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How To Get Rid Of Worms In Dogs
Dogs are certainly some of the favorite pets all over the world and this is due to different things. Some people love dogs because they are cute, others like them because they are great friends and some own them because they need some protection.
Dogs are definitely incredible animals and they have been around us for hundreds of years now. The history of humans would certainly not be the same without dogs as pets and this is why we must learn to take good care of them.
Just like any other living thing on this planet, dogs require several things to stay in good health. As pet owners, we need to make sure that they receive them and this is why we want to tell you more about how to get rid of worms in dogs.
This article will teach you everything that you need to know about making your canine friend worm free and keeping it in good health. Having a pet is always a great part of any household and helping it to live without parasites is an even better thing to do.
11 Symptoms of Dogs with Worms
The first thing that you should know about worms in canines, is how to detect if your pet is infected with them or not. Like every disease and health issue, there are always symptoms, which can help detect the illness and prevent it is as well.
The following are some of the symptoms that will tell you if a pet is infected with worms:
- The most obvious symptom is if you see worms in your pet’s feces or in its fur.
- Another common symptom is to see your canine friend rub its behind against the ground or floor.
- If you see your dog scratch itself a lot of times or getting some skin problems, it may be a symptom of worms.
- If your pet’s fur is not very shiny, thick or looking good, it may also mean that it is infected with these parasites.
- If your dog starts to lose a lot of weight, it could also mean that it has worms in its stomach and that it is getting sick.
- When your canine friend stops eating or eats less every day, it can also mean that it has worms.
- The belly of your pet may start to swell up or look different. Some call it a “pot belly”.
- The energy of your pet can also be a symptom of worms in its stomach or body. If your pet is not as energetic as it used to be, you should definitely check it out.
- Diarrhea is also a symptom of this disease and it can sometimes have hookworms or other types of parasites in it.
- Your pet vomiting can also mean that it is getting sick and that it needs some medical attention.
- If you hear your dog cough, it may also mean that it is infected with heartworms, roundworms or hookworms.
According to Cesar’s Way, “ Worms are one of the most common health problems for dogs.” Even if this is true, we should be concerned when some of the above symptoms start to show up in our pets and do something about it.
Preventing serious diseases will always be better and understanding your dog’s behavior, will help you to identify or to detect symptoms at an early stage. Remember to always have a vet’s phone number nearby at all times, as you never know when emergencies might strike.
Types of Worms in Canines
As you can probably imagine, there are different types of worms that can affect dogs and this will define the treatment that needs to be applied. The following are some of the worms that are commonly found in these animals:
- Whipworms
- Tapeworms
- Roundworms
- Heartworms
- Hookworms
Always make sure that you know what type of worms are affecting your canine friend, as this will help you to find the proper treatment and do not affect its health even more. The faster that you act or take it to the vet, the faster that it will be able to get rid of those worms.
How To Get Rid Of Worms In Dogs
Just like almost every other animal disease and health problems, there are several cures most of the time. This means that there will be different solutions, depending on what type of worms your pet is infected with.
Some of the common ways to treat dogs who are having problems with dogs are:
- Over the counter pet medicines – These types of medications are available at many pet-related stores and they can be applied by any homeowner. They are usually placed in your pet’s food or water so that you do not have problems giving it to them. Other medicine may include injections or pills, but these are also easy to manage and to give to your pet. These types of medicine do not require a vet’s permission and there are many commercial brands available these days.
- Vet solutions and/or surgeries – This solution involves taking your pet to a professional veterinarian or doctor, who will determine what the best cure for your dog is. They might choose to give it some very hard medicines/drugs or they may choose to do surgery on it. This will certainly depend on the type of worm that is affecting your canine friend and how advanced the problem is.
- Homemade remedies – These types of solutions are not for everyone, as you have to make them on your own and many do not trust them. Sometimes these remedies do work and it is a fact that most of the commercial pet medicines and drugs are based on some of the homemade remedy recipes.
Each of these types of curing methods has its own benefits and problems, but they all work in specific cases and they are certainly all useful for helping your pet get better. Watching your canine friend suffer from worm illnesses, is certainly one of the saddest things to watch.
How to Get Rid of Worms in Puppies in 3 Easy Steps
Just as adult dogs can be affected by worms; puppies may also suffer from these parasites. It is important to keep a close look on them at all times, especially since they are very young and their bodies have not developed fully.
Worms could lead to your puppy dying. This is why detecting this problem at an early stage and doing something about it, is very important. The following are some of the things that you can do to get rid of worms in puppies:
- Taking your puppy to the vet – This is something that you should definitely do if you detect some worm symptoms in your puppy. Your vet will know exactly what to do and will recommend the best procedure.
