There are five different kinds of dogworms your canine can get: heartworms,
hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. As a dog owner, you’ll want educated yourself so that you can diagnose the warning signs–early.
Early detection is vital because each variety of dogworm will call for a different form of treatment. Often the signs of a dogworm infestation can be hard to diagnose. Other times the signs (like diarrhea, vomiting, or weight loss) are much simpler to diagnose. That said, it’s a good idea to have your dog checked over regularly.
Important Note: You should know that some kinds of dogworms can be transmitted to humans. To promote good hygiene, it is vital for pet owners to wash their hands and clothes regularly after playing outside with their dog-especially before mealtimes.
Five Familiar Dogworms -Which Do You Want to Overcome?
>> Whipworms
Canines develop whipworms by ingesting their eggs. Those eggs live in the dog’s colon and are not seeable to the naked eye. Once infected, the worms attach themselves to the puppy’s intestinal walls and feed off them, causing intestinal bleeding.
Common symptoms can include anemia, weight loss, flatulence, diarrhea (with blood or mucus in the stool) and lack of energy.
Prevention & Treatment: You can care for your dog’s whipworms effectively with fenbendazole (whose brand names are Panacur or Safe-Guard). You can administer the treatment for 3-5 consecutive days for the majority of parasites. Then, check with your veterinarian to see if a second round of treatment is recommended.
>> Hookworms
There are2 kinds of hookworms: Ancylostoma caninum and Uncinaria stenocephala. Hookworms are a tiny, thin worm that latches itself on to the intestinal walls of its victim while sucking their blood. They are difficult to identify and invisible to the human eye.
These worms can also be forwarded to puppies while in their mother’s uterus or through her breast milk. That said, puppies of all ages can develop hookworms, making regular veterinary visits all the more vital.
And…like roundworms, hookworms can also be forwarded to humans.
Early Detection: All though hookworms cannot be seen by the naked eye, there are some suggestive warning signs you should be on the lookout for: bloody stool, anemia, weight loss, pale gums, diarrhea and low energy levels.
Prevention & Treatment: Treatment usually consists of oral medicines (dewormers), fecal tests and intravenous therapy. In some acute cases, a blood transfusion might be required.
Because some pups die before the hookworm is ever recognized, it is vital to schedule recurring tests with your veterinarian.
NOTE: You will need a veterinarian’s prescription to purchase deworming products. fenbendazole for cancer