most common parasite transmission in dogs is when the pet accidentally ingests parasite eggs or spores in infected dirt, food, water, and feces. Pregnant and nursing dogs can transfer hookworm and roundworm to their pups. The larvae might move to the placenta of the expectant dog, or during lactation, the puppies might get the parasites from the mother’s milk.

If your dog needs to see a veterinarian for health assessment, consider Providence Animal Hospital, they are known to have a very reliable staff.   

How to Tell if Your Dog Has Intestinal Parasites

Unlike ticks or fleas that are conveniently visible, intestinal parasites are difficult to find. Mainly during the onset of the infestation, the pet dogs are asymptomatic. Even for those pet dogs with symptoms, the problem might go unnoticed because the indications are typically nonspecific. One of the most common symptoms in intestinal tract parasites are:

  • Scooting a bottom across the flooring
  • Vomiting and diarrhea
  • Coughing
  • Bloated stomach
  • Weight-loss

How to Address Intestinal Parasites

Intestinal tract parasites are avoidable and also treatable. It would certainly be a good practice to have your dog undertake monthly parasite preventives. Regularly feed your pet dog cooked or prepared food and fresh water. Keep your surroundings tidy and ensure that they do not contact feces and other liquids. Your vet can discuss with you just how you can protect your dogs from digestive tract parasites. A minimum of once a year, have their stool checked in at a veterinary laboratory for the presence of parasites.

Conclusion

Intestinal tract parasites can lead to serious health problems for your pet dog. Some health issues your pet can obtain from infestation include vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and even death. However, one more reason you need to care is that some parasites can also be transferred to humans. Kids are most susceptible, pet dogs pass Toxocara eggs in their feces, and also it can create a loss of sight, particularly in youngsters. Your veterinarian remains the best resource of practical info to guarantee the optimum well-being of your pet dog.