Deworming is a practice recommended by the American Association
of Veterinary Parasitologists (AAVP) and the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC).
Puppies
* Every 2 weeks until 3 months of age, starting at 2 weeks old.
* Once a month from 3 to 6 months of age
* After 6 months, follow adult recommendations. Also after six
months, use a heartworm preventative medication that is effective
against hookworms and roundworms.
Adult Dogs
* Treat regularly, considering potential exposure to parasites
(example: four times a year)
* A continued surveillance of parasite prevalence in your area
is recommended.
The first indication that a dog or cat is infected with some
type of parasite is, very often, the presence of "something"
in the dog's or cat's feces. If your dog or cat (or other pet)
passes anything unusual in its feces, SAVE IT! Your veterinarian
will usually find it more helpful to "see" what was
in your pet's feces than to listen to your description of it.
The best way to save such specimens is to pick them out of your
pet's feces and put them into a container containing some alcohol
(rubbing alcohol works fine). The alcohol will kill and preserve
the specimen.
Hookworm and Roundworm Disease Transmission
Untreated dogs can contract roundworm and hookworm infections
by playing in public spaces, such as sand boxes or dog runs, and
from being around other animals’ waste. These common worm
infections may be harmful to your dog and unknowingly spread disease
to family and friends. According to the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, a national survey of shelters found that nearly
36 percent of dogs nationwide, and 52 percent of dogs from the
southeast states, are capable of contaminating the environment
with these worms that may potentially affect people.
People, particularly small children, may be infected through
contact with contaminated feces, soil, sand, plant life or other
objects. Because small children’s play habits bring them
into closer contact with objects that may be contaminated by pets,
and because their immune systems are not fully developed, they
are more vulnerable to infection than adults.
Dogs infected with roundworms and hookworms may suffer from abdominal
discomfort, vomiting, loss of appetite, severe weight loss or
even sudden death. However, in most instances, dogs may be infected
without showing signs of illness.
Children infected by roundworms may suffer from a condition called
ocular larva migrans, which may result in permanent visual or
neurological damage. Hookworms generally migrate through the skin
tissue, causing inflammation in the affected areas and leaving
an extremely itchy, winding red “trail.” One species
of hookworm has been known to penetrate into deeper tissues and
cause more serious damage to the intestine and other organs. Although
the conditions are treatable, a better strategy is prevention.
Hookworm and Roundworm Disease Prevention
Taking steps now to help protect your pets and family from roundworm
and hookworm infection will save you from the pain and suffering
in the long run. Your veterinarian can provide you with a monthly,
painless and easy-to-give medication that will keep your dog healthy.
By preventing your pets from bringing diseases home, you can reduce
the risks to your loved ones as well.
Before heading outside with their dogs this spring and summer,
pet owners should visit their veterinarian to learn about the
dangers posed by heartworms, roundworms and hookworms.
 |
We find Evict
dewormer the best product to eliminate roundworms.
Click here
to find information on how to order it online. |
