Dog Worms: What Every Dog Guardian Should Know
Dog worms are one of those problems that all dog owners will have to deal with at some time or another. These pests come in many shapes and sizes. Some are fairly harmless, others dangerous, even potentially lethal.
It therefore pays to be forewarned and in this article we’ll be discussing the signs and symptoms of dog worms and what you should do about them.
There are actually several species of worms that infect dogs, including roundworms, hookworms, pinworms, tapeworms, whipworms and heartworms. The most common of these are roundworms and hookworms. These parasites carry the additional danger in that they are zoonotic, meaning they can also be transmitted to humans, with children particularly at risk.
If that doesn't motivate you to take immediate action, bear in mind that, far from being benign, worms can cause numerous health problems for your dog. These can range from relatively minor problems like diarrhea, to tissue damage, organ failure and ultimately death.
But how do you know if your dog has worms? The most common symptoms are weight loss, lack of appetite, a dull coat, lethargy, coughing, diarrhea and vomiting. The dog may also have a noticeable “pot-belly” if he has worms.
If your dog displays these symptoms you should get him to the vet right away for accurate diagnosis of the problem.
The good news is that it's quite easy to get rid of worms. The vet can prescribe something, or you can even use one of the many over-the-counter remedies to eradicate these parasites. Be aware though that these drugs are actually pesticides and prolonged usage may result in other health problems for your dog.
In recent years a number of companies have released natural de-worming products. These are said to be very effective, without the risks associated with chemicals, so you may want to give them a try.
So far we've only talked about treating your dog after the fact. However, there are things you should be doing to reduce the risk of a worm infestation. For example, you can ensure that your dog doesn't have fleas, as they can pass on tapeworm.
Secondly, if the area you live in has a heartworm risk, speak to your vet about a preventative medicine. This is important because a severe heartworm infestation can kill a dog.
You should also take care to keep your dog's living area clean, and pick up faeces from your yard and garden as soon as you can.
One last thing, always consult your vet before treating your dog with a de-worming medicine, even if it is a herbal or natural product.
Click here to find out more about dog worms, dog care, dog training and other informative dog information at www.dogsanddogtraining.com
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Tagged with: dog health • dog worms • dogs
Filed under: Dog Breeds Information
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