This topic covers the three main parasitic worms that can infest and ultimately have an adverse effect on a dog’s health. They are, 1)Tapeworms, 2)Hookworms, 3)Roundworms.
Worms can cause major health problems because they rob a dogs body of valuable nutrients that is desperately needed for optimum health. It is not uncommon for a dog to test positive for worms even though it shows no signs of an infestation.
Tapeworms In Dogs(Dipylidium Caninum)
The infestation of any worms in your dogs body should not be taken lightly.
Tapeworm infestation usually begins when fleas that are hosts the tapeworm eggs are ingested. When the eggs hatch, the young worms immediately hooks themselves to the dog’s intestines. This immediately starts robing your dog’s body of needed nutrients.
Worms of any kind, if not treated in a timely manner, could lead to the eventual death of your dog. The parasitic tapeworm attaches itself by way of small mouth hooks. What is interesting about the tapeworm, is that it’s body is sectioned, with each section or segment having the ability to be another worm. As a dog owner and bulldog advocate, I can attest to the fact that many of our dogs live outdoors in pens or runs, some or our Bullies may even be tethered in a yard. If this is the case with your kennel, check and treat often for fleas.
Tapeworm Treatment
The treatment of tapeworms is a very simple one. As many of you know, I am a naturalist. Because of this I would first recommend the treatment that I use if I suspect tapeworms in my dogs.. This works every time. This treatment is totally Homeopathic, will not hurt the dog’s body in any way, all natural.
Clicking this link will take you to Parasite Dr.
If you are not a naturalist and would rather treat your dog with something else, Praziquantel is the most commonly used by vets. Also known as Droncit, is probably the first thing that your vet would recommend or administer.
If you are unsure about treating your dog at home, it is always a great idea to visit your vet.
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HOOKWORMS
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Did you know that puppies can be born with hookworms and roundworms?
For this reason, they should be treated for both parasites early in life.
Brood females should also be treated to prevented transmission of eggs to her puppies.
Unlike tapeworms that clamp to your dogs intestines robbing it of nutrients, hookworms reside in the small intestines and survive by sucking blood.
An infestation of hookworms can harm your dogs in two ways.
1)They are blood sucking leaches that can cause your dog or puppy to die from anemia by sucking a very high quantity of your dog’s blood.
2)They leave bite marks on the intestine that continues to bleed long after the worms has detached themselves from a spot. This loss of blood can also cause anemia. Young puppies are especially prone to death because of a hookworm infestation.
Checking For Hookworms
A fecal examination by a vet will determine if your has an infestation of hookworms. He will determine if there is a presence of hookworm eggs, which indicates a positive test.
Recognizing Hokworm Symptoms.
Some of the symptoms of hookworms in dogs are dark tarry stools, constipation, loss of condition, poor appetite, dry cough, and sudden death.
Treating Hookworms
As with tapeworms, hookworms are easy to treat if the course of treatment is followed. Pyrantel Pamoate (Strongid-T) is use for this course of treatment.
For preventing infestation, Heartgard given once monthly will do the job quite efficiently. Interceptor Flavor Tabs work very well as a preventive also.
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ROUNDWORMS
ave you ever seen a puppy wit a very large or bloated belly? This could be positive evidence that it is infested with roundworms. Like the hookworm, this parasite also causes blood loss through the intestines. looking totally different to the other two varieties of worms, this worm has a long, spaghetti like shape, that can sometimes be found curled up in a dog’s stool or vomit without administering a course of treatment. They can grow up to 12 centimeters long. Like the fore mentioned parasitic worms, roundworms are very easy to see with the naked eye. This worm is a bloodsucking type like the hook worm.
Signs Of Roundworms
Some of the signs of roundworms include: abdominal distension, colicky pain, cachexia, anorexia, scanty feces, coughing due to larval migration, weakness, sudden death.
Testing For Roundworms
A fecal test has to be done for the presence of roundworm eggs to determine if your dog is positive for the parasite.
Treatment For Roundworms
Deworming with Strongid is the most recommended treatment for dogs with roundworms. Keep in mind that it is not natural or holistic, so it may have some adverse effects on your dogs body.
For the best natural cures for dog worms click on the banners below to see what I have used since 2007.
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Bullies Rock!!
