The Nutrient Thieves: How Parasites Drain Your Dog’s Energy.

"Parasites" -- a nasty enemy of our dogs and a problem that gives us owners headaches all too often. Even though parasites are small in size, the danger they pose is anything but small. The only way to prevent the diseases caused by parasites is deworming. But many owners still don't understand why deworming their dog is necessary. Today, let's get to know these nasty parasites and the various dangers they can cause for our dogs.

What Is Parasitic Disease in Dogs?

Parasites are nasty organisms that are dangerous to a dog's health, since they're the culprit behind digestive system disorders. Once parasites enter the body, they feed on blood or compete for the food your dog eats, and they can also multiply inside your dog's body, making them sick.

Parasites Commonly Found in Dogs

• Whipworm -- a name you may not be familiar with. This parasite is small but visible to the naked eye, and commonly found in dog feces. When a dog has this parasite, it causes continuous weight loss.
• Roundworm -- visible to the naked eye and commonly found in dog feces, or sometimes coughed up and expelled that way. When a dog has this type of parasite, it causes weight loss, rough skin, lethargy, and diarrhea.
• Hookworm -- this one cannot be seen with the naked eye. When a dog has this parasite, they'll have bloody stool and show weakness.
• Tapeworm -- flat and long in shape, commonly found in dog feces. When a dog has this parasite, they tend to drag their bottom along the ground, and show itching and biting/scratching around their hindquarters.

Causes of Parasitic Infection

• Passed from the mother dog -- parasites can be transmitted through the womb or passed on while the mother is nursing, which is one cause of parasites entering a puppy's body.
• Fleas -- it's normal for dogs to lick themselves, and if they accidentally lick up a flea carrying parasite eggs, this can result in the dog unknowingly ingesting parasites.
• Parasite eggs or larvae -- when your mischievous dog digs in the dirt with their nose or licks up soil while playing, this can allow parasites to enter their body, since soil where dogs play is often a hiding place for parasite eggs and larvae. Once a dog picks up parasites, these nasty organisms hide in the intestines, causing your dog to become unwell.
• Warning signs that your dog has parasites
• Bloody or mucus-coated stool, lack of energy, lethargy, appearing tired all the time, and diarrhea.

How to Prevent and Treat Parasitic Disease

• Give your dog deworming medication every 3 months, or every 6 months for adult dogs.
• Clean up the area where your dog relieves themselves regularly, to prevent the spread of parasite larvae and eggs.
• Use spot-on treatment to prevent external parasites.
• See a veterinarian -- once you've clearly observed signs that your dog may be dealing with parasites, bring them to see a veterinarian promptly for testing to determine which type of parasite is present, so the proper treatment and medication can be given.

Now you can see just how nasty these tiny parasites can be, which is why deworming your dog is no longer something that should be overlooked. Bring your dog in for a health checkup and a stool test to check for parasite eggs at least every 6 months, to make sure your dog stays free from these nasty parasites.