Dogs are victims of several internal parasites frequently referred to as worms. Many veterinarians include the stool check as part of the annual health examination. Most worm infestations cause any or all of these symptoms: diarrhea, perhaps with blood in the stool; weight loss; dry hair; general poor appearance; and vomiting, perhaps with worms in the vomits. Roundworms may be seen in vomit or stool; a severe infestation can cause death by intestinal blockage. Dogs become infected by ingesting worm eggs from contaminated soil. Once the larvae return to the intestine, they grow into adults. Roundworms do not typically infest adults. Worming the bitch has no effect on the encysted larvae and cannot prevent the worms from infecting the puppies.Dewormers are poisonous to the worms and can make the dog sick, especially if not used in proper dosage. Dogs get hookworm if they come in contact with the larvae in contaminated soil. As with roundworms, the hookworm larvae become an adult in the intestine. A severe hookworm infestation can kill puppies, but chronic hookworm infection is usually not a problem in the older dog. Tapeworm is another small intestine parasite, the tapeworm is transmitted to dogs who ingest fleas or who hunt and eat wildlife infested with tapeworms or fleas. The dog sheds segments of the tapeworm containing the eggs in its feces. Several worms that infect and reinfect dogs can also infect humans, so treatment through deworming medication for dogs and eradication of the worms in the environment are important. Remove dog feces from back yards at least weekly, use appropriate vermicides like Panacur C Canine Dewormer under veterinary supervision, and have the dog's feces checked frequently in persistent cases. Dogs that are in generally good condition are not threatened by worm infestations and may not even show symptoms.
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