Heartworms and Hookworms and Fleas, Oh My!

There is no way, my cute adorable, horse/puppy with the shiny coat and slobbery mouth could have anything as gross as a parasite, is there?

Unfortunately your pup can pick up a parasite all to easily but if caught early it can be quickly fixed.

Parasites, which live on or in a host living thing can be transmitted to puppies from their mothers. So it is important to check for them early and often.

Internal Parasites live in the puppy's digestive system and can be detected by examining their stool. Treatment for these can begin at 2 weeks of age and can be repeated every 2 or 3 weeks. Many puppies are infested with roundworms and hookworms from their mother.

• Roundworms can be transmitted from the dam before birth and when she is nursing. These are thin spaghetti-like worms about 5 inches long. They will stunt growth, and cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration giving your pup a pot-bellied appearance.
• Hookworms are also transmitted to the pup by the mother at birth or by nursing. These are very dangerous worms that attach to the small intestine and cause lethargy, anemia, poor appetite and tarry stools containing blood.
• Whipworms cause chronic bowel inflammation, mucus in the stool, weight loss and diarrhea. They live in the lower end of the digestive track.
• Tapeworms tend to enter the pups body when he swallows a flea. The pup will appear extremely hungry but will not gain weight.
• Heartworms are transmitted by the bite of a mosquito. These often fatal parasites live in a dog's heart or near it in major blood vessels causing heart and lung damage. These are difficult to cure but easy to prevent by administering a heartworm preventative perscribed by your vet.

External Parasites
These parasites live on your pups body and can be diagnosed by examination and skin tests.

• Fleas may be aquired from the mother, another dog or from the environment. Your pup will scratch or bite himself frequently and small red spots may show up on his skin. Generally both your pup and the environment will have to be treated.
• Ticks are often picked up in wooded areas during the spring and summer. Ticks can transmit Lymes disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
• Lice smaller than fleas can be controlled with most flea products.
• Mange Mites a nasty tiny bug that cannot be seen by the naked eye, live under the skin causing hair to fall out. They are very difficult to cure and spread quickly.
• Ear Mites cause your pup to scratch at her ear and can lead to ear infections. They leave dark earwax or dried blood in the ear.
• Ringworm is a very contagious fungus that can be transmitted to humans. It leaves bare oval patches but can be treated with medication.

Your veterinarian is the best source of help if you suspect your pup has any one of these nasty parasites however many flea products, dewormers and medications can be purchased online for a greater cost savings from Drs Foster and Smith or American Livestock and Pet Supply