A Lifetime of Wellness - 27

PARASITES
Parasites are organisms that can live in or on
another living thing. Parasite checks must be
conducted early and often, since parasites can be
transmitted to puppies from their mothers. In
both puppies and adult dogs, parasites can come
from a number of sources, including ingesting
inappropriate materials, coming in contact with
other dogs or environmental factors.
If left unchecked, parasites can make life
miserable for you and your dog. As with most
health problems, prevention of parasites is
easier and less expensive than treatment,
so be alert for early symptoms.
EXTERNAL PARASITES
External parasites live on a dog's body. They are
diagnosed by physical examination and skin tests.
The most common external parasites in dogs are:
» Fleas
» Ticks
» Lice
» Mange mites
» Ear mites
INTERNAL PARASITES
Most internal parasites live in a dog's intestines and
are detected by an examination of the animal's stool.
Treatment for worms and parasites can begin at 2
weeks of age and be repeated every 2 or 3 weeks as
determined by your veterinarian. The most common
intestinal parasites in dogs are:
» Roundworms
» Hookworms
» Whipworms
Tips on giving medication
» Some dogs will take medication if it is
hidden in a small amount of food.
However, do not mix medication with the
dog's diet and just leave it in a bowl. Most
dogs can sense when something unwanted
has been added to their food and will leave
the medicine untouched.
» Tapeworms
» Coccidia
» To give your dog a pill, wrap one hand over
his muzzle and lift his head up with thumb
and forefinger on either side of the upper
lips. With the other hand, gently but firmly
pull down his jaw and place the pill at the
very back of his tongue. Close his mouth
and hold it shut. Firmly stroke downward
along his throat until he swallows.
A Lifetime of Wellness

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