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

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

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

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