Dog Parasites

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by Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN
updated on 09/07/2006 at 09:55AM

If you have a dog, then you need to know about parasites. Dogs are the frequent victims of a number of internal parasites or worms such as roundworms, hookworms, and coccidia. In most cases, early diagnosis and treatment of parasitic infections can prevent the development of any significant symptoms. Dog parasite infections may cause any or all of the following symptoms: diarrhea, weight loss, dull, dry hair; blood stools, and vomiting. Here is a closer look at the parasites that can affect your dog, and what you can do to keep him healthy.

Roundworms: The two species of roundworms that can infect dogs are Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina. Roundworms are tan or white, and they range in length from two to five inches. If a dog is severely infected with these parasites, he may vomit these worms or pass them in his stool. The worms may be visually alarming as they look like a moving pile of spaghetti.

Roundworm infections can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and constipation. If left untreated, roundworms can multiply to such great numbers that they cause intestinal blockage and ultimately, death. These dog parasites can also be transferred to humans where they can cause a disease called visceral larva migrans. This disease may result in inflammation of muscle tissue and blindness.

Hookworm: Hookworms are blood sucking parasitic worms that commonly infect dogs and humans. Ancylostoma caninium is the species of hookworm that is found in dogs. These small, thin parasites infect a dog that walks on contaminated soil or feces by penetrating his skin. Once inside the dog's body, hookworms will fasten to the wall of the small intestine and suck blood. These dog parasites are smaller than roundworms, and they cannot be seen by the naked eye, but they can be detected by microscopic fecal examination.

In humans, hookworms can cause a type of dermatitis called cutaneous larva migrans or creeping eruption. Once inside the human body, hookworms may burrow under the skin causing a linear, itchy lesion.

Tapeworms: A tapeworm is another dog parasite that can be detected visually with the naked eye. These parasites are transmitted to dogs via the consumption of infected fleas or meat. They are long, flat parasites that attach themselves to the small intestines. As they reach maturity, segments of their bodies will break off and enter the digestive system until they are passed in the feces or urine.

A dog owner may notice these startling parasites on the dog's anus or in his stools. They are generally flat and white, reaching a length of about one-half inch. They may look like a grain of rice or a sesame seed. Tapeworms cannot be directly transmitted from dogs to humans; small children could accidentally ingest an infected flea and contract a tapeworm infection.

Whipworms: Whipworms, such as Trichuris vulpis are not visible to the naked eye, making them difficult to detect and diagnose. Unfortunately, this particular dog parasite is also the most difficult to eradicate and control. Symptoms of a whipworm infection include severe diarrhea, flatulence, weight loss, fatigue, and poor overall condition.

Coccidia: The dog parasite Isopora canis is a protozoan parasite, meaning that it is not a worm but a single-celled microscopic organism. Because it is so small, this parasite has relatively few nutrient needs, and it can therefore grow to great numbers in the canine body. A coccidia infection may cause watery diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. In young puppies, or dogs with a weakened immune system, this parasite can cause diarrhea that is severe enough to be life threatening.

Preventing Dog Parasites

Good hygiene and proper preventative measures are the keys to keeping your dog "parasite-free." Many species of parasites can infect dogs that come in contact with contaminated feces. So it is important to keep a close eye on dog feces, and remove it from the yard at least once a week. If you suspect that your dog may have contracted a parasitic infection, consult your veterinarian immediately. One type of wormer may not be effective at treating all dog parasites. When you take your dog for a walk, try to keep him away from other animals' feces, and be sure to remove any that your own dog may contribute. Be sure to wash your hands after handling your dog to avoid transmitting a parasitic infection from your dog to yourself.

About the Author

Dr. Edward F. Group III continues to develop, sell and evaluate exclusively high-end natural and organic healthcare products to support a wide range of health conditions. The products we promote are free of toxic tag-along herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, heavy metals, fumigants, irradiation, liver-toxic glues, binders, or gelatin capsules with animal-source risk and toxic preservatives.

All of the ingredients we use are organically certified, wild crafted or as pure as we can obtain with the highest level of active ingredients. For more information, please visit the webs best resource on Parasites. Also visit www.paratrex.com for Dr. Group's parasite removal formula.