A Detailed Guide To Dog Worming
Worming dogs is a necessity and something all dog owners should do on a semi-regular basis. Here are some advice, knowledge, and tips on how to ensure you are doing it to the best of your know-how.
The Various Types of Dog Worms
Your canine friend is likely to be affected by two main categories of worms, which are tapeworms and roundworms. A common type of roundworm is the Toxocara Canis, which has a reputation for being dangerous to the health of children. The longest worms can achieve a length of up to 18cm and often resemble spaghetti pieces or threads. The worms survive by feeding off the partly digested food located in the dog’s bowel. Eggs are subsequently released via the feces of the dog.
Tapeworms can achieve a length of up to 70cm and sound grislier too since they attach themselves to the dog’s gut using their sharp teeth. The worms sometimes make dogs irritable and itchy and it is not uncommon to find a dog running across the floor on his bottom.
How Do Dogs Get Worms?
Worms are usually picked up through the environment in which your dog spends most of his time in. If he loves to play in contaminated areas, he can ingest the worms and this allows the worms to continue living and thriving. Worm eggs can still be dangerous in the soil or grass even after more than two years, long after the feces have been removed. When it comes to worms, puppies are particularly susceptible. If the mother is infected with worms, puppies can be born infected with them or they can be passed from mother to puppy through the milk.
The Risks Associated with Dog Worms
Dog worms come with many associated risks. Worms can slow the growth of your dog, damage the gut, cause dehydration, cause diarrhea, and even cause significant weight loss. This increases the chances of your dog getting other diseases. Practicing proper hygiene is particularly important especially if you have children in your house. Ensure that you teach your children to wash their hands after they play with the dog and not to share plates with the dog.
If you ensure that your children follow a regular worming routine and that you immediately clean up after your dog, you will not encounter many problems. If you wish to exercise extra caution, you should consider having a separate area in your garden where the children play and the dog is not allowed to enter.
Signs of Worm Infection in Dogs
It is important to note that not all cases of worms have signs. However, you need to be on the lookout for the signs if worm infection listed below:
- A dry looking coat
- A vomiting dog
- A dog who is constantly lethargic
- A dog who is constantly coughing
- A dog who is always hungry
- A dog who is constipated
If you believe that your dog has worms, you need to do something about it immediately. If you fail to do so, the worms can be devastating to the dog and it will not be comfortable for him. You should only use treatment from a reputable website that sells known pet meds and implements a preventive strategy to keep the worms at bay. Wash the dog’s beddings regularly.
How Regularly Should You Actually Worm Your Dog?
Let us assume that you have given the dog some medication. It will help to get rid of the worms in his digestive tract, but cannot prevent re-infection. You need to have a system that you can use throughout the year to ensure that the dog is safe from worms. Consult your vet to formulate an effective program for your beloved companion.
How Do You Choose the Right Dog Worming Product?
You will find dog worming products in many different forms. You can use a paste, liquid or even granules to help get rid of the worms in your dog’s gut. However, they are all different and you need to have a proper understanding before you make a decision. Some of the medications are good for one kind of worm but not another while some are better for some dogs but not others.
It is always advisable to get seek comprehensive advice from the vet with regards to choosing a worming product. A professional is best placed to advise you regarding the best option for your dog. You can even use natural worming products if you don’t fancy the idea of using chemicals, but they are not usually very effective.
How Do You Administer the Wormer to the Dog?
Depending on the size of your dog, there may be different instructions. You need to be aware of the weight of your dog to administer the proper dosage. Some of the wormers have flavors, which makes the medication more appealing to the dog. If you don’t buy a flavored wormer, you can use a treat such as cheese to hide the wormer. Start by giving the dog a regular treat then give home the medicated treat. If you still experience problems administering the treat to the dog, you can try using a pill popper.
Effective Dog Worming Tips
If you have never wormed a dog previously or had a year round worming program before, you may start feeling overwhelmed. Here are some effective tips to guide you:
- If you have several dogs in your household, worm them all simultaneously.
- Maintain a diary with the date so that you know exactly when you should worm the dog.
- Ensure that you keep the medication in a safe place away from dogs and children.
- Always wash your hands once you touch the worming medication.
You should by now know just about everything there is to know about dog worming. If you still have doubts and questions, ensure that you call your vet to get some answers. Both your dog and yourself will be okay if you follow a regular worming schedule.
