Internal Dog Parasites

The picture on the left shows a Dipylidium caninum (dog tapeworm - sometimes called a cucumber tapeworm and the picture below shows a Toxocara canis (dog roundworm).

Any dog, whether the dog appears to be clean and/or if it is from a seemingly 'well-to-do home' can get internal parasites (endoparasites).

Roundworms (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina) are rather like pale earthworms which can grow to about 10cm in length. Both ends of the worm are pointed. Signs that your dog may have roundworms are mild vomiting, having a pot-belly, having a dull coat and either sudden weight gain or sudden weight loss. A puppy might cough or hiccup. You may also see worms wrapped around the dog's stool when it has a bowel movement.

The Life Cycle of the Toxocara canis starts with the bitch eating contaminated feces. The larvae as well as remaining in the intestine, migrate to the mammary glands and the uterus. When puppies feed off the bitch , the larvae enter their system and grow into adult worms within two weeks. The adult round worms lay eggs which hatch into larvae. The larvae burrow through the gut wall to the liver and lungs, causing respiratory problems. Some lay dormant while others are coughed up and re-swallowed. These larvae pass through the stomach into the intestine, where they grow into adult worms and lay thousands more eggs. These eggs are passed out of the dog where they lay waiting for a passerby to eat the feces enabling the cycle to start over.

The Life Cycle of the Toxascaris leonina starts with the eggs being ingested and hatching in the stomach. They do not migrate, but develop in the wall of the intestine, therefore infection to a bitch's puppies does not occur. However, these worms also lay thousands of eggs which pass out of the dog in its stool, where they wait to be eaten and continue the cycle in another dog.

It is, therefore, advisable that pregnant bitches be wormed under a veterinarian's supervision. Puppies should be routinely wormed after the age of two weeks. They should also be wormed either just before or just after going to a new home. Adult dogs should be wormed every six months. However, if you have young children in your household, it is wise to worm your dog every three months.

Tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum) are flat, segmented worms that can grow up to 50cm long. They are not normally seen as a complete worm, as these remain in the dog, but as individual segments loaded with ripe eggs. One of the signs of their presence in a dog is that the abdomen may become distorted. However, the most common sign is the presence of rice-like grains around the anus. These worms can also be seen moving in the dog's feces. They can cause diarrhoea and poor growth development in puppies. They can also get into your children if they get contaminated feces or eggs on their hands and then touch their mouth.

The Life Cycle of Dipylidium caninum starts when a dog swallows a flea, which has itself swallowed an embryonic egg. The larvae develop into adult worms in the small intestine. Specific worming remedies for this type of worm are obtained from a veterinarian (vet). Also ensure that the dog is regularly checked for fleas.

Ticks (Ixodes species) are actually ectoparasites (external parasites) but they are mentioned here because they frequently infect dogs with diseases that can also be passed on to humans. They are brownish-white in colour and can be initially mistaken for a wart, but on closer inspection the legs can be seen, while the head is buried in the epidermis. Having gorged on the dog's blood, it grows to the size of a bean or pea. You may spot ticks when you are grooming the dog or when the dog has an allergic reaction to them and begins scratching. At this time they will appear as red sores. Normally a dog will tolerate one or two ticks without showing any signs of irritation, so if you live in an area where ticks are prevalent, you should check your dog for ticks every time he comes into the house from outside.

The Life Cycle of Ixodes species starts with adult ticks laying eggs that drop on the ground. Larvae hatch and climb onto blades of grass, shrubs, etc., where they wait for a passerby to brush past, thus enabling them to attach themselves onto the hair of the dog or the clothes of the owner. Surgical spirit soaked onto the tick suffocates it, thus loosening its grip. It can then be removed with tweezers. Never attempt to pull the tick off without soaking it first, as the head will remain and cause infection. Treat the bite area with antiseptic to prevent infection. A special dip/shampoo can be obtained from the vet if infestation is severe. Ticks can also be removed by covering them with Vaseline. Vaseline coverage impedes the breathing of the tick so it backs out of the epidermis. Once it backs out of the dog’s skin, it can be picked off and destroyed. You can also use this treatment if you get a tick on you while you are walking your dog in an infested area.

For further information on ticks and your dog, do a query, within this blog, on ticks as there are several entries on these dangerous parasites. The blog search field is at the top left of the blog in the blue band next to the Blogger logo.

Until next time,

Teia

Extra Things to Remember to Keep Dogs Healthy During the Summer

This posting is an addendum to the last posting on dog health. Since there are extra dangers in the summer, I thought I should remind you of them.

