Intestinal Parasites In Dogs
Of all the ills that our little four-legged friend can suffer, one of the most delicate are intestinal parasites. And it is that these are worms whose damage caused can be so serious that many times they cause the death of the dog.
Although this disease is usually much more dangerous when it happens to puppies, adult dogs can also be seriously affected. If you did not know about this case, then we will explain everything you need to know.
Types of parasites
Of all those that infect dogs, there are 7 that are the main ones. They are as follows:
Hookworms
These are the most common parasites by which the dog can be infected, after consuming different types of larvae or eggs. These remain in the grass after being expelled by an animal that has already been infected by this parasite.
Hookworms are microscopic and subsist in the small intestine. Likewise, they usually cause diarrhea and terrible anemia in canines, especially when they are puppies of a few months.
Toxocara canis
They tend to infect almost exclusively lactating females and puppies a few months old. This is due to the fact that the larvae are activated during the gestation time.
The symptoms of this type of parasites are the following:
- Weakening
- Stunted growth
- Cough
- Abdominal pain
- Pneumonia
- Total blockage of the digestive system
- Diarrhea
It is important to note that these parasites are like little whitish pink noodles. They can reach 15 centimeters in height.
Toxacaris leoninia
They look almost identical to the previous case, with the difference that they are completely white and their structure is round. They are also just as dangerous and harmful.
The symptoms that infected dogs present are the following:
- Diarrhea
- Threw up
- Cough
- Weakening
- Seizures
As you can see, this one is very similar to Toxacaris canis.
Trichuris vulpis
Known by many veterinarians as whipworms, these parasites inhabit the cecum of dogs and can be up to 7 centimeters long.
The most peculiar characteristic of Trichuris vulpis is that dogs that suffer from it usually do not present any type of symptoms. However, from time to time it tends to irritate the anus, causing the dog to drag this part of its body across the floor to soothe the itch.
Hookworm stenocephala
It is another species of hookworm, with the difference that this parasite is round, can reach two centimeters long and lives in the small intestine.
Once it invades the dog’s skin, it can generate an acute dermatitis, mainly between the toes. Similarly, it can cause interdigital cysts.
The greatest similarity with the previous cases is that it also causes severe anemia and diarrhea in the infected animal.
Dipylidym caninum
Known by almost everyone as the tapeworm , this is a parasite whose structure is characterized by being flat and being able to reach 305 centimeters in length.
The most common symptoms of Dipylidym caninum are:
- Diarrhea
- Soft spot
- Growth retardation in puppies a few months old
This parasite lives in the small intestine of the dog and on very few occasions has it been fully seen. In general, the dog usually expels it in segments through its feces, presenting a dry appearance, like small grains of rice.
Echinococcus granulosus
Unlike the tapeworm, this is one of the smallest intestinal parasites that exist, measuring only 9 millimeters as the maximum length.
This is characterized by being flat and inhabiting the small intestine of the infected animal. Echinococcu granulosus generally causes diarrhea, hydatid cysts, and loss of fitness.
It is important to note that this parasite is very common in dogs. Once the vet has detected it, the only solution will be to remove it completely.
For this, the periodic consumption of anthelmintics prescribed by the same specialist is highly recommended. Likewise, the ingestion of animal viscera, mainly sheep, should be avoided.
As you may have noticed, there are many different types of intestinal parasites that your little four-legged friend can suffer from. Once you notice any symptoms, you should go to the vet immediately.
