One of the most common health problems found in dogs is the infection of worms or parasites primarily in the lungs or intestines. These infections usually occur because of playing in infested grounds or soil, drinking stagnant water or from fleas and rodents. In such cases, it is always suggested to deworm your dogs on a regular basis even if they appear to be in perfect health.
There many types of worms which might affect your pooch.
Some of these are:
- - Heartworms
- - Roundworms
- - Hookworms
- - Tapeworms
- - Whipworms
There are many ways in which dogs can be infected by worms.
Few of them are:
- - Ingesting Contaminated Soil
- - Directly from their mother to unborn puppies
- - Eating infected animals
From the type of worms mentioned above, heartworms are the most dangerous type. Roundworms usually do not cause any major illnesses although they can sometimes make your pooch very sick. Tapeworms, hookworms and whipworms are less of a threat unless infecting your pooch in increased numbers.
Symptoms of worms in Dogs
From the type of worms mentioned above, heartworms are the most dangerous type. Roundworms usually do not cause any major illnesses although they can sometimes make your pooch very sick. Tapeworms, hookworms and whipworms are less of a threat unless infecting your pooch in increased numbers.
Symptoms of worms in Dogs
Most dogs show none or very few symptoms of worms unless they are severely infected. Few symptoms which indicate worms in dogs are:
- - Weight Loss
- - Diarrhoea
- - Dry Hairs
- - Vomiting
- - Rubbing its bottom or Scooting
- - Visible worms in faecal
- - Low Energy
- - Change in appetite
- - Blocked Intestine
- - Pneumonia
These worms are basically intestinal worms but may affect other organs of the body as well. Dog worms, if left untreated may damage your pooch’s internal organs and lead to loss of consciousness and even death.
If you think that your dog has worms or you see any of the above symptoms in them, take them to your nearest veterinary surgeon. Most intestinal worms are easy to treat with some natural remedies, but if still not cured, take your dog to the vet without delay.
Natural Remedies for dog deworming:
1. Fruits and Vegetables
Veggies like carrot, beetroot, banana, apple, coconut, papaya are rich in fibre and act as a natural dewormer. Healthy dog treats with the goodness of such fruits and vegetables are extremely beneficial for their diet.
Adding it to your dog’s regular diet will keep them healthy and worm-free. Raw beetroot is not easily digestible by the dogs, so always give them shredded beetroots or dog treats that are made from natural beetroots or the other veggies and fruits.
There are very few natural treats available in the market that helps keep up your pooch’s good health. Dogsee Chew India is a producer of 100% natural, vegetarian and grain/gluten-free dog treats. Feeding it to your dogs on a regular basis will deworm your dog and also maintain their health.
2. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds contain a deworming compound called cucurbitacin. This compound paralyzes the worms and prevents them from holding on to the intestinal walls of a dog’s body during a bowel movement. As a result, all worms from the digestive tract will be removed.
3. Cloves
Addition of crushed cloves in your dog’s food once in a week acts as a natural dewormer. If the problem is still not cured, repeat it for the second week but ensure not to overdo it. Instead, visit a vet for further diagnosis. Cloves are a uterine stimulant, which clears all the worms in the intestine. Remember it should not be given to a pregnant dog in any form.
4. Papaya
Papaya seeds have anti-amoebic properties that kill all types of intestinal worms in the digestive system. The papaya fruit also induces an enzyme known as papain, which helps in the removal of intestinal worms. Feeding papaya or papaya seeds can deworm your pooch and keep them fit.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-inflammatory property helps reduce inflammation in the digestive system and cures the damage caused due to the worms. It also cleanses the liver by removing the toxins left behind by the worms in the dog’s body.
Prevention:
It is essential to give your dog regular de-worming treatment, especially if you have children in the house. Puppies are at high risk of worms because of their weak immune system at that age.
Few prevention methods that you can take are:
- - Keep your surroundings clean and remove all the faeces, if any, from the yard
- - Never let your dog eat poop
- - Visit a vet at regular intervals
- - Don’t let your dog drink stagnant water
- - Eliminate worm carrying pests like mice and rats
- - Use vet recommended medicines
Some unknown facts about dog worms:
- - Dogs don’t always show symptoms of being infected with dog worms.
- - Sledging or scooting does not always mean that a dog has worms.
- - Coming in direct contact with dog worms can prove to be fatal for humans.
- - Worms can lead to various other diseases.
Dog worms can lead to severe disease in dogs. Never underestimate your dog if they are suffering from worms or parasites. Deworming at regular intervals is the best way to keep your dog free from worms.
You can also change their eating habits and include dog chew sticks in their diets which will not only help in deworming but also promote dental health. Worms are harmful and can cause dreadful diseases so take extra care of your pooch and give him a healthy and active life.
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