Worm Treatment for Dogs

Worm Treatment for dogs

Worm treatment for dogs

– A Roundup

In order to decide on the most effective worm treatment for dogs, it is important at the outset to understand a little about these parasites, which are an on-going curse for all dog owners.
Effectively, there are two Groups of parasites. The first are called “endoparasites” and live inside the body, while the second are called “ectoparasites” that live outside the body.
Worms fall into the first Group and there a large variety that can affect dogs, but the two most commonly encountered types are the “Tapeworm” and the “Roundworm” and I have dealt with each below.

Tapeworms are flat and segmented and can grow to unbelievable lengths, typically up to 20 inches. They exist in the small intestine and are created when a dog kills and eats any flea which contains “metacestodes,” which are worm eggs which have matured to the intermediate larval state. What happens is that immature flea larvae ingest any worm eggs shed by the dog, and the worm develops as the flea larvae develops into an adult flea. When the dog ingests a flea containing the worm larvae, they are released into the intestine of the dog and develop into adult worms.

Roundworms are white and round and can grow up to 6 inches in length. Any puppy whose mother has not been wormed during the pregnancy will most likely have adult worms in their intestines. It is estimated that 30-40% of young puppies have are infected with adult worms which are able to pass eggs into the outsideworld. Young puppies are particularly at risk from eating worm eggs picked up from grass, plants or the mother’s coat and can also pick up infection in their mother’s milk.

Worm treatment for dogs

– Actual treatment

To begin treatment it is important to define the worm type so as to apply the correct remedy. Roundworms may be vomited live so can be identified. Tapeworm segments are often to be seen around the anus of the dog. However, diagnosis can be difficult as occasionally no external signs may be seen. Tapeworms in particular are difficult to identify, bur Roundworm prescence may be evidenced by change in appetite, abdominal pain, swollen abdomen, diarrhoea or constipation.

To eradicate any doubt, speak to your veterinarian who can investigate a sample of the dog’s feces to find out which eggs are present. Obviously worm eradication is important, more so with Tapeworms which can cause problems in people, especially children who tend to play with dogs more often than adults. Research suggests that Roundworms can affect people with allergies such as asthma or eczema.

Having established the enemy, an appropriate worm tablets regime should commence. This typically means dosing young puppies over three consecutive days, and again when they are about 12 weeks old. Adult dogs should be routinely dosed every 3 months. All adult bitches should be wormed during pregnancy. Thet should be dosed daily, from about day 40 of the pregnancy up to 2 days after whelping.

Worm treatment for dogs – Final Advice
Puppies should trained to “potty” in a self contained, fenced off area if at all possible. Feces from dogs under 6 months old should be picked up immediately and disposed of. Ensure that dogs under 6 months old are not taken for “walkies” in children’s play areas or family picnic areas. Anyonewishing to travel overseas with their dog should consult their vet for advice on suitable products to minimise the risk of foreign travel. Any dog that falls ill after returning from abroad should be referred without delay for medical attention. It is probably wise not to take your dog abroad. The risks are too great. Enjoy your holiday alone – leave your dog in good hands behind and return to a healthy animal so you won’t need any worm treatment for dogs.

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