Know More About Parasites and Worms in Dogs
- By Jeff Nenadic
- Published 05/31/2009
- Pets
- Unrated
Jeff Nenadic
Written by Jeff Nenadic from My Dog Shop - check for current specials on chew toys online.
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Dog and puppies can get worms and parasites in so many ways. Luckily, most worms are species specific - meaning they can’t pass from a dog to humans or other types of pets. Very rarely, parasites can be passed from pet to owner, but routinely having the dog wormed can prevent most infections.
Your dog can easily catch worms, if your dog is playing with, sharing toys, or eating from the same dish as an infected dog. A very common source of infection can be the fecal matter from infected dogs, especially if the dog plays outside and is able to ingest it.
Roundworms
Roundworms look like small earthworms. They are usually white in color, but if they have been outside the dogs body for a time, they may be yellow. A full-grown roundworm, can reach up to five inches long. Like tapeworms, roundworms are often seen in the fecal matter or in the hair around the dogs anus. Its very important to keep the mother worm free to prevent her passing the infestation to her puppies -who can’t be wormed until they are a certain age. Roundworm eggs can be passed on to puppies through their mothers milk.
The worms lay up to 200 eggs per day when they live inside the puppy’s intestines. Once the eggs hatch, they move through the body to the lungs. The larva is coughed up then swallowed. This cycle continues until there is a dramatic and serious infection of roundworms. A dog or puppy with a severe infestation can have a pot-belly, harsh cough, and can die if the intestines become blocked.
Dogs also make a loyal friend for many patients such as the elderly, shut in, and isolated patients. They get to interact with another living thing when they visit with the dog and their therapist. This type of therapy is positive for patients, emotionally and socially, because the dogs are non-judgmental and are always happy to see the patient.
Whipworms and Hookworms
Whipworms and hookworms are easily seen when a dogs stool sample is examined by a veterinarian, but they are too small to be seen with the naked eye.
Hookworms are the worst of these two types. They can lead to anemia and even death as these worms feed off the blood of the dog. Whipworms cause lethargic behavior. They are a major problem for dogs that are kenneled or boarded in facilities with many dogs in one, enclosed area.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms are rarely seen as entire worms, but in segments instead. They are white in color, and are flattened. Look for something that looks like dried rice grains in the fur around the dogs anus.
Tapeworms affect a dogs overall health. They can be passed to various species including cats. Keep your pet free from fleas, for they can pass tapeworm eggs from one dog to another. Dogs that hunt rodents and small wild animals are at greater risk for tapeworms.
Your dog can easily catch worms, if your dog is playing with, sharing toys, or eating from the same dish as an infected dog. A very common source of infection can be the fecal matter from infected dogs, especially if the dog plays outside and is able to ingest it.
Roundworms
Roundworms look like small earthworms. They are usually white in color, but if they have been outside the dogs body for a time, they may be yellow. A full-grown roundworm, can reach up to five inches long. Like tapeworms, roundworms are often seen in the fecal matter or in the hair around the dogs anus. Its very important to keep the mother worm free to prevent her passing the infestation to her puppies -who can’t be wormed until they are a certain age. Roundworm eggs can be passed on to puppies through their mothers milk.
The worms lay up to 200 eggs per day when they live inside the puppy’s intestines. Once the eggs hatch, they move through the body to the lungs. The larva is coughed up then swallowed. This cycle continues until there is a dramatic and serious infection of roundworms. A dog or puppy with a severe infestation can have a pot-belly, harsh cough, and can die if the intestines become blocked.
Dogs also make a loyal friend for many patients such as the elderly, shut in, and isolated patients. They get to interact with another living thing when they visit with the dog and their therapist. This type of therapy is positive for patients, emotionally and socially, because the dogs are non-judgmental and are always happy to see the patient.
Whipworms and Hookworms
Whipworms and hookworms are easily seen when a dogs stool sample is examined by a veterinarian, but they are too small to be seen with the naked eye.
Hookworms are the worst of these two types. They can lead to anemia and even death as these worms feed off the blood of the dog. Whipworms cause lethargic behavior. They are a major problem for dogs that are kenneled or boarded in facilities with many dogs in one, enclosed area.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms are rarely seen as entire worms, but in segments instead. They are white in color, and are flattened. Look for something that looks like dried rice grains in the fur around the dogs anus.
Tapeworms affect a dogs overall health. They can be passed to various species including cats. Keep your pet free from fleas, for they can pass tapeworm eggs from one dog to another. Dogs that hunt rodents and small wild animals are at greater risk for tapeworms.