Unless they are dewormed and on a preventative, most dogs have some type--if not multiples types--of intestinal parasites. In many instances, your dog might be infected with intestinal parasites and you will notice no symptoms. It's important to deworm your dog and to keep your dog on a monthly preventative.
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Types
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There are multiples types of intestinal parasites, known commonly as worms, which can infect your dog. Among the types are roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms and whipworms.
Causes
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Dogs acquire different types of worms in different ways. In some instances, they are infected from walking on soil that contains worms and in other instances they are infected by ingesting something in their environment that contained the worms or the worms' eggs.
Symptoms
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In many instances, you will see no symptoms your dog is infected with intestinal parasites. With some types, you might see the worms in your dog's stool. Other symptoms might include diarrhea, blood in the stool, weight loss, poor appearance and vomiting.
Diagnosis
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Your veterinarian will take a stool sample from your dog. The stool sample will be examined under microscope to determine which type of parasite is infecting your dog.
Treatment
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Intestinal parasites are treated with oral medications. The type of medication given depends on what type of worm is infecting your dog. Common deworming medications include Strongid, Drontal and Panacur.
Prevention
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Most monthly heartworm preventatives include protection against common types of intestinal parasites. Keeping your dog on one of these preventatives is the best way to ensure your pet is free of intestinal parasites.
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