Pet Care Basics: Everything You Need to Know About Intestinal Parasites
Most pet dog owners understand one of the most common external parasites that their pets can obtain. External parasites like ticks, fleas, and mites are easy to diagnose due to their visibility. But digestive tract parasites are much more challenging to detect, not just because they’re quickly visible but because they do not show any indications of illness in the early stages of the problem.
Common Intestinal Parasites
- Hookworms– feed upon your dog’s blood as it attaches to the intestinal wall. They can trigger blood loss, weight loss, severe looseness of the bowels, and fatality. Its eggs go to the gastrointestinal system and, at some point, to the pet dog’s feces. Larvae that hatch out from eggs live in the dirt. These larvae can infect the pet through skin penetration or inadvertently ingesting them when they lick their fur for routine cleaning.
- Roundworms– also called nematodes- live inside the dog’s intestine and feed upon partially digested food. They’re typically white or light brown and also resemble spaghetti noodles. It can cause vomiting, looseness of the bowels, and malnutrition. It can also be passed to human beings.
- Tapeworms– are flat and also segmented intestinal tract parasites. The tapeworm uses its mouth to attach itself to the small intestine wall. Periodically they can be found in the area of the anus or newly passed feces.
- Whipworms– obtain their name from their shape that resembles a whip. They have a thick anterior and long, slim posterior. They dwell in the colon or large intestine, attaching to the mucosal lining. These quarter-inch parasites, despite being small, can create severe complications for your dog.
- Giardiasis– is a protozoal intestinal infection in pet dogs. At the beginning of infections, the dog may not show any conditions. Long-term infection may lead to gastrointestinal troubles and also malnutrition. The protozoa can be transferred to humans.
How Digestive Tract Parasites Are Transmitted to Dogs
One of the most common parasite transmission in pet dogs is when the pet unintentionally consumes parasite eggs or spores in contaminated dirt, food, water, and feces. Expectant and nursing dogs can transmit hookworm and roundworm to their pups. The larvae may move to the placenta of the expecting dog, or during lactation, the puppies may get the parasites from the mother’s milk.
The vets at Providence Animal Hospital are your best source of information that pertains to total health management for your dogs.
How to Tell if Your Dog Has Intestinal Tract Parasites
Unlike ticks or fleas that are quickly noticeable, digestive tract parasites are difficult to spot. Mainly during the early stages of infestation, the dogs are asymptomatic. Even for those dogs with signs and symptoms, the problem may go unnoticed since the indications are usually nonspecific. Visit this website for any inquiries you may have about your dog’s health.
Some of the typical signs to seek in intestinal parasite infestations are:
- Scooting a bottom across the floor
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Coughing
- Puffed up tummy
- Weight loss
How to Address Intestinal Parasites
Digestive tract parasites are avoidable and treatable. It would undoubtedly be a great practice to have your dog undertake monthly parasite preventives. Regularly feed your pet cooked or prepared food and fresh water. Keep your surroundings clean and oversee that they do not contact feces and other fluids. Your veterinarian can review with you exactly how you can protect your dogs from intestinal parasites. At the very least, yearly, have their stool checked in a vet lab for the presence of parasites.
Conclusion
Intestinal parasites can result in significant health problems for your pet. Some health problems your pet can get from infestation include vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and even fatality. Yet one more reason you should care is that several of these parasites can be transferred to human beings. Youngsters are most susceptible; pets pass Toxocara eggs in their feces, creating blindness, especially in youngsters. Your vet remains the most effective resource of practical info to ensure your pet’s optimum wellness.