You may not hear of intestinal parasites most of the time, but it’s a topic worth talking about. These parasites are mainly worms that live in the canines’ intestinal tracts. There are hookworms and roundworms that live in the small intestines and stomach of a dog, and tapeworms that live in their large intestines.
There are intestinal parasites like Giardia and coccidia that aren’t worms. These are one-cell organisms and are also considered intestinal tract parasites. These mentioned parasites can impact your beloved pet in various ways, from simple inflammation to life-threatening conditions when left neglected. As we proceed, we’ll talk about how you can secure your pet from these parasites to keep them healthy and free of any health threats.
Five Tips to Prevent Canine Internal Parasites
Some parasites can transmit health problems to you and your household. If you think your furry companion has internal parasites, don’t postpone bringing them to a vet to prevent their condition from worsening. You may search the web for “emergency vet near me” if you’re looking for emergency vet care facilities to take your pet to.
This situation can be a matter of life and death, so urgent action is essential. Thankfully, we have provided five simple ideas to prevent these parasites from infecting your canine in the first place to protect your household and beloved pet.
1. Give them preventative medications
The good news is that there are presently available simple-to-administer medications to secure your pet from these pesky internal parasites. Most veterinarians suggest giving these preventatives to your pet year-round. These internal parasite preventatives are often offered in a dog wellness plan.
2. Don’t let them eat their feces
Numerous parasitic worms reside in animals’ feces, and eating poop is a way to pick them up. You can prevent your four-legged buddy from consuming their feces by cleaning up their stool immediately or taking them out on a leash in an area where there are feces from other animals.
3. Have your vet do regular fecal checks
Whenever you visit your vet for the puppy wellness checkup of your pet, always bring a fresh sample of your canine’s stool. The veterinarian can use this to check for parasites. Young pets are most susceptible to internal parasites, so ensure to bring a stool sample to their veterinary exam. It’s also good to get a copy of your puppy’s deworming records from the breeders if you purchased your pet from them. This information is necessary to discuss with your vet.
Consistency is essential even if you’re away or out with your furry buddy for a vacation. Contact your vet for advice if you miss out on a few doses.
4. Maintain a feces-free yard
Good sanitation is a great way to minimize your pet’s exposure to parasites. This means cleaning up after them and picking up their feces in the backyard since many internal parasites can spread through contact with feces. In addition, a fecal-contaminated backyard may be a source of exposure for months, given that some parasites can thrive in the soil for a long period.
5. Never let them drink stagnant water
Stagnant water is a breeding ground for Giardia, a parasite that can cause severe diarrhea. Do not ever let your pets drink from stagnant water or puddles. Always provide them with a fresh and clean water source to prevent them from seeking water elsewhere.
