You may not read about intestinal parasites most of the time, but it’s a topic worth discussing. These parasites are mainly worms that reside in dogs’ intestinal tracts. There are roundworms and hookworms that live in the small intestines and stomach of a dog, and tapeworms that live in their large intestines.
There are internal parasites like Giardia and coccidia that aren’t worms. These are one-cell organisms and are also considered internal tract parasites. These mentioned parasites can impact your beloved pet in several ways, from simple irritation to deadly conditions when left unattended. As we proceed, we’ll discuss how you can safeguard your dog from these parasites to keep them healthy and free of any health threats.
Five Ways to Prevent Canine Internal Parasites
Some parasites can transmit illnesses to you and your family. If you believe your canine has internal parasites, don’t postpone bringing them to facilities that offer emergency veterinary care in Sharpsburg to prevent their condition from worsening. This situation could be a matter of life and death, so urgent action is required.
Thankfully, we have gathered five simple tips to prevent these parasites from infecting your pet in the first place to protect your household and beloved pet.
1. Have your veterinarian do routine fecal checks
Every time you take your pet to a vet for kitten checkup Sharpsburg, always bring a fresh sample of your pet’s stool. The vet can utilize this to check for parasites. Young pets are most vulnerable to intestinal parasites, so ensure to bring a stool sample to their veterinary test. It’s also good to get a copy of your puppy’s deworming records from the breeders if you purchased your pet from them. This info is important to talk about with your vet.
2. Give them preventative medications
The good news is that there are presently available simple-to-administer medications to secure your pet from these pesky internal parasites. Most vets suggest giving these preventatives to your dog year-round. These internal parasite preventatives are often offered in many wellness plans for pets.
Consistency is important even if you’re away or out with your furry friend for a trip. Contact your vet for advice if you miss out on a few doses.
3. Maintain a feces-free yard
Good sanitation is a great way to lower your pet’s exposure to parasites. This means cleaning up after them and picking up their feces in the backyard, as many internal parasites can spread through contact with feces. In addition, a fecal-contaminated lawn might be a source of exposure for months since some parasites can thrive in the soil for a long period.
4. Don’t let them eat their feces
Most parasitic worms live in animals’ feces, and eating poop is a way to pick them up. You can prevent your four-legged companion from consuming their feces by cleaning up their stool instantly or taking them out on a leash in an area where there are feces from other animals.
5. Never let them drink stagnant water
Stagnant water is a breeding ground for Giardia, a parasite that can trigger serious diarrhea. Don’t ever let your pets drink from stagnant water or puddles. Always supply them with a fresh and clean water source to prevent them from looking for water elsewhere.
