Recognize, Treat & Prevent These Canine Parasites: Part 2

Last week, we gave you Recognize, Treat & Prevent These Canine Parasites: Part 1, with a focus on fleas, ticks, and mites. This week, we’ll explore common parasitic worms that can put your dog in danger.

1. Roundworm. Puppies often contract roundworms the moment they are born or at the time they start nursing from their mother.  Roundworms can be easily treated through the prescribed administration of deworming medications. Preventive measures primarily focus on maintaining hygienic conditions in your dog’s environment. These include disposing of your dog’s waste properly, keeping your home’s floor clean at all times, cleaning with household bleach-water solution on a weekly basis, and getting rid of mice and rodents that are likely to be the source of the problem.
2. Hookworm. This is another common canine bloodsucker that can be deadly for very young pooches. Although older dogs can develop resistance to these parasites, they can still be prone to hookworm infestation.  Hookworms are often treated with various kinds of deworming drugs such as Panacur, Nemex, Telmintic, Drontal Plus, and Vercom Paste. Prevention, on the other hand, commonly includes regular stool check-ups and maintaining good sanitation if Fido’s surroundings. Use of heartworm preventives like Interceptor or Heartgard Plus can also be tried.
3. Tapeworm. Many dogs infested with fleas are prone to develop tapeworms. If your dog has tapeworms, you’ll likely see what looks like inch worms that squiggle on your pooch’s fur under his tail or on his bedding. Tapeworms can be easily prevented through the use of prescribed medications such as Cestex, Droncit, Drontal Plus, Vercom Paste, and Temintic. To keep Fido from getting infested with these parasites, start by getting rid of his fleas and flea eggs. Keep your dog from eating or getting near dead animals, and avoid feeding him uncooked meats.
4. Whipworm. Another dangerous parasite in dogs is whipworm, though it is less common than the other intestinal parasites named above. It cannot be seen in the stool of an infected pup and its eggs are microscopic. Because whipworms can easily survive in the usual canine environment and infect dogs over and over again, it is difficult to treat, too. Several effective deworming drugs, nonetheless, can be used to get rid of these parasites. Preventive measures often entail maintaining a hygienic setting for Fido.
5. Heartworm. Heartworms are generally passed on to dogs through mosquitoes. Left untreated, they can cause heart and lung problems, even death. These parasites are dangerous and rather difficult to treat thereby making prevention more effective to keep them from infesting dogs. To protect your pooch from contracting heartworms, it is important that you always keep him away from mosquitoes. Use of heartworm preventives such as ivermectin, selamectin, and milbemycin oxime are essential.

Although some products used to treat parasites in dogs, may it be fleas or intestinal worms, are easily bought in drugstores, others require vet prescription. Remember that most, if not all, of these products contain various toxic components. That’s why it is critical that you use them based on the specific directions indicated. Never use any extra amount or apply more than what’s stated. Always consult your vet before use of parasitic drugs and other treatments.