Intestinal parasites in dogs are very common but easily treated and prevented. The most common intestinal parasites in dogs are Tapeworm, Roundworm and Hookworm, and each of these parasites poses a health danger to your dog. Untreated, intestinal parasites can lead to blood loss, diarrhea, vomiting, malnutrition, weight loss, anemia, intestinal obstructions and even death.
Even dogs who only go out on a leash under the watchful eye of their owners can still contract intestinal parasites. But under certain conditions, dogs will become more at risk. If your dog has or has had fleas, he may have contracted Tapeworms from licking the flea bites and ingesting fleas. If you have more than one dog, or if your dog is ever in situations where he plays with other dogs, sharing toys, sticks, balls or freebees in the park, or a water bowl, your dog may contract intestinal parasites from the other dog.
Even spending time outdoors puts your dog at greater risk of contracting intestinal worms through eating or licking something. And any change of environment once more introduces new factors that may lead to intestinal worms. In short, intestinal worms in dogs are common.
It’s a good idea for dog owners to have their dog tested for intestinal worms at their vet, if the dog isn’t on preventative medication. Some worms can be seen in the stool with the naked eye, so a dog owner can take a look at his dog’s feces before picking it up in the park. The treatment of worms is very easy. A simple fecal floatation test by your vet will determine if you dog has intestinal parasites. The test is inexpensive, and provides results in a matter of minutes.
If your dog suffers from intestinal worms, your vet will prescribe a medication or give the dog the dose while he is still at the clinic. Be sure to clean your dogs food and water bowls when you get home. Then place your dog on a preventative intestinal worm medication from his lifetime. Many preventative medications include Heartworm prevention as well. You have several choices of prices depending on the product. Just be aware that some Heartworm medications may not address all intestinal parasites. Therefore, take your time reading the label or ask your vet, to be sure the medication you choose will fit your needs.
Finally, it’s important to address intestinal worms in dogs as some can be transferred to humans and pose a health risk to you and your family. Dogs are no different than people, they are prone to parasitical infections under certain conditions, but thankfully, modern medicine offers dog owners simple everyday solutions.
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