What to Do if Your Dog Has Worms

The thought of our dogs facing any distress is always disheartening, be it the visible nuisances like fleas and ticks or the internal discomfort caused by worms.

While external issues are often apparent and relatively easy to address, internal problems can go unnoticed significantly, causing prolonged discomfort for our canine companions.

One such internal concern is the presence of worms in your dog's intestine. It may not initially strike as a significant issue, but dealing with it can be genuinely exasperating.

Nobody wants to contemplate the idea of unwelcome guests infiltrating their dog's internal organs. The question then arises – how can you identify if your dog is grappling with this internal challenge?

Let's explore the signs and symptoms that may indicate the presence of worms and ensure the well-being of your furry friend.

Symptoms

• Diarrhea.
• Vomiting.
• Swollen abdomen.
• Lethargy.
• Nutritional deficiencies.
• Dehydration.
• Blocked intestine

Causes

From Flees: Fleas transmit worm larvae, particularly tapeworms, to dogs. This happens when infected fleas bite dogs, transferring worm eggs or larvae. Accidental ingestion during grooming completes the transmission process.

From Stool: The transmission of intestinal worms, encompassing hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms, is frequently linked to the ingestion of contaminated soil or faeces. These sources may carry eggs or immature worm larvae shed by infected animals in the surroundings.

From Their Mother: Maternal transmission is another potential route for worm infestation in dogs. Puppies can acquire worms from their mother during birth or through nursing, highlighting the importance of monitoring and treating both mother and offspring for optimal health.

From Wildlife: Despite your meticulous care for your dog's hygiene, infections can still occur during walks or outdoor activities. Certain worms can be contracted when your dog ingests a smaller infected animal, such as a mouse. This simple encounter with a deceased animal during a walk might tempt them to pick it up with their mouth, inadvertently exposing them to potential worm transmission.

Treatment

Dealing with worm infections in dogs is a breeze with readily available solutions. To address this concern effectively, consider exploring options like Drontal Plus deworming tablets for dogs. Known for their broad-spectrum action, these tablets are indicated for:

• Roundworms: Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonia.
• Hookworms: Unicarnia stenocephala, Ancylostoma caninum (adult).
• Whipworms: Trichuris vulpis (adult).
• Tapeworms: Echinococcus species, taenia species, dipyridium species.

However, consult your veterinarian to determine the most suitable treatment plan for your dog's condition.

Dosage Instruction

To manage Toxocara, a lactating female dog should be administered a dose for two weeks after giving birth and then every two weeks until the puppies are weaned.

Puppies, on the other hand, should undergo treatment every two weeks from 2 weeks to 12 weeks of age, followed by treatments at three-month intervals. It's also advisable to treat female dogs simultaneously with puppies.

For ongoing preventive care, adult dogs should receive treatment every three months. In cases of severe roundworm infestation, a repeat dose should be administered after 14 days. Please adhere to contraindications, warnings, and other guidelines.

Can You Prevent Your Dog From Getting Worms?

It is important to protect dogs from worms all year round. There are different medicines you can give them to prevent worms.

Your vet can help you choose the best one for your dog, depending on the kinds of worms in your area and how your dog lives. Apart from taking medicine, taking certain actions can also help stop worms from getting into our bodies.

1. Prompt Waste Cleanup: Dispose of your dog's faeces immediately to reduce the risk of worm eggs contaminating your yard.
2. Avoid Contaminated Areas: Steer clear of locations with high concentrations of faeces from dogs, cats, or wildlife. Opt for clean and well-maintained parks, trails, and beaches.
3. Hygiene Practices: Encourage good hygiene habits, especially handwashing before eating, after playing in soil or sand, and after handling pets.
4. Regular Veterinary Care: Stay on top of routine veterinary care, including stool checks and parasite prevention. This is crucial for puppies, ensuring they receive timely vaccines and dewormers to prevent common and potentially severe worm infections that can affect their health and well-being.

Summary: If you observe any of the symptoms above in your dog, don't delay seeking treatment for your pet. Prescription medicines are typically effective in treating most intestinal worm infections.

For additional information or if you're looking for supplements such as Dog Multivitamins or specialized dog food, consider visiting Remediovet.