You might not read about intestinal parasites most of the time, but it is a topic worth tackling. These parasites are mostly worms that reside in dogs’ intestinal tracts. There are roundworms and hookworms that live in the small intestines and stomachs of a canine, and tapeworms that live in their large intestines.
There are internal parasites like coccidia and Giardia that are not worms. These are one-cell organisms and are also regarded as internal tract parasites. These mentioned parasites can impact your pet in many ways, from simple inflammation to life-threatening conditions when left unattended. As we proceed, we’ll discuss how you can safeguard your dog from these parasites to keep them healthy and free of any health threats.
Five Tips to Protect Your Dog From Internal Parasites
Some parasites can transmit diseases to you and your family. If you suspect your pet has intestinal parasites, do not delay bringing them to an animal emergency hospital to prevent their condition from aggravating. This situation may be a matter of life and death, so instant action is needed.
Fortunately, we have gathered five simple pointers to prevent these parasites from infecting your pet in the first place to protect your family and beloved pet.
1. Never let them drink stagnant water
Stagnant water is a breeding place for Giardia, a parasite that can cause severe diarrhea. Don’t ever let your pets drink from stagnant water or puddles. Always supply them with a fresh and clean water source to prevent them from seeking water elsewhere.
2. Maintain a feces-free yard
Good sanitation is a great way to lower your pet’s exposure to parasites. This means cleaning up after them and removing their feces in the backyard since many internal parasites can spread through contact with feces. Furthermore, a fecal-contaminated lawn can be a source of exposure for months because some parasites can thrive in the soil for a long time.
3. Have your vet do routine fecal checks
Whenever you take your pet to a vet clinic for their puppy vet checkup, always bring a fresh sample of your pet’s stool. The veterinarian can utilize this to check for parasites. Young pets are most susceptible to internal parasites, so guarantee to bring a stool sample to their veterinary examination. It’s also good to get a copy of your puppy’s deworming records from the breeders if you purchased your pet from them. This information is necessary to discuss with your vet.
4. Give them preventative medications
The good news is that there are already available simple-to-administer medications to protect your pet from these pesky internal parasites. Most vets suggest giving these preventatives to your pet year-round. These internal parasite preventatives are usually offered in a dog wellness plan in Sharpsburg.
Consistency is necessary even if you are away or out with your furry buddy for a vacation. If you miss a few doses, contact your veterinarian for advice.
5. Don’t let them eat their feces
Most parasitic worms reside in animals’ feces, and eating poop is a way to pick them up. You can prevent your four-legged friend from consuming their feces by cleaning up their stool instantly or taking them out on a leash in an area where there are feces from other animals.