Dogs are wonderful additions to a family and are often treated as well as human family members. They become your best friend, companion, or even your furry child. Learning how to care for these beloved pets, especially during the summer's heat, is imperative to their good health and to lowering your veterinary bills.

Keep your dogs hydrated. Dogs can easily become dehydrated during the warm weather and it will happen more quickly depending on the thickness of their fur. Keep the water bowl in a visible place, such as the kitchen, so every family member will remember to check its fullness during the course of the day. If you are out walking, pack a cold water bottle just for your dog and stop often to encourage your dog to drink.

Every vet will encourage dog owners to take dogs for a walk to ensure good health, strengthen their bones, and help keep their nails trimmed, but use common sense during the summer. Shorten the length of your walk or break up a long walk into two shorter sessions especially if the temperature goes above 28 degrees Celsius ( 83 degrees Fahrenheit).

Be aware of the outside temperature and humidity. If you feel hot, do not forget that your beloved “Fido” is walking with a fur coat and will overheat easily. Walking in the early morning or late evening hours, when the sun is low in the sky, will often help keep dogs cooler.

Walk close to your house, so if you sense your dog is having problems you can turn around or call for help. Hiking paths and paved trails are wonderful resources but you will be stuck if your dog collapses in the middle of a trail that doesn't allow cars.

Take your dog's age and overall health into consideration when planning activities outdoors. Older dogs will tire and dehydrate more easily than younger dogs and these changes can appear without warning. Dogs can also develop seasonal allergies which can, in turn, affect their breathing ability, so keep a close watch on older dogs that seem to pant excessively.

Check for ticks daily. Ticks are small hard bodied insects that often carry Lyme's Disease and other tick borne illnesses. These insects are prevalent during the warm weather months in wooded areas or yards with tall grass and if they come in contact with your pet, they will bite the animal and make their way into your home. Obviously, ticks are more difficult to find on dogs with thick fur so really dig your fingers in to feel them and remove them as previously mentioned.

Do not leave any dogs in a locked car. Even with open windows, cars can heat to more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit very quickly, which can cause severe trouble or even death for any pet. Note that the temperature inside a parked car will quickly reach more than one and one half times the temperature outside the car. So on a day when the temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature inside a parked car will be in excess of 120 degrees.

Using your common sense with your dog during the summer will eliminate emergency visits to the vet and will eliminate any stress your dog may feel, making for a much happier family life.

Until next time

Teia

Keeping Your Dog Healthy

Like people, dogs need to be healthy to enjoy life. Dogs are your friends, companions and often your guardians, but since they are also totally dependent on you for their well-being, it is your responsibility to look after them properly.

One of the most prevalent 'diseases' in dogs these days is one that also affects humans. Obesity. A fat dog is an unhealthy dog and is likely to suffer from arthritis and heart failure. Remember, in the wild, dogs eat fresh meat that they have killed themselves. They also eat certain types of grass and may eat wild fruits like berries if these grow in their natural habitat.

Milk, custard and cake are the worst things you can give your grown dog and, though a puppy may benefit from the calcium in milk, there are commercial milk products available that are especially formulated for a puppy's needs.

Dry dog food, or kibble as it is sometimes called, is said to have all the nutrients that your dog will need for good health, but the more expensive brands are often better. Dogs fed on cheaper brands may constantly chew grass to attempt to settle their upset stomachs because they may be missing something from their diet, or the “fillers” used to bulk up the food contain something your dog is allergic to. Tinned food can be given as a treat. A healthy dog should have a smooth, shining coat, clear eyes and a moist nose. Its breath should not smell foul. It should be slender, though not thin enough to see its ribs sticking out. If your dog's breath is disgusting, it could be due to the tartar on its teeth. Chewing on a big raw bone will help to clean your dog's teeth. Or as an alternative a good quality rawhide bone will also work quite well.

Annual vaccinations for distemper, heartworm, and parvo virus are a must. Kennel cough is not likely to be a problem unless the dog is kept on cement or spends time at boarding kennels. If this is the case, then your dog should also be given a vaccination to prevent kennel cough.

If you notice small white flecks in your dog’s stool, it is a sign of worms, so you should consider administering worm tablets to your dog. Your vet will need to administer the vaccinations, but you can worm the dog yourself. The tablets should be pushed down the side of the dog's mouth until he swallows. If this is too difficult, you can wrap the tablet in a slice of processed cheese or you can crush the tablet into some tinned dog food and offer it when the dog is hungry. Watch to make sure he eats it all.

