Two types of helminthes - tapeworms and roundworms - may affect dog.
Tapeworms
The most widespread species that affect dogs is Dipylidiym caninum. These flat-shaped worms have a white colored body that may be up to 50 cm long and consist of many segments. These are transmitted by fleas and lice.
Dipylidiym caninum rarely causes serious problems in adult dogs. However since this species of worms can be passed to humans one should regularly watch if your pet is healthy.
Symptoms
Perhaps a dog owner may not notice his pet is infected by tapeworms. In case of infection one is able to see segments of tapeworms on the hair near the anus, on the bedding and on the floor.
The dog may "slide" on its rump, scratch and lick it trying to abate irritation.
At serious infestation a dog may suffer vomiting and diarrhea as well as lose weight.
Treatment
The treatment is very simple besides existing drugs are very effecient. I use "Drontal +" for this is the most effective remedy. It has a fairly mild effect and is most safe as for overdose.
Preventive Measures
As soon as you aquire a dog conduct worming right away. At the same time thoroughly eradicate fleas in dog and in the whole house. I'd recommend to conduct worming 3-4 times a year on a preventive purpose.
Roundworms
There are several types of roundworms. For instance, Nematodes and Ascarids. One of the most common species affecting dog is Ascarids, especially Toxocara canis. Many adult dogs, especially bitches in after birth period, are afflicted by roundworms, so as almost all the newborn pups.
There are many ways to get infected by roundworms. Almost all newborns are already being infected by these worms from their mother when unborn or right after the delivery. As a result the mature roundworms occur in the intestines of a tree-month-old puppy.
The eggs of these worms may get into a dog's intestines by swallowing them outdoors or indoors when contacting to the infected animal.
Young worms may get into the animal's blood passing through the liver or the lungs.
Alive worms may remain in the tissues of most animals in a latent state. But if pregnant bitch then on the 42nd day of pregnancy or of that kind young worms become active and penetrate through placenta into the developing fetus. That's why most puppies become infected before they are born. The bitch may as well infect her puppies through milk.
Infestation of roundworms causes indigestion and if the case is serious may cause intestinal impassability.
Symptoms
The symptoms are age-dependent:
From the day of birth to 12 days a pup's breath gets noisy and one can see excretions out of nose. The reason is worms moving along the respiratory tract.
At the age of 2 weeks helminthes may evoke vomiting, diarrhea and also may delay growth.
At the age of 6 to 12 weeks one may note diarrhea, vomiting and bloating tummy. Dead and dying worms present in a dog's feces.
However these symptoms are visible in case of serious infestations. In other cases infection is invisible.
Treatment
The treatment is very simple besides existing drugs are very effecient. I use "Drontal +" for this is the most effective remedy. It has a fairly mild effect and is most safe as for overdose. For the baby pups use "Drontal-junior" suspension beginning from the age of 2 weeks. It is obligatory to follow the scheme that is put into a box with the drug.
Preventive Measures
As soon as you aquire a dog conduct worming right away. At the same time thoroughly eradicate fleas in dog and in the whole house. I'd recommend to conduct worming 3-4 times a year on a preventive purpose.
Clean the rooms up after the dog to prevent roundworms from developing into the stage when they are able to affect a human.
Remember
Remember that the eggs of worms are able to preserve up to 3 years in the environment in absence disinfection.
Irina Barykina
Bullmastiff in Russia