Treating internal parasites

Checking your dog regularly for intestinal parasites is one of the less enticing aspects of dog ownership, but a very necessary one to be sure. It's a dirty job, but it can be an important step in keeping your pet healthy and happy.

What to look for

There are a number of internal parasites that may decide to call your dog home. The four worms that might infect your dog are tapeworms, whipworms, roundworms, and hookworms. There are other protozoa that can affect your dog as well, and these include toxoplasma, giardia, and coccidia.

If you suspect that your dog is suffering from an internal parasite, the first step will be to identify the parasite with the help of your veterinarian. In order to find the most effective treatment for your dog, your vet will need to know precisely what he is dealing with.

Sometimes this can be easier said than done, due to the manner in which some parasites release their eggs. However, a definitive diagnosis will put you and your dog on the road to a proper solution.

One parasite of particular concern is one that you can detect at home. Tapeworms can be seen in your dog's stools, looking like small pieces of rice. You may also see evidence of tapeworms around your dog's anal area. If you see this symptom in your dog, remove these segments and place them in a sealed container for your veterinarian's inspection.

The importance of regular vet exams

During the first year of your dog's life, your veterinarian will probably request a number of fecal samples for testing. This process is important in keeping your puppy healthy, since it can be the quickest and most effective means of identifying intestinal parasites.

Adhere to your veterinarian's schedule, and always bring in samples that are no more than twelve hours old. You might consider storing your sample in a cooler or refrigerator until you take it in to ensure the most accurate results.

Your veterinarian will examine these samples under a microscope to check for the eggs of various parasites. After your dog's first birthday, an annual fecal sample should be sufficient, unless you suspect a problem.

Treatment and prevention

If your dog does end up with an internal parasite, treatment will begin only when the parasite has been accurately identified, since there are different treatments for different types of parasites. Sometimes more than one parasite will be involved, which means that more than one treatment may be necessary. Some types of parasites will also require treatment of your dog's environment as well.

Most treatments for internal parasites only take a few days to complete. Your veterinarian will check your dog periodically throughout the treatment period and for a number of weeks afterward to ensure that the parasites are completely eliminated. You may be asked to bring in another fecal sample within three to four weeks after treatment is complete.

To prevent a recurrence of internal parasites, try to keep your dog away from areas where other animals have gone potty, since parasites are often transmitted through fecal matter. This may be hard to do if you take your dog to parks and the like, but if you can keep him out of some of the more, ahem, heavily trafficked areas, it's a start. You can also talk to your veterinarian about preventative medications that you can give to your dog for certain types of parasites.

If you suspect that your pet might have an internal parasite, prompt care is the key to effective treatment. If you notice symptoms in your dog such as diarrhea, coughing, weight loss, a reduced appetite or a dry, unhealthy coat, you should contact your veterinarian for an examination.

Occasionally, a healthy pet will not show signs of parasites right away, which is why an annual examination is so important. But staying on top of any strange symptoms that your dog might exhibit will go a long way in keeping your pet healthy and happy.

