Parasites are a constant danger to your dog that can range from an annoyance to life-threatening. In this post, our Queens vets will go over some of the parasites and why it is so important to prevent the infection and practice parasite control for dogs.
What is a parasite?
A parasite is an organism that feeds on your dog without offering any benefit. They steal nutrients from your dog and some can cause irreversible damage to your dog's organs.
Why should I worry if my dog doesn’t interact with other animals?
Insect bites, other animal feces, and even transmission from mother to child before birth are all ways for your dog to become infected. When a dog becomes infected, it can be difficult to get some parasites out of its nest. As a result, taking preventative measures is the best solution. Dogs may have the following parasites:
Heartworm Disease
Mosquitoes are a common vector of this parasite. The worm multiplies, reproduces, and spreads throughout the dog's body once infected. Heartworms got their name from their unfortunate habit of embedding in the heart muscle. They are present in an infected dog's heart, lungs, and blood vessels. The problem with diagnosing them is that the infection has advanced quite far by the time the symptoms appear. These worms can cause severe damage to internal organs. Humans are unlikely to become infected with this parasite.
Roundworms
This parasite can pass from mother to child before birth. It can also be transmitted through excreted and swallowed eggs. The egg can survive without a host for weeks and can infect humans, particularly children (which makes you question every sandbox you played in as a kid). This can result in stunted growth and a pot-bellied appearance in dogs. Worms can also emerge from both ends.
Hookworms
These dreadful creatures can infect your dog by drinking infected mother's milk, eating infected eggs, or burrowing into the skin. These are tiny vampires that feed on animal blood by entering the GI tract and tearing holes in the lining, resulting in ulcers. They can kill young puppies and cause anemia in adult dogs. These heinous creatures can also burrow into human skin. Sandboxes, like roundworms, are notorious vectors of transmission (why do we allow children to play in them?).
Fleas
The classic pest that infests your dog’s fur. They are normally an annoyance, constantly biting and causing skin irritation. They can be a disease vector for tapeworms.
Tick
These little bugs bury their heads into the flesh of their victim. They can spread Lyme disease and can attack humans
How to Prevent Parasites in Dogs
Parasites are prevented in dogs by keeping up with their vaccinations. Your vet will be able to advise you of a schedule for inoculation. Make sure your dog goes for an annual wellness check so your vet can test for infestation.
Conclusion
Parasites are terrifying and can be fatal to your dog. Please continue to use preventative measures to protect your dog. Dogs and children are disease vectors in outdoor sandboxes.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.