Attention! Your Dog May Suffer From Parasites
Dogs can develop internal and external parasites, and tapeworms are the most common internal parasites dogs suffer from. Humans can be infected by the same worm and children are especially susceptible so this is a condition that must be treated in your dog immediately.
If you notice white particles resembling rice grains in your pet's stool or around the rectal area, this is a sure sign your dog is infested with tapeworms. What you've just seen is segments of the worm itself as an adult tapeworm can reach lengths of over 20 inches. These segments contain the eggs which as the segment dries up, the eggs are released. As your dog licks itself, it will continue to infest itself with the parasite.
Other symptoms that your dog may have a tapeworm infestation are vomiting, "scooting" or dragging its rear on the floor and diarrhea. Tapeworm infestations are more prevalent during the warm months of the year but can occur at any time. Tapeworms are flat in shape with a large head that contain suckers to allow it to attach itself to the dog's intestine. The worm then proceeds to feed by sucking nutrients that the dog is receiving.
The best way to prevent tapeworm infections is to prevent flea and lice infestations. Tapeworms use fleas and lice as hosts to move from animal to animal. If tapeworms are diagnosed, the most commonly used treatment is prazoquantel which is found in brand name medications such as Tradewinds and Droncit tapeworm tabs. Your vet should be able to supply you with the appropriate medication and dosage as the tablets are given according to the dog's body weight. If your dog is younger than seven weeks old or pregnant your vet may recommend another form of treatment as these medications aren't safe to use in these cases.
Although over the counter treatments are available they may not be as effective as those obtained from your vet's office so you should get the advice of your vet if you suspect your dog has worms. Your vet is the person most qualified for advising you on the best course of action when dealing with tapeworms and other parasites.
After your dog has been cured of tapeworms it is vital to take precautionary measures to prevent re-infestation. Because fleas host tapeworms you must do everything in your power to eradicate any flea infestation both in your dog and in his environment. There are many flea treatments available ranging from flea collars to spot on treatments and you should consult with your vet on the best flea treatment for your dog. As always, prevention is better than the cure.
Regular check up at the vet will ensure your dog remains parasite free especially in the case of dogs that have access to the outdoors. Rodents and other small creatures carry tapeworms and other parasites which can easily be ingested by your pet. Treatment is easy and you shouldn't neglect a tapeworm infestation in your dog because of the serious implications of the condition. Not only do tapeworms affect your dog's intestinal tract, they also rob him of nutrients as well as being a health hazard to humans.
If you notice white particles resembling rice grains in your pet's stool or around the rectal area, this is a sure sign your dog is infested with tapeworms. What you've just seen is segments of the worm itself as an adult tapeworm can reach lengths of over 20 inches. These segments contain the eggs which as the segment dries up, the eggs are released. As your dog licks itself, it will continue to infest itself with the parasite.
Other symptoms that your dog may have a tapeworm infestation are vomiting, "scooting" or dragging its rear on the floor and diarrhea. Tapeworm infestations are more prevalent during the warm months of the year but can occur at any time. Tapeworms are flat in shape with a large head that contain suckers to allow it to attach itself to the dog's intestine. The worm then proceeds to feed by sucking nutrients that the dog is receiving.
The best way to prevent tapeworm infections is to prevent flea and lice infestations. Tapeworms use fleas and lice as hosts to move from animal to animal. If tapeworms are diagnosed, the most commonly used treatment is prazoquantel which is found in brand name medications such as Tradewinds and Droncit tapeworm tabs. Your vet should be able to supply you with the appropriate medication and dosage as the tablets are given according to the dog's body weight. If your dog is younger than seven weeks old or pregnant your vet may recommend another form of treatment as these medications aren't safe to use in these cases.
Although over the counter treatments are available they may not be as effective as those obtained from your vet's office so you should get the advice of your vet if you suspect your dog has worms. Your vet is the person most qualified for advising you on the best course of action when dealing with tapeworms and other parasites.
After your dog has been cured of tapeworms it is vital to take precautionary measures to prevent re-infestation. Because fleas host tapeworms you must do everything in your power to eradicate any flea infestation both in your dog and in his environment. There are many flea treatments available ranging from flea collars to spot on treatments and you should consult with your vet on the best flea treatment for your dog. As always, prevention is better than the cure.
Regular check up at the vet will ensure your dog remains parasite free especially in the case of dogs that have access to the outdoors. Rodents and other small creatures carry tapeworms and other parasites which can easily be ingested by your pet. Treatment is easy and you shouldn't neglect a tapeworm infestation in your dog because of the serious implications of the condition. Not only do tapeworms affect your dog's intestinal tract, they also rob him of nutrients as well as being a health hazard to humans.
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