Source: Adapted from the American Animal Hospital Association

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“May 1, 2008 I took my Golden Retriever to the vet. My girls, husband, and I had been at the girls cheer competition and came home late. I went out said hi and fed our Dachsund and our Golden Retriever. The next afternoon I went out to bath and walk both of them and found our Golden Retriever lying in his feces. I thought he was dead and gently bent down to softly call his name. Not wanting to startle him or have him jump up too quickly, I layed my hand on his head and gently rubbed him saying his name. I ask for him to lye there and stay and was crying when he opened his eyes. Again I reminded him to lay down and stay as I went to grab the phone. I tried not to be too loud crying. I didn’t want him to come running to me if he could get up. I was almost hysterical and called my husband thinking he was almost dead. I called my girls who were getting out of school at the time and told them to get home fast. I washed him off with the hose and we gently placed him in the back of my vehicle. He could walk but was sluggish and was running around in circles trying to use the restroom. Still he was trying to play but I could tell he was very weak. On the way he laid his head on my daughter’s lap and licked her hand looking at me with his sad eyes. Tears falling from my eyes then and now as I write this, I am very worried. The vet hospital kept him for two nights and we picked him up on Saturday morning with a referral for Monday to the Carrollton Neurological Vet Hospital, Dr. Ducote. It is now May 18, 2008 and our Golden Retriever is still at the Neurology Vet Hospital. The Neurologist does not have a known diagnosis and has not seen his condition in the past.
.His name is Sammy and he is 5yrs old. He is my daughters dog and helped her through a very serious illness. She is sick again and now so is Sam. Sammy is unable to expel his urine and his feces falls out willingly.. Our bills are up to $5842.00 and he will need to go to Texas A&M which will cost even more. I cannot put my dog down due to money. He is happy, playing, and the Neurologist said he needs time and further care. He is our families joy.
The Neurological clinic has done all within their field of study. . The two clinics have performed an MRI, X-Rays, Spinal Fluid test, Lepto test, Skin Cytology, Fecal and Ear Testing, Heart Worm Test, blood work, cultures, urinalysis testing and others. He is on many medications to help him expel urine and a variety of antibiotics. They are now doing symptomatic treatment, hoping this will help some how. He was on Heart Worm preventative but is positive. He has to wait to be treated for these do to the immediate help he needs. It is as he fell apart overnight and we do not know why. I did not prior notice any symptoms and he is with me daily. He was taken care of while we were gone by my mother in law and my nephew and they are very good with him. My daughter now thinks the doctor's cant help her if the Neurologist can not help Sam.
We need some type of referral for help. .I have to pick him up Monday and scared I am not going to expel his urine properly or give correct care until I find help. I worry the Neurology Clinic will not let me get him if I can't pay. I paid $907.44 at the first vet and $2635.00 in Neurology. Monday we have a balance of $2300 and Sam needs immediate further treatment and diagnosis testing. .We are out of funds and do not know where to turn for help to receive the money needed for Sam. We have used our extra funds and our mortgage money to pay the vet bills mentioned.. I am trying to sell everything I can on E-bay and cant get stuff on their fast enough. will do or try anything I can to help him. Our daughters medical is very expensive and now this is just too much to afford. I do not know where to take him but Texas A&M. I won't give up. He is a great dog and I owe him the chance to heal. He is relying on us and my daughter is relying on Sammy. He goes everywhere with us and even sick is still trying to please. Could someone please refer me for financial immediate help I tought of alternative but do not know where to go. This comment is something I am not used to doing and becomes difficult to ask for help, but I have come to the point of trying any and everything.
for Sammy. We love him very much. Thanks for any help for referrals. shaymorgan@comcast.net 214-723-8109 Thank you. Shay Morgan 2431 Stadium Place Arlington, Texas 76006” —

him and we need some type of referral for help. I have to pick him up Monday and scared I am not going to expel his urine properly or give correct care until I find help. I worry the Neurology Clinic will not let me get him if I cannot pay. I paid $907.44 at the first vet and 2635.00 in Neurology already. ON Monday, I have a balance of $2300 and future immediate cost for further treatment. I am out of funds and don’t know where I could come up with any money. I used our extra funds and my mortgage money to pay for bills. I am trying to sell everything I can on EBay and cant get stuff on their fast enough. I will do or try anything I can to help him. Our daughter’s medical is very expensive and now this is just too much to afford. I don’t know where to take him but Texas A&M. I will not give up. He is a great dog and I owe him the chance to heal. He is relying on us and my daughter is relying on Sammy. He goes everywhere with us and even sick is still trying to please. Could someone please refer me for financial immediate help I tought of alternative but don’t know where to go. This comment is something I am not used to doing and becomes difficult to ask for help, but I have come to the point of needing to try everything for Sammy. We love him very much. Thanks for any help for referrals. shaymorgan@comcast.net 214-723-8109 Thank you. Shay Morgan 2431 Stadium Place Arlington, Texas 76006” — Your Name Here
” — shaymorgan, May 18 2008

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