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.
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 your dog shows these symptoms, chances are he has worms, but you’ll have to have him examined by a vet to be sure it is not some other problem.
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.
Instead of using a chemically based medication, you may prefer to use a natural alternative. In recent years several companies have introduced herbal remedies to the market. These naturally flush the parasites from your dog’s system and may have other health benefits for your pet as well.
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.
Also take care to keep the dog’s living environment clean, particularly as regards picking up faeces from the yard or garden.
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 obedience training and other useful dog information at http://www.dogsanddogtraining.com
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