A 'one stop source' featuring a wealth of animal health information and advice to help owners and potential owners to make decisions about their pets' healthcare.
The consequences of worms in dogs vary greatly. In adult dogs, a worm infection can be asymptomatic; whereas by stark contrast, an invasion in a puppy can be fatal. This article will look at why puppies are so much more vulnerable to worm infections and what you can do to prevent your puppy from being the victim of worms.
Why are puppies vulnerable?
Puppies are vulnerable to worms from the moment they are conceived. If a dog has worms, the larvae will home in the host’s uterus and infect the unborn puppies. As well as this, the larvae can migrate to the host’s mammary gland and infect the mother’s milk. The puppy then becomes infected by drinking the mother’s milk.
The Problems
The most serious threat posed by worms to puppies is to their lives. A severe worm infestation in a puppy can be fatal. Humans can also be at risk from some worms in dogs. Children are potentially especially at risk because they play in areas where there is a higher chance of coming into contact with infected soil and faeces. Children also have a greater tendency to put their hands in their mouths, thus increasing the risk of ingesting worm eggs.
What to do
Puppies should be de-wormed from the moment they are born - it is safer to automatically assume that puppies are born infected. If you are unsure whether your new puppies has been de-wormed then seek advice from your vet. An adult dog should also be de-wormed regularly, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction or veterinary advice.
While regular worming will prevent risk of worm egg transfer to people, it goes without saying that general hygiene should also be the general rule.
The Pet Health Information website offers expert information and all aspects of pet health care, as well as worms in dogs. Visit the website today for more information.