Get Rid of Dogworm Problems Once and For All

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     There are 5 varieties of dogworms your k9 can get: heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. As a dog owner, you should educated yourself so that you'll be able to detect the symptoms--early.

Early detection is crucial because each variety of dogworm will necessitate a type of medical care. Sometimes the signs of a dogworm infestation can be difficult to detect. Other times the signs (like vomiting, weight loss, or diarrhea) are much easier to detect. With that in mind, it's a good idea to have your dog tested regularly.

Important Note: You should know that some varieties of dogworms can be transmitted to humans. To promote good hygiene, it is crucial for pet owners to wash their hands and clothes regularly after playing outside with their dog-especially before mealtimes.

Five Familiar Dogworms -Which Do You Want to Overcome?

>>Roundworms

There are 2 varieties of roundworms: Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonine. They are one of the most common varieties of dogworms. An infestation of round worms, mostly found in puppies, results in a pot-bellied appearance.

Causes: Sometimes puppies can become infected before birth, through their mother's uterus or through her milk. Puppies can also contract roundworms by consuming another infected animal or infected soil.

Roundworm eggs reside in soil. And when a puppy ingests the infected soil, the roundworm eggs will hatch in his intestines. Those worms can in turn bring forth more worms.

Early Detection: Roundworm Symptoms consist of pot-bellied appearance, diarrhea, vomiting, dull coat and weight loss. Look for symptoms of Roundworms in your dog's fecal matter or vomit. They have a spaghetti-like shape and can grow to nearly 7 inches in length.

Prevention & Treatment: Puppies between two & twelve weeks of age should be dewormed every two weeks. Puppies between twelve weeks and six months of age should be dewormed every month. Puppies older than six months of age are less susceptive to roundworms. Even so, continue to have your dog examined at least yearly (or more often if he's considered "high risk").

>> Tapeworms

The Tapeworm is one more dog worm that might infect your dog's intestines. Dog's contract them by consuming infected fleas.

Early Detection: Tapeworms get their name from their long, flat, tape-like shape. They are distinguishable to the naked eye, and might be found in the infected dog's fecal matter, near his anus or in his bed.

Common symptoms include abdominal pain, nervousness, severe itching around the anus, vomiting and weight loss.

Note: Dogs cannot transfer tapeworms directly to their owners.

Prevention & Treatment: "Regular" over-the-counter deworming medicines will not exterminate tapeworms in dogs. You'll need something prescription strength, which will in turn be administered to your dog orally or by injection. Take counsel your veterinarian for more advice.

NOTE: You will have to have a veterinarian's prescription to order deworming products.