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Dog parasites, if left undetected and untreated, can rob your dog of much-needed nutrients and cause severe gastrointestinal upset. Dog parasites can also predispose it to secondary disease, such as parovirus. Unfortunately, internal parasites are widespread throughout the canine population. To make matters worse, many internal parasites of dogs are also classified as zoonotic diseases (they can be directly communicable to humans). As you can see, controlling canine parasites is very important to your dogs health, and that of your family. The following paragraphs will give you advice on how to control dog parasites.
Internal Dog ParasitesManagement of canine intestinal worms should begin when a puppy is as young as 3 weeks of age. At this age, these puppies can harbor immature hookworms and roundworms without any evidence of eggs shed in the stool. Puppies should receive medications for these dog parasites at 3, 6, and 9 weeks of age, regardless of whether eggs are detected in the pup's stool. Stool Examinations - Detecting Internal Parasites More treatmenst might be necessary for those puppies found to be actually harboring worms - one of the most common dog parasites. Stool examinations should be performed by a veterinarian at 6, 9, and 12 weeks of age to ensure that your pet is free of these dog parasites, and is not shedding eggs into the environment. These stool examinations will also help detect tapeworms and coccidia - two other common parasites in dogs. Keep a Sanitary Environment Aside from routine stool checks, good environmental sanitation is another way to lessen the impact of internal dog parasites. Parasite eggs that are shed into the environment via feces take days of sitting in the sunlight or in other favorable environmental conditions before becoming infective to other dogs. So, in other words, clean up your dog's feces often!
External Dog Parasites
There is some confusion in the proper approaches to external parasite control and prevention in dogs. Many different products are now available for external dog parasite control. The key is to choose the right products that provide the best possible results for the specific external parasite and environment involved. Flea Control Flease are the most common dog parasites with which your dog will have to contend. Flea control entails not only treatment for fleas, but environmental control as well - consult with your vet for further instruction. Insecticide Sprays, Powders, Collars, and Dips There are certain situations where these products can effectively fight dog parasites. Flea and tick sprays are useful for spot treatments. There are some that have long-lasting flea/tick fighting power, and are a very low health risk. These higher end products are synthetic pyrethrin products. Using these synthetic pyrethrin products on the dog and in its environments is essential for this form of dog parasite control (fleas and ticks). Always follow the instructions on the label when using these products. Second-Generation Parasite Fighters These products are designed to be used only once a month to fight dog parasites. An example, fipronil, kills adult fleas on dogs and helps to break the flea life cycle by killing immature flease before they can lay eggs. This is also helpful against fighting ticks. Tick Control After fleas, the next most prevalent dog parasites are the ticks. Ticks can carry disease, so it is important that they are controlled effectively. Treatment is basically the same as for flea dog parasites. They are sensitive to the same types of chemicals - even the once a month treatments. Speak to your vet for further information on ticks. Click here to leave dog parasites and return to dog health main! |
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