Puppy parasites.
What are they? Where do they come from ? Are they common in dogs or in puppies? What can I do? What is treatment like? If you are a dog or puppy owner these are questions you might come across sometime sooner or later. Since puppy parasites are a common part of dog ownership we want to cover all you need to know.
What are puppy parasites?
What are the symptoms they cause?
How is my puppy diagnosed ?
What is treatment of parasites?
What can I do to prevent parasites?
What are puppy parasites? Puppy parasites are an organism that lives on or in your dogs intestines. Puppy parasites can be internal or external. Internal examples of parasites include : roundworms, whipworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and or coccidia. External examples of parasites include: Ticks, fleas and mites.
Parasite Symptoms: The symptoms of internal parasites are: weight loss, diarrhea, mucus in stool, scooting on their bum, and or pot belly appearance. External parasite symptoms include, itching, hair loss, skin irritation, if your dog/puppy has mites it can cause mange leading to hair loss.
Diagnosis: How are parasites diagnosed ? Your puppy can be diagnosed with parasites at your vets office. Depending on your pets symptoms, the vet may perform a fecal float test, or if your dog/puppy had scratching or itching symptoms (External parasites) they may perform a skin scraping. The earlier the symptoms are noticed the quicker you and your vet can help treat your puppy/dog.
Treatment: What is the treatment for puppy parasites? Depending on what type of parasite your puppy has, your vet will prescribe the appropriate wormer, and or pill to help treat parasites. The length of treatment time is dependent upon the parasite being treated. For example a puppy with Giardia will have an oral treatment along with a pill that will be given over 10+ days.
Prevention: Parasites are a common part of dog or puppy ownership. Knowing this can help you as you as you navigate raising your dog or puppy. Knowing this, what can you do to help keep your puppy or dog in good health?
First always ensure your dog is up to date on their appropriate wormers, and vaccines. Ensure your dog is on a good probiotic.
Be cautious of what your dog comes in contact especially when they are at the dog park and or boarding facility. Dogs smell everything and taste a lot of things!
Always make sure your dog has fresh water, dogs can pick up parasites trying puddles of water, or even sniffing through wet grass.
If you are hiking or out in nature, remember to keep your dog/puppy on a leash to prevent them from wandering and sniffing out or trying things with their mouth.
If your puppy / dog does get parasites remember it can and will happen. We can't keep our dogs from experiencing life, just to keep them "safe' for what can be. Let your dog experience life. If in your adventures with your dog or puppy they come in contact with a parasite, and exhibit symptoms. Talk with your vet and they can help you get them taken care of!
We thank you for taking such good care of your beloved companion!
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