Intestinal
Parasites
in Your Dog
Statistics show that one in three dogs
at some time can be infected with intestinal parasites such
as roundworms, tapeworms,
hookworms, and whipworms.
Taking care of our canine friends not only stop at grooming,
but also checking for parasites which can be detrimental to
their health. The following is a list of the common intestinal
parasites that infect your dog, what they are, how your dog
can possibly acquire them, its harmful effects to your dog
and to you, and of course, how to get rid of it.
ROUNDWORMS
(Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonine)
Description
Most common to infect the animal kingdom, roundworms
grow 2 - 4 inches long, tan or white creatures with tapered
ends that look like spaghetti.
How they are acquired
Puppies are usually born with them. Those infected with roundworms
have a potbelly or a bloated look and dry, scaly coat. When
your pets are in unsanitary conditions, don't be surprised
if your dog becomes infested. Unlike hookworm eggs, roundworm
eggs are very resistant to drying, sunlight or antiseptics.
They can last for years in soil and still be infectious.
Harmful Effects to your Dog
If in huge numbers, a dog may vomit these worms or discharge
them all as a whole in the fecal matter. Roundworms can cause
diarrhea - the infestation's effect is evident on your pet's
general appearance. They can also cause intestinal blockage
and stool cannot pass if they become too many.
Harmful Effects to Man
Since roundworms are zoonotic, they can be transferred to
humans. They cause an infection known as "Visceral Larva Migrans",
which result in inflammation of muscle tissue. Young children
are susceptible to transfer and can experience eye inflammations
leading to blindness.
Treatment
Usually used to treat roundworms are pyrantel pamoate,
fenbendazole and piperazine, both classified as Anthelmintics
or dewormers.
TAPEWORMS
(Dipylidium caninum)
Description
Tapeworms can be seen unlike other parasites. Tapeworm
segments, usually white in color, can be seen after in the
dog's feces or rectum after elimination that broke off from
the adult.
How they are acquired
Fleas can carry tapeworm eggs, so the ingestion of parasite
eggs is the only way to infection.
Harmful Effects to your Dog
Although they don't cause much harm to our canine friends,
tapeworms cause pet owners to squirm at their ghastly sight.
Dogs experience cramping and sometimes gas.
Harmful Effects to Man
Children can accidentally swallow fleas that have eggs, causing
intense discomfort. Fish can also be an intermediate host
- so be careful in eating raw fish.
Treatment
Antiparasitic agents, praziquantel and epsiprantel are both
used both by oral medication or injection.
HOOKWORMS
(Ancylostoma caninium)
Description
Hookworms are blood-sucking intestinal parasites and are invisible
to the naked eye.
How they are acquired
Puppies can acquire hookworm eggs from their mother and unhygienic
surroundings or soil. Heat and dryness kills hookworm eggs
quickly.
Harmful Effects to your Dog
If your dog is infected, their feces
look abnormally blackish and loose. In the first week of infection,
they may look healthy, but extreme infections in injured or
young dogs can be lethal. They can cause intestinal bleeding
leading to anemia and bloody diarrhea.
Harmful Effects to Man
In humans, hookworms can also cause intestinal bleeding especially
to children. In adults, they can cause an infection known
as "Cutaneous Larva Migrans" or "creeping eruption". Lesions
that can be really itchy are caused by hookworm larvae nestling
into the skin usually in the feet. More so, when severe, they
can cause abdominal pains and eye problems.
Treatment
Hookworms can be diagnosed by the examination of the pet's
fecal matter. Dewormers include pyrantel pamoate and fenbendazole.
An example of a product is Heartgard.
WHIPWORMS
(Trichuris vulpis)
Description
Another unseen freeloader is the whipworm, which is the most
difficult to exterminate. They do not need to leave the intestines
to complete a life cycle.
Eggs are passed in the dog's stool and after 2-4 weeks in
a warm, moist environment, they become infective to another
dog. The eggs hatch and the worms mature in the cecal area
of the intestine where they can cause chronic bowel inflammation.
How they are acquired
Most common in adult animals especially those housed
in groups or kennels because they can become infectious to
other dogs after a few weeks in
a warm environment.
Harmful Effects to your Dog
The symptoms may include severe diarrhea, flatulence, loss
of weight and general overall condition. Whipworms can cause
chronic bowel inflammation.
Harmful Effects to Man
Luckily, these parasites only adhere to our canine friends.
Treatment
Fenbendazole (Panacur) is usually prescribed after
diagnosis. To regulate these parasites, give doses of milbemycin
oxime every month, a heartworm preventive medication.
Learn Holistic At-Home Remedies from Dr.
Andrew Jones by
downloading this "Healing Your Pets At Home" FREE
book Now!
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