Intestinal Parasites in
Your Dog
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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.
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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.
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