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One of the health issues that the majority of puppies have to deal with is worms. Most puppies are born with worms and they need to be taken to the vet for treatment (to be dewormed). The vet will take a stool sample and check it for worm eggs. The most common worm found in puppies is the roundworm. These worms are caused by intestinal parasites that were transmitted from mother to puppy before birth or from mother's milk during feeding. Most vets recommend treating pregnant mothers with a deworming medication during the last weeks of pregnancy to decrease transmission. If left untreated heavy worm loads can seriously harm your puppy or dog..
With the exception of tapeworm, adult dog worms can’t be transmitted to people. However the larva from worm eggs can migrate in the skin and organs of children and cause a rare condition called visceral larval migrans which can lead to blindness. Young children and toddlers are particularly vulnerable as they love to cuddle and kiss dogs and dogs often lick their faces. Unfortunately worm eggs can be swallowed in the process and that is how infection begins.
While it is quite upsetting to think that your beloved pooch is infected with worms, it is easy to make sure your dog and family are safe by maintaining a regular worming program. Puppies should be wormed every fortnight until 3 months, then monthly for the next 3 months. After reaching 6 months of age, worming every 3 months is usually fine.
Tapeworms
Tapeworm segments look a like sesame seeds or grains of rice, around your pet's bottom or on its faeces. These are likely to be segments shed from tapeworms in your pet's intestine. These particular worms found in both dogs and cats, are commonly called "flea" tapeworms, because the larval stages need to develop inside a flea. The cat or dog becomes re-infected when it swallows the flea during self-grooming. Although these tapeworms can grow up to half a metre long, they don't usually cause too many problems apart from the irritation those segments cause around the anus. If you see tapeworm, make sure you use an effective form of flea control on your pets.
Roundworms
Adult roundworms live in the affected dog's intestines. Many dogs do not have signs of infection; however, dogs with major roundworm infections, especially puppies, show weight loss, dull hair, and a potbellied appearance. The dog may cough if the roundworms move into the lungs.
You may notice the adult roundworms in your dog's feces or vomit. They will appear white or light brown in color and may be several inches long.
Hookworms
Larvae (young hookworms) that hatch from hookworm eggs live in the soil and can infect your dog simply through contact with and penetration of the skin and through eating the hookworm larvae. It is common for hookworms to infect the host through a dog’s belly or feet, as well as to be ingested during routine licking (cleaning). Hookworms suck blood and therefore cause internal blood loss. They are a serious threat to dogs, especially young puppies that may not survive the blood loss without transfusions. In older animals the blood loss may be more chronic, and the pet may have diarrhea and show weight loss.
WORM-BUSTER TIPS
Follow these simple tips to ensure your pet and home are protected against worm infestation…
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