Posted on August 24 2021
Achieving Waggly Tails: How To Protect Your Pooch from Different Parasites
Fur parents have always seen their pets as not “just” animals. They are great companions that create beautiful bonds one can cherish forever. One of the most significant advantages of owning one is its ability to reduce stress. Spending around fifteen minutes or more with your pets is enough to help you feel relieved. Thus, we must also protect their health from anything harmful.
One of the most common things that affect your dog’s health is parasites. The two categories of parasites that can affect dogs are endoparasites and ectoparasites. Endoparasites live within them, while ectoparasites are those that live in your dog’s skin. It may seem familiar for many people who have been with dogs, but there are still many more things to learn.
Parasites do have different types. It can affect your pet’s health and can eventually lead to minor infections to even severe conditions. If left untreated, some can be fatal. Thus, enough knowledge and understanding are essential to protect your pets. Read more to learn about the different types of dog parasites and how to prevent them.
Fleas
Fleas are ectoparasites. As mentioned, they commonly live in your dog’s skin. These are small and wingless insects that feed on blood. It can be passed on from one animal to another. It can even possibly be passed on to you! How can they affect your dogs? It can cause itchiness and can even lead to severe cases like flea allergic dermatitis.
A full-grown adult flea can lay eggs up to 50 times a day. These eggs commonly fall anywhere around your environment. Thus, constant cleaning of your surroundings is necessary. In order to prevent it, frequent application of formulation is needed. Aristopet Animal Health provides a wide variety of flea products to provide what your pet needs.
Ticks
Ticks are also ectoparasites. These are spider-like and blood-sucking parasites that can live on or off the host. They are commonly present in woodland and moorland. If you often walk your dogs in areas like these, it is vital to have protection. If not prevented, ticks can live in your pet’s ears, face, or abdomen and feed on your dog’s blood.
Ticks stay in the skin until it is enlarged and fully fed with blood. Eventually, it will fall off. It can also irritate and can cause even worse conditions like Lyme disease. Regularly check your dogs for ticks to maintain tick-free. Furthermore, you can also use chemical sprays in the areas your pets commonly visit. Oral medications and spot-on treatments are also effective.
Roundworms
Endoparasites that live within your dogs include roundworms. Roundworms live in your dog’s intestine. How are they passed on? Eggs are commonly present in the feces. You won’t notice these eggs as they are microscopic.
Puppies can also be born infected or can be infected by their mother’s milk. Your dogs can get these parasites by unintentionally swallowing the eggs. The symptoms it can cause are the following:
- Potbelly
- Poor coat
- Diarrhoea
It is recommendable for young puppies to get wormed at 3, 5, and 8 weeks. Furthermore, worming monthly for six months is also recommended. After six months, worming can be done every three months. To further help your pet during treatment, tablet wormers or flea spot on can also be used.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms are flat and ribbon-like worms. Unlike roundworms, tapeworms can be possibly seen in your dog’s feces in irregular intervals. They get infected by swallowing infected tissues or vis fleas. One of the most common tapeworms is Dipylidium. Fleas transmit this type. Furthermore, they can also get infected with tapeworms through uncooked meats.
If infected, your dogs can experience irritation and scoot. If you see your dog scooting, it can indicate serious problems like allergies or parasites. Thus, visiting your vet is recommended. Remember that tapeworms can only be treated with tablet wormers. Worm your dogs every three months and every month for worse conditions.
Lungworms
Dogs are commonly infected with lungworms when they eat infected slugs or snails. This can often happen accidentally. Immediate hosts for parasite larvae like slugs or snails can be tiny. Once the dog eats infected larvae, it will then complete its life cycle in the bronchi. The larvae lay eggs that will eventually hatch and can cause breathing difficulties.
If not treated, life-threatening conditions can occur. To prevent this parasite, regular and monthly treatments are needed. Furthermore, your dog might also need a particular flea product and tablet wormers during the treatment. These treatments are capable of doing effective activities against lungworms.
Takeaway
The possible harm these parasites can bring on your pets can be worse. Thus, protection and prevention are needed. Of course, enough knowledge about your dog's particular needs is also essential in the process.
There are still a lot more parasite types not mentioned in the list. Not only can these parasites affect your dog's health, but it is also a threat to you and your family's health. Practicing good personal hygiene should be on the top list. Grooming your pets is also helpful. These simple actions can help you reduce the risk of contamination and infection.