What You Must Know About Dog Worms
One of the common problems that dog owners have to deal with is dog worms. These parasites infest our pets and pilfer nutrients from the food they consume. Some even cause more severe illnesses, and others can cause death if left untreated.
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.
Several species of worms can infect dogs, ranging from the fairly common hookworms and roundworms, to tapeworms, pinworms, heartworms and others. Some are zoonotic, which means they can be transferred to humans, particularly children.
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.
So what are the symptoms that indicate a worm infestation? The most common signs are, a drop in weight, loss of appetite, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. In addition, the dog may start to display a noticeable “pot belly”.
If you notice these symptoms you should take your dog to the vet for an examination, as soon as possible.
Fortunately, worms are usually easy to get rid of. Your vet may give the dog a de-worming medication, or you can buy an over-the-counter product which is usually equally effective. Don’t overuse these products though, as they contain pesticides, and can cause other health problems with extended use.
Or you may want to try a natural de-worming product. There are currently a number of these on the market, and they are said to work well, and have no side-effects. In fact, some even claim to promote intestinal health.
So far, we’ve only spoken about worm treatment but, of course, there are a number of things you can do to prevent your dog from getting worms in the first place. 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.
Read more about dog worms, dog training, dog health and other helpful dog advice at dogsanddogtraining.com.