Parvo virus breaks down the digestive system and eventually affects the heart. It tends to come in outbreaks when people forget to have their animals inoculated. Symptoms include bloody stool and the animal is quickly unable to move and in obvious pain. It almost always fatal. Luckily, it is not transmitted to humans.

Symptoms of distemper include runny eyes and a dry nose. It is rather like flu in humans. Your veterinarian can aid you in getting your dog through this disease.

A dog with worms may have a poor appetite, and will often - though not always - appear to be in poor health with a dry coat that is harsh to the touch. If your dog drags itself along the ground in a sitting position, suspect worms immediately. Worms can sometimes be seen hanging from the anal passage. The problem needs to be addressed as soon as possible, because worms are easily transmitted to humans.

Fleas, which will happily jump from dogs to humans, can be another problem. These bloodsuckers can actually kill a tiny puppy, simply through blood loss. Puppies too young to wear a flea collar may be washed in a suitable preparation from the vet. Towel dry the puppy afterward and keep it in a warm place so it doesn't get cold. Always be sure to keep kennels and yard clean to reduce the flea problem. If they get out of hand, you may need to spray all bedding and surrounding areas to kill the fleas and their eggs.

If you live in a tick prone area, be sure to keep a tick collar on your dog at all times. Mark the renewal date on the calendar so you don't forget to renew it. Your pet's life may depend on it! Check your dog frequently for ticks. They will show up as a dark lump on the dog. Frequently the back end of the tick will stick out of the skin. When you see a tick sticking out of your dog, apply Vaseline over the part of the tick that is sticking out. This cuts off the air supply and the tick will back out of the skin. When it gets completely out, lift it off and kill it so that it cannot reinfect your dog, or you. If you cannot get the tick to come out of the dog, take the dog to a veterinarian, as soon as possible, to have the tick removed before it lays eggs in your dog. If not removed quickly, the paralysis tick can cause death in three to five days. Wood ticks and grass ticks can also have fatal results if not treated. A number of years ago, a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police was conducting a search for a missing person in a heavily wooded area that contained many wood ticks. The search lasted about two weeks. Unknown to the member, a wood tick burrowed into the back of his neck. A week after the search ended, the member died. The coroner blamed the death on the wood tick.

If your dog seems to suddenly have weak back legs and falls over often, inspect it immediately for a tick and get it to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Luckily, the tick vaccine works well and quickly and can save a dog that looks like it is gasping its last breath.

With attention to these few details, your pet should live a long and happy life, rewarding you with years of fun and companionship.

Until next time

Teia

Beware of Dog Ticks

People have always known that ticks can carry various forms of disease. But now, due to a number of conditions, tick numbers are increasing across the United States and southern Canadaand their chances to infect your dog with disease are also increasing.

Urbanization of the woods and farmland is probably the most common factor that causes dogs to become exposed to ticks. Another cause cited by experts is a warming climate. In the past, diseases that ticks carried would often show seasonality. But, due to a warming climate, some ticks are active all year long and hence the diseases they carry are seen all year long.

Also the migrating patterns of birds are changing as well due to climate changes. Due to sub-urbanization, more people are enjoying outdoor activities with their dogs leading to increased exposure to ticks.

Ticks have been implicated in carrying dozens of diseases. The most common ones known to dog owners are Lyme's disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Canine Ehrlichiosis.

Ticks start their life cycle as larvae that hatch from eggs. Once the larvae hatch, they immediately start seeking hosts which are often rodents. After the larvae feed off the rodents, they fall off and live on the ground feeding off decaying material. They then molt into nymphs and then seek another blood meal from a small animal. If this nymph fails to find its first blood meal it will die. But if this nymph succeeds in finding its first blood meal, it will fall off the host and live off the soil again, molting into an adult.

For an adult tick the preferred animal to get a blood meal from is a large animal, probably a deer. Deer are one of the main causes of a thriving tick population. If we didn't have deer we wouldn't have as large of a problem with ticks as we do.

Deer were heading toward extinction in the early part of the last century, but due to restrictions on hunting their numbers are increasing, hence we have an increase in the number of ticks. On the Canadian prairies, particularly in the Province of Saskatchewan, the deer population has exploded. It is common to see herds of deer numbering into the hundreds.

Due to this increasing problem with ticks and disease most veterinarians are now recommending year around tick protection for dogs. Most common heartworm medications also prevent fleas and ticks so chances are your dog may already be protected against ticks but you should check with your veterinarian to be sure.

Ticks are continually increasing in numbers so it is important to keep your dog protected. Always be sure to check yourself and your dogs for ticks after going into an area known to be populated by ticks.

Until next time,

Teia