The terrible truth of pet ownership is that your dog will almost surely have intestinal worms at some point. Even more regrettable is that intestinal worms regularly go unreported and misdiagnosed since symptoms do not always manifest. Your dog may become gravely ill if left untreated, and you may potentially become infected. The following is essential information regarding intestinal worms in your dog.
How do dogs and puppies become infected with intestinal worms?
Worms can infect dogs in various ways, regardless of how well they are cared for. Here are several ways for you to learn more in which your pet can become infested.
From their mother.
Through the uterus, roundworms and hookworms can be passed to unborn puppies and young puppies via their mother’s milk. Because this is a typical route of infection for roundworms, you must consult with your veterinarian from places like St Michael Companion Animal Hospital before worming your puppy.
Consumption of contaminated soil.
Because the parasites reside in the intestines and lay their eggs in the feces, contaminated soil is another significant source of roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm infections in dogs. It can take up to a month for the larvae to become active, and the eggs can represent a problem for years, so the feces that contaminated the soil are frequently no longer detectable. In most instances, dogs become infected by grooming and ingesting contaminated soil in their fur. Therefore, dog owners must always clean up after their pets.
Walking through the contaminated ground.
It is only possible to contract hookworms in this manner. The parasites can enter the dog’s skin through any body part that comes into contact with infected dirt, such as the paws or belly.
Ingestion of infected animals.
It is possible to contract roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms by consuming an infected animal, such as a rat, which can catch worms like dogs.). It can be acquired when dogs feed on the carcasses of domesticated animals such as sheep. Raw dog food can also be dangerous for the same reasons.
Tapeworms are the only intestinal parasite spread by fleas and cannot be acquired in any other manner. A dog is only affected if it consumes a flea carrying tapeworm eggs.
How to treat intestinal worms in dogs?
Dog worms are often treatable if found, stopped, and treated before the infestation’s later stages. Your veterinarian can prescribe a suitable deworming medicine and administration technique based on the type of parasite and the severity of the infection.
Before purchasing or giving any over-the-counter or prescription medicine for dog worms, it is strongly recommended that you contact your veterinarian. The degree of the infestation can only be determined by a veterinarian, who may then prescribe the proper number of treatments, dog vaccinations and provide further recommendations.
Conclusion
Before treating your dog for worms, you must be familiar with the signs that your dog may be infected and the various intestinal parasites. Your veterinarian may suggest regular deworming treatments instead of or in addition to fecal examinations, depending on your dog’s specific circumstances.
