Keeping your Puppy Free of Intestinal Parasites
Several types of intestinal parasites may infect dogs. The most common are roundworm, hookworm, tapeworm and whipworm. Dogs are also susceptible to infection with two common protozoan parasites, coccidia and giardia. Puppies with mild infections may not show any clinical signs, but can develop a pot-bellied appearance, diarrhea, and vomiting. Severe infections can cause serious illness and can be life threatening if left untreated.
Check Regularly for Intestinal Parasites
Because most intestinal parasites are not easy to see and infection may cause only mild disease, it is important to submit a fecal sample from your dog to your veterinarian once or twice a year for screening. If your dog does contract intestinal parasites, they can be easily eliminated through medication.
Fleas Can Transmit Tapeworm to Your Dog
Tapeworm is transmitted to dogs via an intermediate host such as insects or small animals. Fleas, lice, crickets and many rodents are all intermediate hosts for certain species of tapeworm. Therefore, if at any time your dog contracts fleas, ingests insects, or hunts and consumes prey animals, he is at risk for tapeworm infection.
|