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 makes sense to be informed, and in this article we discuss the warning signs you should look out for, and the steps you need to take to rid your dog of worms.
There are actually a number of different worm species that typically affect dogs. Round worms and hookworms are the most common, but there are also pinworms, tapeworms, whipworms and heartworms, to name a few. Many of these species are zoonotic, meaning they can also infest humans, particularly children.
If that’s not enough to motivate you to immediate action, consider the serious health risks worms carry for your dog. A worm infestation can result in weight loss, vomitting and diarrhea. In more severe cases they can even damage tissue, and cause major organs to fail.
So what are the signs and symptoms to look for? Common symptoms include weight loss, no appetite, lack of energy, depression, vomiting, coughing and diarrhea. You may also notice that the dog begins to develop a distinct, “pot belly”.
If you notice these symptoms you should take your dog to the vet for an examination, as soon as possible.
The good news is that it’s quite easy to get rid of worms. The vet can prescribe something, or you can even use one of the many over-the-counter remedies to eradicate these parasites. Be aware though that these drugs are actually pesticides and prolonged usage may result in other health problems for your dog.
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.
The scenarios we’ve discussed thus far all refer to a dog that already has worms. But there are also a number of measures you can take to prevent a worm infestation. For example, you can ensure that your dog doesn’t have fleas, as they can pass on tapeworm.
In you live in a heartworm area you should also, definitely ensure that he gets a preventative. Heartworms are one of the most dangerous dog worm species, as a severe infestation can result in death.
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.
If you want to find out more about dog worms, dog care, dog anatomy and other useful dog info pay a visit to dogsanddogtraining.com
