Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms… Don’t their names make you feel uncomfortable? Can you believe these parasites have made their home inside your dog?
The most prevalent problems in both puppies and adult dogs are parasites. Internal parasites are parasites that live inside the body and feed on the organs of living people. It’s risky enough to put someone’s life in jeopardy. There are numerous symptoms that a dog may be infected with the parasite. If your dog exhibits these dog parasite symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Dogs can have a variety of internal parasites, and these parasites can settle in various parts of the dog’s body. All of these parasites have the potential to cause major health issues in dogs, particularly puppies. Internal parasites in dogs can also cause problems, including anemia and poisoning, which can be fatal in some cases. As a result, it’s critical to check for internal parasites and have your dog evaluated by a veterinarian on a regular basis. Let’s take a closer look at each of these dog parasites and the symptoms they cause in dogs.
Roundworms
Roundworms are a major threat to puppies, especially. A pup’s growth can be significantly hampered by the presence of too many roundworms, resulting in growth retardation. The parasites that settled in the intestines:
• They stop the pup from growing.
• It causes a variety of intestinal issues.
• Excessive gas formation may occur.
If a puppy is usually weak, grows slowly, and has a big tummy despite being weaker, this could indicate the existence of roundworms, and if this is the case, a veterinarian should be consulted as soon as possible.
Hookworms
Hookworms are one of the most harmful internal parasites in dogs because they attach to the intestinal wall and suck blood, causing anemia, especially in puppies. Hookworms are one of the most common causes of anemia in pups and adult dogs, so they must be protected. A hookworm invasion of 50 to 100 hookworms can quickly kill a puppy. Hookworm symptoms include blood in the stool, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Whipworms
Whipworms, which are smaller than hookworms and measure 6 millimeters in length, can cause chronic, highly watery diarrhea, often bloody diarrhea, and weight loss in dogs. The parasite’s eggs settle in places where they can live for many years. The dog eats the eggs by accident. They grow into adult worms that harm the intestines severely over time. Preventing these parasites requires keeping your dog’s environment clean, as well as keeping food and water containers and toys away from the toilet.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms are spread to dogs by intermediate hosts such as fleas, and they are particularly hazardous to puppies. Raw meat is the most common source of tapeworms. As a result, make sure to properly prepare it before feeding it to your dog. Your veterinarian can help you decide which products are best for your dog.
What Can We Do to Stop Parasites?
Whether your dog is a puppy or an adult, make sure to stick to your veterinarian’s immunization schedule and get internal parasite vaccinations done on a regular basis, in addition to all other vaccinations. Anti-parasite treatments will differ depending on the age and condition of each dog. For puppies, dog parasite treatment begins in the first few weeks after birth.
Symptoms Of Internal Parasites in Dogs
When people notice their pets’ bloated bodies, they assume they’re gaining weight. On the other hand, internal parasites can cause bloating in dogs. As a result, we urge you to take your dog to the veterinarian if you notice a swelling in its stomach.
Excessive gas
Gas formation is produced by abdominal enlargement, which is one of the difficulties caused by internal parasites. Gas bloat might cause your pet to have a lot of flatulence. It’s possible that your dog has an internal parasite problem if it farts frequently.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea of large intestinal origin can be caused by whipworms, polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, colonic ulcers or colonic cancer. (Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, n.d.)
Internal parasites in dogs’ digestive systems create plenty of issues. Diarrhea is one of the most obvious signs of this. Diarrhea caused by intestinal parasites, in particular, is more common in pups.
Bloody diarrhea
Like humans, it is normal for dogs to experience the occasional upset stomach, or episode of diarrhea, but experiencing severe symptoms, such as bloody stools, may be a sign of something more serious. (Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 2016)
The internal parasite can cause bloody or mucous diarrhea, especially in pups. Because parasites cause gastrointestinal bleeding. In normal poop or watery poop, this causes it to appear bloody.
Anemia
Infected animals can experience dramatic weight loss, bloody stool, anemia and lethargy, among other issues. (Beeson, 2021)
Anemia can be caused by internal parasites in dogs. You can also check the color of your dog’s gums to determine whether it has anemia; if they are pale in color, you can assume it has anemia. Only your veterinarian will be able to detect if your dog is anemic and will be able to provide the required therapy.
Other problems
Loss of appetite and hair loss are two more disorders caused by intestinal parasites in dogs. You should definitely vaccinate your pet to protect it from internal parasites.