Dogs are great at attracting parasites, whether acquired via licking, chewing, or rolling around in the dirt. Their mouths tend to get them into sticky situations, both figuratively and literally.
What are Tapeworms?
These intestinal parasites infect dogs by being ingested through fleas that come from animals such as rabbits, birds, or rodents.
How Do Parasites Affect Dogs?
Parasites can quickly harm dogs, causing symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, severe coughing, and shortness of breath. The size of the worm and its location in the dog’s body determines the severity of the symptoms.
What Types of Worms Can Infect Dogs?
Many types of worms can live in the intestines and infect dogs, including whipworms, hookworms, and tapeworms.
Can a Dog Survive a Tapeworm?
Tapeworms are usually harmless to dogs, but treating them can be challenging.
How Can You Determine if Your Puppy Has Tapeworms?
If your puppy has tapeworms, you may observe them dragging their bottom across the ground or a rough surface, leaving behind some sediment, or having dried proglottid segments in their fur.
What is the Treatment for Puppy Deworming?
Praziquantel
You can treat tapeworms in your dog using a safe parasiticide called praziquantel. You can administer it orally or as an injection. This straightforward treatment is applied in two doses that should be given two weeks apart. The two doses should go a long way toward curing the tapeworm infection.
Home Remedies
If you prefer home remedies, try apple cider vinegar, turmeric, or garlic to strengthen your dog’s gut and eliminate larvae. This strategy is intended to make the dog’s gut inhabitable to tapeworms. However, make sure to consult your veterinarian before using any home remedies.
Prevention
Preventing tapeworms is crucial to treating them. To prevent tapeworms, eliminate fleas and make sure they don’t infect your puppy.
Tapeworms have a seasonal aspect. Ensure that your dog uses effective flea prevention from early spring through summer and fall. If your puppy has a flea allergy, focus on flea prevention year-round.
Practice Good Hygiene
Preventing tapeworms starts with keeping your puppy clean. Clean up after your pet in the yard and wash your puppy after playing in the park.
Brush your puppy’s coat frequently to eliminate bacteria and possible fleas. A quick comb through their fur can go a long way. Cleaning their ears is also a good idea as parasites can house themselves there.
You can also trim their nails, wash their face, and take them for regular grooming appointments for thorough cleaning.
Say Goodbye to Heartworms
For puppies that suffer from heartworms, the treatment usually involves a vet performing x-rays and other tests to gauge the severity. The puppy will usually receive a monthly heartworm prevention treatment combined with an anti-inflammatory and antibiotic.
After six months of treatment, a vet will perform a blood test to determine whether worms still exist. If they are, the puppy may need another round of shots.
Keeping Your Puppy Safe for the Long Haul
Maintaining your puppy’s safety is key, and it starts from an early age. By implementing these key prevention measures, your puppy will have a longer and healthier lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to Expect After Deworming a Puppy?
Most puppies will have no problem following the deworming process. They may experience mild side effects like vomiting, loss of appetite, and some discomfort.
When Should I Deworm My Puppy?
It’s best to deworm your puppy early in life, starting within just a few weeks after birth.
Do Puppies Sleep More After Deworming?
Puppies may sleep more after deworming. They may need a few days to recover.
What Substances Naturally Eliminate Worms in Puppies?
Substances high in fiber, such as carrots, bananas, papayas, and coconuts, have been shown to provide lasting benefits in dogs. These can be used as natural dewormers in many cases.