How to deworm my dog?
Puppies are particularly susceptible to worms. Exercise caution with your pet and their waste. The method of infection varies with the type of worm, but includes transmission via the milk while nursing, skin penetration, and oral ingestion. Gastrointestinal parasites can cause serious disorders in dogs, including life-threatening anaemia, loss of proteins from the body, loose motion, vomiting, low glucose in blood, intestinal obstruction, and weight loss.
- For most puppies, it is sufficient to deworm routinely every 2-3 weeks until 6 months of age and then as advised by your vet. There are many safe, effective products available, which will eliminate these worms.
- The most common parasites found in puppies are hookworms, roundworms (ascarids), whipworms, tapeworms and Giardia spp. If your dog is infected, you will probably notice the tapeworm segments in his fur around his back end or in the faeces. They look like grains of rice and are often seen to move.
- Fleas transmit one type of tapeworm, and it is therefore wise to treat your dog for fleas if you notice any tapeworms. The ordinary roundworm tablets are not effective against tapeworms and a different form of treatment is required. Some products available for dogs are effective against both roundworms and tapeworms. Always ask your vet for advice.
- Certain canine parasites, such as hookworms, roundworms, at least three species of tapeworms and several intestinal protozoa including Giardia spp., can be transferred to humans.
