Although there are
numerous parasites that could affect your dog, when worming
we focus on the main culprits. All are easily avoided using
all wormers, Heartwormers, Flea and tick treatments, ear
drops, visits to your vet plus diligent care. If your dog
is infected with one or more, they may become very sick. In
my experience prevention is much better than cure.
Heartworms
Heartworms are
parasites that live in the right side of your dog's heart
and in the large blood vessels connected to the heart and
lungs. Mosquitos carry the parasite from dog to dog and all
dogs are equally susceptible to heartwom. The first signs
that your dog may be affected are: a raspy cough, decreases
appetite and weight loss, laziness
http://www.heartwormsociety.org/canine.htm.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms are flat
worms that consist of several segments that break off to
resemble grains of rice. They attach themselves to your
dog's small intestine. Fleas transmit this worm and all
dogs are equally susceptible. The first signs that your dog
may be affected are: visible segments if the dog passes
them, dragging (scooting) it's rear end along the ground and
occasionally severe weight loss.
Whipworms
Whipworms are whip
shaped parasites that live in your dog's large intestine.
Your dog may become infected by eating food contaminated
with whipworm eggs or by picking the eggs up from the soil.
It is mainly a problem in dogs over the age of three
months. Symptoms include: bloody diarrhoea, weight loss
and in severe cases seizures.
http://www.cedarnet.org/taylrvet/whipworms.html
Hookworms
Hookworms are
parasites that live in the small intestine. It can be
picked up through the soil or can be passed onto a puppy
through its mother. Rodents may also pass the parasite onto
dogs. It mainly affects puppies but all dogs a
susceptible. Signs that your dog may have hookworm
include: pale gums, diarrhoea, weakness, weight loss and
itching.
Roundworm
Roundworm lives
inside the small intestine and feed off digested food. The
most common form of infestation is through the mother to her
unborn puppies. Very young puppies are commonly affected.
Symptoms include: diarrhoea, unhealthy coat, colicky pain,
loss of appetite and a pot belly appearance.
Ear Mites
Ear mites are tiny
organisms that are barely visible to the naked eye. They
live on the surface of the ear canal but sometimes affect
the face or tail. They are highly contagious and can be
caught by merely socialising with other animals that are
affected. All dogs are susceptible and symptoms may
include: vigorous shaking of the head, rubbing head along
the ground and scratching at the ear.
http://www.vetinfo.com/dearmites.html
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1589&articleid=734
Paralysis Tick
The paralysis tick
is found mainly along Australia's east coast but are slowly
working their way inland. They attach themselves to the dog
and as they feed, inject a powerful neurotoxin into the
dog. If not detected and treated immediately the dog will
die. Dogs can pick the ticks up easily from anywhere
(trees, bushes, grass etc) and once the tick has attached
itself it will stay on the dog until it has had its fill and
then will fall off. All dogs are equally susceptible and
symptoms may be: vomiting, excessive drooling, change in
breathing, loss of voice and paralysis starting at
hindquarters and working up the dog.
http://www.zip.com.au/~suthvet/ticks.htm
Fleas
Fleas are tiny
parasites that live on your dog. They reproduce at a rapid
rate and have long legs which allow them to jump great
distances. Fleas are found everywhere in the environment
and will easily jump from animal to animal including humans.
All dogs are equally susceptible. You can tell easily if
your dog has fleas as they are easily visible with the human
eye. If you cannot see a flea but you do see small black
dirt like substance changes are, fleas are there. In severe
cases of flea infestation dogs can suffer from hair loss and
anaemia.
http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/fleas-ticks.html
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