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Dogs are curious and outgoing by nature, but, if you are not careful, this can get your pet in trouble. Parasitic infections are quite common in dogs as they tend to pick up fleas and ticks when they venture outside, or intestinal worms from contaminated water, soil, food, and sometimes even feces. Some of these infections can be transferred from dogs to humans, so understanding how to identify, treat, and prevent such infections is important for both pet and owner.
The
ten most common parasites that infect dogs are:
1. Giardia
It is
a protozoan which infects the dog's intestines. A dog can get infected by
eating the parasite's cysts.
Symptoms
Diarrhea,
vomiting, or feces which emit a foul smell.
2. Hookworms
Hookworms
are found in the small intestine. Common ways in which dogs get infected is
contact with contaminated feces or soil, or eating hookworm eggs. Puppies might
also get it from their mother, either in the womb or while nursing.
Symptoms
Diarrhea,
appetite and weight loss, fatigue, or bloody stools.
3. Roundworms
Roundworms
are also found in the gastrointestinal tract. Dogs get infected through their
mother's milk or by coming into contact with contaminated feces.
Symptoms
Visible
worms in feces or vomit, diarrhea, stunted growth, or distended abdomen.
4. Whipworms
Whipworms
infect the large intestine and are harder to detect. Unless the infection is
severe, dogs usually do not display any symptoms.
Symptoms
Diarrhea,
mucous discharge with stool, or weight loss.
5. Tapeworms
Tapeworms
infect dogs when the latter eats fleas carrying tapeworm eggs. They can be
detected from a stool sample when the worm discards the end segment of its
tail.
Symptoms
Anal
itching, weight loss with no reduction in appetite or vice-versa, dragging
their rear end, etc.
Treatment for Parasites 1-5
The
treatment for intestinal parasites is de-worming. Tapeworm is treated with a drug
thatโs either ingested or injected.
6. Heartworms
It is
transmitted through a mosquito bite. The worms enter the bloodstream and make
their home in the dogโs heart. They damage the arteries making the heart pump
faster and harder to maintain blood flow.
Symptoms
Fatigue,
low appetite, or a cough that doesnโt go away.
Treatment
Treatment
includes periodic pills and topical medication. Surgical intervention may be
required in some instances.
7. Ringworms
It is
a fungal infection that typically infects puppies, and dogs with suppressed
immune systems either on account of age or illness.
Symptoms
Ring-like
lesions on the body.
Treatment
The
fungal infection is treated with ointment or medicated shampoo. If the
infection is severe, the dog's fur might have to be shaved off. Oral medication
may also be prescribed.
8. Fleas
Fleas
are parasites that feed on the blood of dogs. They can be found in and around
the ears and the groin region.
Symptoms
Itching
and scratching, loss of fur, red bumps, or flea dirt or feces.
Treatment
Prescription
oral or topical medications are the best way to eliminate fleas. Flea powder,
shampoos, and sprays can also be used.
9. Mites
Depending
on the species, mites can be found in various places on a dogโs body. They
cause a skin disease called mange.
Symptoms
Severe
itching, scabs, loss of fur, or emaciation.
Treatment
It
depends on the type of mite infecting the dog. Oral and topical medications,
medicated baths, and clipping of fur is generally practiced.
10. Ticks
Ticks
are vectors, and they carry diseases like Lyme disease, that can make your dog
severely ill.
Symptoms
Fever,
bumps and scabs, or an abnormal amount of head-shaking by the dog.
Treatment
Treatment
for ticks include sprays and powders, topical applications, and medicated
shampoos. For tick-borne illnesses, the vet will suggest a treatment protocol
after the disease is diagnosed.
Prevention is your best bet. So take your dog
for periodic exams to ensure parasitic infections are caught early. Inspect
your dog regularly for signs of flea, tick or mite infestation, and ensure
prompt removal of dog feces to minimize the chances of contagion.