Pet Intestinal Parasites Pet Owners Must Know About

Intestinal parasites can be a significant problem for young animals. All dogs are susceptible to parasites in their intestinal tracts. However, some breeds are more likely to develop these than others. The risk factors for canine intestinal parasite infection include the dog’s way of living and its owner’s consistency or lack thereof with administering preventive medicine.

What Are Pet Intestinal Parasites?

It is vital in preventative veterinary medicine to eradicate and keep intestinal parasites under control. Parasite infections in pets can cause digestive problems and other health issues if not treated. Learn about the most common intestinal parasites and protect your pet from them.

1. Roundworm

Roundworms are commonly seen as intestinal parasites that can be found in pets. They’re yellow spaghetti-like strands. The eggs of the worms are discarded in the urine of an infected pet and then eaten in another animal’s stomach. Once the eggs hatch, the worms can move through the intestines. The worms are more prevalent in puppies because their mother’s parasites could affect them before birth.

Puppy diseases can cause severe stomach distress and swelling. A puppy who has multiple roundworms might grow slowly. On the other hand, some dogs don’t exhibit any symptoms. For more severe types of illnesses, you can consult an expert in internal medicine for cats and dogs in your area. Their expertise can make a huge difference in the assessment and treatment of the disease.

2. Whipworm

Whipworms make up the tiniest of intestinal parasites. Inhaling or licking dirt, including whipworms or their eggs, could cause an infection in a dog. Dogs may also ingest whipworms by ingesting food, water, soil, waste, or animals.

Once the dog ingests them, whipworms find their home in the dog’s intestine. They then lay eggs which are excreted by your dog’s stool. They can cause symptoms should they be mild. Whipworms, however, can irritate and inflame the colon dogs suffering from the disease. 

To further protect your pet from any type of worms, you can visit a facility like Mono Way Veterinary Hospital for pet bathing and grooming.

3. Tapeworm

The tapeworm’s name comes from the parasite’s characteristic shape: a broad, thin strip. Fleas, rodents, and even birds can spread tapeworms because they carry the parasites’ eggs. Dogs aren’t the only ones to get tapeworms. Other pets. Instead, they typically get the parasites from fleas.

The tapeworm infections in adult dogs cause less severe and fewer symptoms than can be seen in puppies. The growth of small intestinal obstruction and digestive discomfort can be seen in puppies. As with many intestinal parasites, there are times in which they have no symptoms. That’s why starting your pet’s vaccination as early as eight weeks old is important. You can follow this link to begin establishing their health care. .

4. Hookworm

The shape of hookworms is similar to that of groundworms. However, hookworms are smaller and are whiter or yellower in color. Dogs can consume the dirt where the larvae of hookworms reside by licking their feet or eating soil. Dogs can also ingest hookworm eggs if they get in contact with the feces of an affected dog and then eat them. Hookworms can also infect dogs through subcutaneous burrowing in their skin.

The consumed hookworms are transported to the small intestines, where they get stuck to the lining. They feed on the blood of the canine. Anemia is often a result of hookworms because they deplete the blood host.

5. Non-Worm Parasites

Coccidia is one kind of microorganism that can reside within the dog’s intestinal tract. Coccidiosis causes dehydration, diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting. Coccidia illnesses are much more prevalent among puppies, who usually acquire them from their mothers.

Giardia is another intestinal protozoa similar to Coccidia. Dogs with Giardia disease have a drab coat, dehydration, weight loss and failure to gain weight, diarrhea, and vomiting. Giardia is present in the garbage that travels through the intestinal tract. Spirochetes, not worms, penetrate dogs’ digestive tract and bloodstream. Spirochete infections can trigger severe diseases like Lyme, leptospirosis, and Syphilis.

Conclusion

Puppies are the most susceptible to the negative effect of intestinal worms. Hookworms can cause anemia. Roundworms can cause delayed development. Parasites of the intestines rarely cause death in healthy pets but can be prevalent in elderly or sick ones. This is why ensuring your pet’s vaccination is completed while young to establish a solid health base is essential.