- Deworm your puppy – The procedure to deworm your puppies include:
- Deworming before the puppy is two weeks old
- Repeat the deworming treatment at four, six and eight weeks of age.
- Repeat deworming treatment two times per year.
- Natural Remedies – There are many natural remedies, which can help your puppy to live a worm-free life and these include:
- Cloves – These can be given to your canine friend in powder or oil. It can be fed once per day and it will help to solve the itching that is caused by worms.
- Wheat germs – You should be cautious with this one, as it will upset your pet’s stomach and they could make it feel worse. Feed small portions and see how your pet reacts.
- Pumpkin seeds – There are certain chemicals in these seeds, which cause worms to be inactive in your pet’s body, which is why they are an excellent natural remedy. Feed with precaution too.
Always remember that talking to a professional and asking them for their recommendations, is the smartest thing to do. Some natural and home remedies may work sometimes, but it is important to consult someone first.
What Causes Dogs To Get Worms
As mentioned before, canine worms can cause many different types of illnesses and health problems in your pet. Below, you will find a short description of some of the most common worm types in dogs and what causes them.
- Roundworms – These types of worms are usually contracted during pregnancy, nursing and in feces. These types of worms are known for causing some severe infections in both puppies and adult dogs.
- Hookworms – These types of worms can infect an animal by going through their skin or when they are trying to cleanse themselves. Hookworms mostly live in the small intestine of your pet and they suck the blood from there.
- Heartworms – Mosquitoes are known to spread these types of worms in canines, by biting them. Some heartworms have been measured at 14 inches long and they can be found in the heart or arteries of your pet. These worms can really affect your pet’s health.
- Whipworms – It is common for animals to get these worms from contaminated dirt or soil. They can also get infected with these worms, by trying to cleanse themselves. While these types of worms are not as serious as other types of worms, they do suck blood and can grow in numbers.
The living conditions, the food that you give your pet and the animals that are around it, will also influence your dog’s health. Make sure that you provide proper living conditions so that your pet does not get sick.
Types of Worms in Puppies
According to Fido Savvy, “Puppy worms are nasty little critters who come in lots of different shapes and sizes.” Some of the most common types of worms in puppies are:
- Tapeworms
- Whipworms
- Hookworms
- Roundworms
- Heartworms
It is not uncommon for puppies that have just been born, to have some roundworms. These are contracted from its mother’s womb or when drinking milk (nursing).
Puppies may not show any symptoms of dogs with worms and this is why it is important to follow a deworming procedure. This will get rid of worms that your puppy already has and it will also prevent it from getting others.
The following YouTube video has some interesting facts about detecting worms in your puppy and what types of worms they are.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnX9YHfd_R4
5 Home Remedies For Worms in Puppies
As we mentioned above, there are several types of treatments and remedies for getting rid of worms in dogs and some of them are home remedies. These include natural remedies and most of them are very easy to prepare.
You should always remember that portions and dosages for puppies, will be different than in adult dogs. So make sure that you give them something that they can tolerate.
Below is a list of some home remedies for worms in puppies and how to use them. Remember that it is always best to consult a professional first.
- Carrots – Chopping some carrots and mixing it with your dog’s food, will help to deworm your pet.
- Oregon Grape – This contains berberine, which is used to fight infections and to improve the immune system. It also works as an antiseptic, so it is great for many things. It can be used in drops and given to your pet twice a day, depending on its weight.
- Enzyme Supplements – Enzymes are known for making worms get weak and destroying them. Papain, which can be found in papayas and dried figs, contain these types of enzymes and will help to get rid of worms.
- Fasting – Although it may seem harsh and not very nice, putting your pet on a fast, can help to eliminate worms in its system. By simply not giving it anything to eat for 24 hours, once a week, you will be helping your pet to defecate worms and to prevent them from coming back again. Without food, worms can’t survive.
- Wormwood – This is a very effective home remedy for getting rid of worms and it has been used for many years. You must be careful when using this, as it has some oils which your dog may be allergic to. So do not overuse this herb.
The following is an interesting video of home remedies for worms in puppies.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Y3Ruxz7AUw
Now you know more about what causes a dog to get worms and how to get rid of these parasites. Make sure that you take good care of your pet and it will take good care of you.
I’m a dog food judge. I specialize in examining dog food nutrition so that I can recommend you food that will preserve your dog’s health and extend his life.
Good food will help you prevent dog health problems like obesity, diabetes, pancreatitis, gastroenteritis, nutritional imbalance, and many others.
Also, by preventing serious illnesses you won’t have to pay huge veterinarian bill later.
