INTESTINAL PARASITES
Deworming is one of the most important things we do in preparation for whelping. Intestinal parasites such as roundworms and hookworms can cause significant diarrhea, anemia and nutrient depletion that can be fatal in puppies. Specific deworming protocols should be followed even if no parasite ova are seen on fecal flotation because the prepatent period (the period between infection with a parasite and the demonstration of the parasite in the body) lasts for at least the first 3 weeks of the pup's life.
Unfortunately worms are an inevitable part of every puppy’s life, so
understanding how to deal with them and how to treat them is important. Most puppies are born with worms, which is why puppies should be wormed
very early in age. Normally our puppies are first de-wormed when they turn 2-3 weeks old
and from there on they are de-wormed every two weeks until they turn 12 weeks,
then monthly until they turn 6 months. Afterwards all dogs every 5-6 months for
life with an all-wormer. Our nursing mothers are treated at the same time their
babies are.
Worming treatments are easy and effective to use, but it is important to read
the label, as you may need to use multiple products to protect your puppy
against all types of worms. Heavy worm infestations in puppies should be
repeated 10 days after the initial dose is administered. If you’re having
problems administering your puppy’s treatment, ask your veterinarian for a
demonstration during your next vet consultation.
Worm warning signs:
• Weakness and listlessness
• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Weight loss despite a good appetite
• Abnormally swollen stomach
GIARDIA:
Parasites are common in all dogs.
Giardia is one of the most common parasites infecting cats, dogs and birds. Many of which, even a stool sample will not find, since the cysts can lie dormant for long periods of time, burrowing in to the lining of the intestine and stomach, and going completely un-detected by the best of professionals. The cysts can lie dormant for years!! However, what can trigger their activity is the lowering of the immune system, which allows these parasites will become active.
- Myth: Only dogs and cats that go outside are at risk of getting
worms. Not true! Puppies and kittens can acquire worms from their mother at or
soon after birth. In fact, they never even have to touch the ground. The mother
may harbor dormant larvae within her body that are only activated during stress
or at the late stages of pregnancy. Then the worms begin shedding in large
numbers and are passed to the puppies and kittens across the placenta or even
through the milk. Some of these worms go on to develop into adult worms right
away. Others remain dormant in the animal's body for months or even years,
awaiting the right conditions. These can go undetected during a routine stool
check.
COCCIDIA:
Coccidiosis is the disease caused by a Coccidia parasite. Coccidia are spore-forming protozoan. Dogs pick up the protozoa through ingesting contaminated feces (either by eating feces, or stepping or laying in it and later licking their feet or fur); ingesting an infected animal, such as a rodent; or eating or drinking from a contaminated source. Birds can pick up infected feces and spread it to far-reaching areas.
Coccidia and Giardia are fairly common in puppies, and immune-compromised adults are susceptible to either infection. Giardia is frequently seen in adult dogs, but healthy adult dogs readily develop a natural immunity to Coccidia. Some adults can be hosting an infection without any symptoms at all, so if one of your dogs is infected, it’s important to have them all tested and treated
Most veterinarians use metronidazole (Flagyl) for five to seven days, and/or fenbendazole (Panacur) for three to five days, and then re-test. The usual broad-spectrum dewormers won’t work on Giardia. Metronidazole is an antibiotic and anti-diarrheal often used to treat inflammation of the large intestine. Fenbendazole is a common deworming drug.
Coccidia requires a different approach. Albon (sulfadimethoxine, an antibacterial medication) or Tribrissen (a combination of trimethoprim, a powerful broad-spectrum antibacterial, and sulfadiazine, an antibiotic) are frequently prescribed for coccidiosis. Treatment is one to three weeks. The drugs don’t kill the organisms directly, but, rather, stop their reproduction.
Usually, veterinarians will re-test for the organism one to two weeks after treatment ends.
Some veterinarians use a diluted form of ponazuril an off-label treatment for coccidiosis in dogs.
WHIP WORMS:
These worms are less common than roundworms and hookworms. They can
be difficult to detect even on multiple stool samples and are extremely
difficult. Eggs can persist and be infective in the environment for as long as 5
years! This tiny worm is too small to see passed in the stool. Dogs acquire them
by contact with contaminated soil. In the dog, they are often associated with
weight loss and intermittent, sometimes severe diarrhea.
Because this parasite is so tenacious, it may be necessary to repeat the
treatment. Most dogs are treated over a several day cycle that is repeated 3
weeks later. A change in heart worm prevention may be recommended to aid in
control of this parasite.
Notice that even multiple stool checks for either Giardia or Whip worm will not
detect these parasites when they are dormant. Through no fault of anyone
including a veterinarian, a dog may have these parasites present, but they can
go completely undetected.
When you send a dog to new home, the dog inevitably becomes stressed. This
stress may not be noticed by the dogs demeanor, however, the dog can show the
stress in other ways, such as problems within the digestive system. This also
quickly lowers the immune system and allows these parasites become active.
Diarrhea is a common reaction to stress, as well as the sudden activity of the
parasites.
Currently across the USA, Giardia is showing up in dogs everywhere. (it is also
the second most common parasite found in dogs) Just because you live in the city
and walk the dog on concrete or tar walkways, doesn't mean he can't pick up
parasites left by other creatures such as rodents, birds, other dogs, and cats.
This is neither uncommon, or a result of improper care of any dog, including
having the dog checked in advance of it's placement. Dogs sniff, lick, eat, and
taste just about anything in front of their noses. They can get giardia from a
bird dropping!! These are dogs, and dogs need to be checked and wormed as often
as two times per year. However, it is not uncommon in instances that nothing
shows up one day, but they show up on the following day.
It's also not uncommon for people who are new to dogs, and who are unfamiliar
with dogs and parasites, to improperly over react when they show up in their
dogs! The fact that your dog now shows it has parasites is neither an indication
of improper testing or care.
EAR MITES
- Courtesy of Dr. Chris Adolph, Southpark Veterinary Hospital
Ear mites are tiny mites, barely visible to the human eye, that live on the
surface of ear canal skin in dogs (and cats). They are barely visible to the
human eye. An infestation produces brownish ear wax, similar in appearance to
coffee grounds. Ear mites are contagious and can travel from the ears of an
infected dog to any other dogs in close contact.
How will ear mites affect my dog?
Dogs who are infected with ear mites typically have very itchy and irritated
ears and frequently scratch at their ears or shake their heads. The ears can
become red and inflamed, and rashes or other skin disorders can occur on the
skin around the ears.
How do I prevent my dog from getting ear mites?
Ear mites are a very common problem in dogs, particularly in puppies. If your
dog’s ears appear red, inflamed or irritated, or you see waxy debris inside
their ears, consult with your veterinarian for a definitive diagnosis and
treatment options.
Ear mites are transmitted though social interaction with other infected dogs,
which can include sleeping or playing together. All dogs should be checked
regularly for any sign of ear mites.
Ear mites can be successfully treated with a number of medications. Because ear
mites are contagious, all pets in the household (both dogs and cats) should be
treated for ear mites. Your veterinarian can provide assistance in choosing the
most effective treatment for your cats and other pets.
Can humans be harmed by ear mites?
Ear mites are not generally considered a risk to humans.
Dogs with ear mites frequently have itchy, reddened and inflamed ears.
Ear mites cause brown wax to build up inside the ears.
Dogs get ear mites from infected dogs or cats.
Ear mites are treatable. See your veterinarian for treatment options.
-- Read about HEATSTROKE
-- Read about CARING
-- Read about PUPPY CARE
-- Read about GARDENING
-- Read about FIREWORKS