Intestinal Parasites

Intestinal Parasites

Hookworms

Lives in the small intestines

 Can be passed to people - causes painful, itchy rashes

Clinical signs - weakness, weight loss, dehydration, pale gums

Can be prevented by most once-a-month heartworm preventions

Maintaining a clean envirionment and preventing your dog from eating feces will also help prevent an infestation

The mouth of Hookworm

Tapeworms

Carried by fleas, caused by ingesting an infected flea

 Can grow over a foot long - segments may be seen in feces

Requires a specific deworming medication to treat

Prevent by preventing fleas

Tapeworm segments                                                  Tapeworm

Roundworms

Are a threat to people

Lay 100,000 eggs a day

 Puppies can be infected by their mother

Clinical signs - weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, malnutrition, weakness, a pot-bellied appearance

Most heartworm preventions control roundworms to prevent infestation

Infestations must be treated with deworming medication

Roundworm

Whipworms

Not as big of concern - less destructive, don't lay as many eggs

Live in the soil and can survive for long periods of time

Outdoor dogs are more vulnerable

Not a threat to people

Whipworm

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