The Battle Against Parasites in Dogs

Your dog runs, plays and accompanies you on all your adventures, but he may not be alone on your journeys. Parasites are tiny creatures that often go unnoticed, living in or on your pet. In this article, we’ll break down the different types of parasites that can affect your dog, how you can spot them, and what to do to keep your companion safe.

What are Dog Parasites?

A parasite is any organism that lives and feeds on another being. In dogs, these can be internal, such as those found in the intestine, or external, such as those living on the skin. Parasites in dogs can range from small insects to worms that are almost invisible to the human eye.

Types of Internal Parasites and their Symptoms

Ascaris (Worms)

Ascarids are long, slender worms that resemble spaghetti. They can cause a swollen abdomen and are sometimes seen in the dog’s feces or vomit. Puppies often get them from their mother.

Hookworms

They are small, thin worms that attach to the intestinal wall and feed on blood, which can lead to “parasitic symptoms” such as weakness and anemia. They can be very dangerous, especially for young dogs.

Tapeworms

These flat, segmented parasites often reach dogs that ingest infected fleas. Sections of tapeworms can be seen near the dog’s rear area or in its feces, looking like grains of rice.

Tricuris

These whipworms live in the large intestine. The “parasite symptoms” include diarrhea and in severe cases, may cause damage to the intestine.

Common External Parasites

Fleas

Fleas are small jumping insects that feed on the dog’s blood. They can be very itchy and are easy to detect by visual inspection or using a flea comb.

Posting here a picture of a dog being combed for fleas would help readers.

Ticks

These parasites attach to your dog’s skin and swell as they fill with blood. They are especially dangerous because they can transmit diseases such as ehrlichiosis or Lyme disease.

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention is fundamental to keep your dog free of parasites. Talk to your veterinarian about regular preventive treatments and check your dog frequently, especially if you have been in areas where parasites are common.

Regular Deworming

A regular deworming program is essential for your dog’s health. This includes both internal and external parasite treatments.

What to do if you find parasites?

If you find evidence of parasites in your dog, contact your veterinarian. They will be able to recommend the most effective and safest treatment for your dog based on the type of parasite he has.

Recommendation

Maintain a clean environment for your dog and perform regular veterinary check-ups. Remember that catching parasites early can make a big difference in your dog’s health.

Conclusion

Understanding “parasites in dogs” is the first step in protecting your pet from these unwanted invaders. With knowledge, prevention and action, you can ensure that your dog leads a long, healthy and happy life.

*Important

This article is in no way a veterinary diagnosis, it is only a general and informative orientation. For a professional opinion about your particular case, we recommend consulting a veterinarian. To do so, we invite you to visit Vetypet, the platform that offers you a staff of independent online veterinarians who can help you with all your queries from anywhere.