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Introduction To Parasites In Canines
June 23rd, 2009
There are many parasites that can affect your dog. Some invade the body while others take up residence on the skin. Sometimes, internal organs can even be damaged by these parasites. Here’s a brief introduction to canine parasites.
Heartworms
Heartworms are one of the first common parasites. The heart and surrounding blood vessels are affected by these parasites. A severe infestation can result in hundreds of these worms living in your dog. Since the heart and lungs are affected, heartworms can easily prove to be fatal. The heart may fail suddenly if the infestation of heartworms gets too severe.
Lice
Dogs can also be infected with lice. Lice can suck on your dog’s blood or simply chew on his skin. Your dog can only be infected if he comes into direct contact with an infected animal.
These parasites can various problems. They include hair loss, severe itching, and dull hair coat. Pyrethrin shampoo will effectively get rid of these dog parasites. You will need to shampoo your dog at least twice, as most of them won’t be killed at first.
Hookworms
Another common parasite is the hookworms. Once inside the body, they make their way to the small intestine. Once attached to the wall of the small intestine, they begin to suck blood. A severe infestation can cause a lot of blood loss which results in anemia. Severe hemorrhaging may occur in severe cases. Some dogs may even die as a result.
These parasites can be treated using an oral or injected medication. Only the adults are affected by this medication. It will do nothing tot he larvae. Treatment will have to be repeated in a month or so when the larvae have matured into adults and can be killed with the medication.
Ear Mites
Ear mites usually invade the ear canal, but can live anywhere on your dog’s body. These mites are very infectious and will readily infect nearby animals. The most common sign of an ear mite infestation is frequent head shaking and ear scratching. The eardrum can become damaged and caused permanent hearing loss if the condition is left untreated.
Your precious pet can be susceptible to dog illnesses. Fortunately, dog-illnesses.com provides a wealth of information on a range of these conditions. So, come by right now to become informed.
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