Dog dewormer is a medication that effectively kills worms in dogs, but have you ever wondered how it works? The active ingredients in dog dewormer, such as praziquantel and fenbendazole, target the worms' nervous system.
These ingredients cause the worms to become paralyzed and eventually die. This is because the worms' nervous system is unable to function properly, leading to their demise.
The medication is usually administered orally and is most effective when the worms are in their juvenile stage. This is because the worms are more susceptible to the medication at this stage, making it easier to kill them.
The medication works by causing the worms to release their grip on the dog's intestines, allowing them to pass out of the body naturally.
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Types of Dog Parasites
Dogs can be infected with various types of parasites, including roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. These long worms are commonly found in dogs.
Roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms can be treated with a specific type of medication. Your veterinarian will help determine the kind of parasite and the subsequent treatment.
Dogs can also be infected with tapeworms, which require a different dewormer. Giardia, a parasite that can cause diarrhea and weight loss, is treated with a combination of a dewormer and an antibiotic.
Puppies can be born with parasites like worms, which can be transferred to them from their mother through the placenta or nursing.
Here are some common types of dog parasites:
- Roundworms
- Hookworms
- Whipworms
- Tapeworms
- Giardia
- Coccidia
These parasites can be transmitted to dogs through various means, including eating contaminated feces or grass, or through contact with an infected animal's feces.
Diagnosing and Testing for Worms
To diagnose worms in your dog, a veterinarian will typically examine a fecal sample under a microscope. The sample is mixed with a solution, and any parasite eggs will float to the top.
A fecal float or intestinal parasite exam is a common diagnostic method used by veterinarians. It's a straightforward and inexpensive test that involves putting the stool sample in a certain solution, allowing the eggs to float to the top, and then examining the sample under a microscope.
The eggs of different parasites have distinct appearances, making it possible for veterinarians to pinpoint what worms are present. This is especially useful for identifying the type of parasite and determining the best course of treatment.
Sometimes, a fecal specimen may come back with a false negative result. This can happen if the worms aren't laying eggs at the time of the test. In such cases, veterinarians may recommend repeat deworming to ensure that any parasites are eliminated.
Treatment Options
There are many types of dewormers that target different worms, and it's essential to consult your veterinarian to confirm what type of parasite is affecting your pet.
Some dewormers work by affecting the central nervous system of the worm, preventing it from attaching to the intestines and allowing it to be passed out of the system with the pet's stools.
Multiple treatments may be necessary to fully deworm your pet, as many dewormers only work on mature worms, while others target worm eggs or larvae.
Pet Dewormer
There are many types of dewormers that target different worms, so it's essential to consult your veterinarian to confirm what type of parasite is affecting your pet.
Not all dog medications are safe for cats and vice versa, so make sure to choose a dewormer labeled for the specific worm and for the type of pet.
The most common way dewormers work is by affecting the central nervous system of the worm, preventing it from attaching to the intestines and allowing it to be passed out of the system with the pet's stools.
Some tapeworm medications work slightly differently and cause the worm to dissolve.
Multiple treatments may be necessary to fully deworm your pet, as many dewormers only work on mature worms.
Follow the instructions from your veterinarian and on the product label to ensure the deworming process is successful.
Natural vs Prescription Dewormers
Natural remedies just don't cut it when it comes to effectively treating parasites in pets. Unfortunately, there are not any natural remedies that work effectively.
Some over-the-counter medicines can cause severe side effects, such as cramping and diarrhea. One particular over-the-counter medicine is known to cause severe cramping and severe diarrhea.
Over-the-counter dewormers can also lead to parasites building resistance to their chemicals, making them less effective over time.
Worm Transmission and Prevention
Dogs can be born with parasites like worms, which can be transferred to them from their mother through the bloodstream during pregnancy or through nursing.
Puppies can also pick up worms by eating grass or other contaminated items, or by investigating areas where other animals have defecated.
Dogs are ideal carriers of parasites because they often spend time in areas where parasites thrive, increasing the chances of them getting worms.
If a dog ingests parasite eggs, they can mature inside the dog's digestive tract, and if both male and female worms are present, the female worms will lay eggs, allowing the problem to spread.
Treatment to deworm a puppy usually starts when they are very young, even before they go home with a new owner, and your vet can advise on when to start giving your puppy a heartworm preventative.
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Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Diatomaceous earth can be a helpful tool in reducing the number of worms in your dog. You can use food-grade diatomaceous earth for this purpose.
For small dogs, a dose of 1 tsp per day is recommended, while dogs over 55 lbs can take up to 1 tbsp per day. Make sure to mix the diatomaceous earth into your dog's food very well to avoid any potential lung irritation.
Pregnant or lactating dogs should not use diatomaceous earth. If your dog inhales it, it can cause lung irritation.
The recommended dosage for dogs is as follows: small dogs – 300 mg twice daily, medium dogs – 500 mg twice daily, and large and giant dogs – 1000 mg twice daily.
Worm Transmission in Dogs
Worms can be transmitted to dogs through their mother's system during pregnancy. Hormones released during pregnancy can reactivate dormant worms in the mother, which can then be transferred to the puppies.
Dogs are ideal carriers of parasites because they often hang out in areas where parasites thrive. This increases the chances of them picking up worms through their mouths.
Eating grass or other contaminated substances can expose dogs to parasites. Investigating animal feces with their noses is another way worms can be transmitted.
If an animal's poop contains parasites, the eggs can mature inside the affected dog. This can lead to the female worms laying eggs, causing the problem to spread if left untreated.
Treatment to deworm a puppy usually starts when they are very young.
Dog Worms
Dog worms are a common issue for many dog owners. There are several types of worms that can affect dogs, including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and heartworms.
Roundworms are one of the most common types of worms that can infect dogs. They can cause issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss.
Hookworms are another type of worm that can cause problems in dogs, including anemia and weight loss. They can also be transmitted to humans.
Whipworms, also known as long worms, can cause diarrhea and weight loss in dogs. They are usually found in the large intestine.
Tapeworms can cause weight loss and digestive issues in dogs. They are often transmitted through the consumption of infected fleas or rodents.
Heartworms are a serious type of worm that can cause heart failure and other life-threatening issues in dogs. They are usually transmitted through mosquito bites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after taking a dewormer?
After taking a dewormer, pets may experience mild and temporary side effects such as lethargy, nausea, or digestive issues. These symptoms are usually a normal response to the medication and resolve on their own
How long should I wait to feed my dog after deworming?
Wait 30 minutes to 1 hour after deworming before feeding your dog to allow the medication to take effect.
Will you see worms in dog poop before deworming?
No, you won't typically see worms in dog poop before deworming, as they usually shed microscopic eggs that are invisible to the naked eye. However, after deworming, adult worms may be visible in the stool as they're passed out of the system
Sources
- common intestinal worms (shallowfordvet.com)
- pet owner’s guide of the Companion Animal Parasite Council (petsandparasites.org)
- Eliminate Dog Worms | Use These Natural Dewormers For ... (dogsnaturallymagazine.com)
- Worms in Dogs - Symptoms and Deworming Treatments (animalfarmpethospital.com)
- worms (cdc.gov)
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