Worms in Your Dog... Gross!

Of all the parasites a dog can catch, worms take home first prize for Most Disgusting. Nobody wants to imagine little worms crawling around in their dog's digestive system, but it's a fairly common ailment that's easily passed from dog to dog. So if he does happen to contract them, tell your furry fella not to feel ashamed of his worms! They're easily prevented and controlled with medication that your vet routinely prescribes to hundreds of pooches just like him.

Roundworms are the most common type of worm, especially in unvaccinated puppies who may just be getting into that exploratory stage, which of course involves exploring other dogs' feces. Regardless of your dog's age, you'll know he's contracted roundworms if his stools look like spaghetti. Other signs include vomiting and diarrhea. If your dog displays any of these symptoms, bring him in to the vet's office for a worm diagnosis and treatment. In the future, roundworms can be avoided with a worm preventative that your vet will recommend.

Hookworms find their way to your dog's digestive tract through the pads of his feet and the skin of his belly. He can easily pick them up by way of infected soil. Once infected with hookworms, your dog will pass dark or bloody stools, an indication that the hookworms are sucking blood from his intestinal tract. If left untreated, hookworms cause anemia in your poor pooch, so bring him into the vet ASAP for a deworming and preventative against future hookworm episodes.

Tapeworms are passed through fecalmatter and flea larvae, and easily spread from dogs to humans through direct contact. They're easily visible in your dog's waste, so while it may seem a vile practice, take an extra long look at your dog's poop every now and then to check for tapeworms. While they are harmless to your dog, tapeworms are hazardous to humans. If your dog has them, they should be treated promptly.

Heartworms can KILL your dog! They're transmitted through mosquitoes and are lethal if left untreated. These parasites make their way to your dog's heart, where the live and grow until heart functions are totally blocked, leading to heart failure and death. Symptoms of heartworms in your dog are coughing, labored breathing, weight loss and fainting. If you suspect heartworm, prevent your dog from exercising and get him to a vet immediately. Your dog's doctor will determine what stage the disease has progressed to, and recommend treatment accordingly. If caught early, your dog may only require medicine injections and aspirin. If the disease is in advanced stages, he may require treatment for heart failure. It's wise to protect your dog against heartworm with a routine vaccination, and as an added precaution, guard him against mosquitoes with an insect repellent recommended by your vet.

Check your dog regularly for any weird symptoms that could indicate a case of worms. Be sure to bring him in for vet checkups on a regular basis. Find out what precautionary steps you can take to prevent worms and other parasites. In this way, you'll ensure him a happy and worm-free existence!

Copyright 2005 Dina Giolitto. All rights reserved.

Dina Giolitto is a copywriting consultant and ghostwriter with 10 years of experience writing corporate print materials and web content. Trust her with your next e-book, article series or web project, and make a lasting impression on your audience of information-hungry prospects. Visit http://www.wordfeeder.com for more information.

---

Crate Training Your Puppy

Teaching your puppy crate training is the first and best... Read More

6 Common Dog Emergencies

Sure, you may be a master of human First Aid.... Read More

Achieving Dog Training Success With The 18 Donts Rules

A well-train dog usually leads a happier and healthier life... Read More

How To Prevent Your Horse Going Lame From The Most Common Cause Of Lameness

There are lots of ways a horse can go lame.... Read More

Why Should I Adopt A Pet

Over the past couple of years, animal rescues have been... Read More

Your Dog is a Social Animal - and Needs You!

Your dog is a social being, just like you! He/she... Read More

Lyme Disease Treatment in Pets

Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics, because the disease... Read More

How To Save Money By Testing For Feline UTI Yourself

Do you want to save money, anxiety for your kitty,... Read More

Golden Moments and Dog Training

Let me introduce my dogs. I have 3, Nikki and... Read More

Tips For Dog Toys

Toys are fun both for our dogs and us. Lucky... Read More

How Cats With Feline Diabetes Can Lead A Happy Life

"Your cat has feline diabetes." If this is your vet's... Read More

A Pregnant Stray Cat Adopted You ? And Now What?

It happens all too often. A family or cat friend... Read More

Your Dog and the Dentist: Learn the Drill

While "late is better than never," sooner is better than... Read More

The Different Breeds Of Dogs

The American Kennel Club recognizes 150 different dog breeds. There... Read More

How to Deal With a Noisy Dog - Curing Uwanted and Excessive Barking

Contributed with the help of Karen L Overall of the... Read More

What You Should Know About Your Dogs Sleeping Habits

It's important to understand your dog's sleeping habits and how... Read More

Protecting Your Child from a Dog Bite

Dogs make great loyal pets and are always pleased to... Read More

Dog Training -What You Should Keep In Mind When Playing With Your Dog

Dogs, especially young dogs are very playful by nature.Play provides... Read More

Pet Tracking Devices

It was the Saturday morning of August 20, 2004 and... Read More

Ten Tips for Cats Who are Forced to Relocate with Their Owners

For realistic tips for humans who are moving with cats,... Read More

The Cat Learned How to Work the WHAT?

When I carried him home, he was this tiny little... Read More

How To Set Up A Quarantine Tank For Tropical Fish

Do I Need A Quarantine Tank?Ah, yes, the often dismissed... Read More

Antibiotics? I Think Not

Have you noticed that doctors are now being much more... Read More

Goldfish Tips - Finding Out The Gender of Your Goldfish

Boy or Girl?How can you tell whether your Goldfish is... Read More

Here?s How To Find The Right Pet Meds For Your Favorite Pet

Our pets depend on us for their every need, including... Read More

Unusual Breeding Behaviour in Wild Caught Archocentrus Sajica

I would like to write a few words about my... Read More

How To Get Your Horse From Pulling Back While Tied

Some people have horses they don't dare tie. Why? Because... Read More

The Cure To Stop A Horse From Kicking

I get a lot of horse training questions about stopping... Read More

Clicker Training For Dogs: Positive Reinforcement Training

There is nothing more adorable than a new puppy. Large... Read More

Crate Training Dogs & Puppies- FAQ

1) Why should I crate train my dog? ... Read More

Oscar

Oscar is kind of a funny name and it fit... Read More

Rescue Dogs

We have all grown up with at least one hero... Read More

A Guide to Successful Obedience Training

Showing off your dog in front of friends and family... Read More