Canine worms live in a dog's intestines and bloodstream. Puppies are often born with worms, while adult canines contract worms via feces. These parasites vary in appearance and have different effects on your dog. Often, worm treatment will cure and prevent future canine worms.
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Types of Worms
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Roundworms, or Nematodes, are smooth, narrow and tapered at both ends. These parasites can't be seen with the bare eye, and are instead found using a microscope to examine your canine's stool. Other names for this type of worm include stomach worms, whipworms, heartworms, lungworms and hookworms. Tapeworms, or Cestodes, have a head and several segments to their bodies. These parasite are often contracted when a canine eats small rodents or fleas. Flatworms, also called Trematodes or Flukes, hook onto the canine's lungs, liver and intestines.
Spotting Canine Worms
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Worms are often only seen using a microscope. While worms can sometimes be seen in dog stool, more often they're too small to be seen with the naked eye. You cannot see flatworms or hookworms without a microscope. Roundworms can be seen in the canine's stool. You can also see pieces of Tapeworms in the hair by the dog's anus. Tapeworm eggs can be seen using a microscope.
Worm Medicine
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Heartguard Plus is used to kill Roundworm and Hookworm eggs. Interceptor and Sentinel is used to kill Roundworm, Hookworm and Whipworm eggs. Revolution is a liquid medicine that's used to prevent Heartworm. Proheart 6 is an injection that is also used to prevent Heartworm. If your canine has a chronic problem with worms, consider using a natural dietary supplement as a preventative. For example, PetAlive has a natural supplement that rids the body of parasites, including Heartworm, Roundworm and Tapeworm. Consult your veterinarian for the best options for your dog.
Contraction of Worms
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Puppies with worms have usually inherited the parasites from their mother. Adult canines contract worms either from contact with infected feces or from bug bites. Once the dog is no longer in contact with the feces, the parasite eggs may remain, causing infection.
Cross-Contamination with Humans
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Humans can contract intestinal worms from canines. Children often contract the parasites if they're in contact with dog feces. If a child crawls on the ground they can come into contact with the worms eggs and possibly ingest them. Hookworms burrow through human skin and are most often found in the Gulf Coast states. A Hookworm will leave a trail of red spots on human skin. Some worms, like Whipworms, cannot be contracted by humans. To prevent you or your family from contracting canine worms, treat your puppy for worms after two weeks. Carefully and immediately dispose of dog poop and wash your hands after contact with your dog.
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