Dogs are the most popular pets that people own in Australia. There are just over 5 million pet dogs across the nation, as 40% of households have at least one dog as a family member.
So, while adopting a new puppy, one of the first things dog owners must check off their list is deworming them. Baby pets like puppies and kittens are susceptible to infections by intestinal parasites like tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms, whipworms and fleas, which causes them to fall sick. Dog owners, therefore, invest in products like Nexgard Spectra for dogs that provide monthly protection against intestinal worms, heartworms, ticks and fleas, making pet health and maintenance easier.
What Is Deworming a Dog?
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Deworming or dehelmintisation is the process of providing the pet dog with an anthelmintic drug or medicine in the form of a chewable and tablets to get rid of helminth parasites that thrive in their intestines. It is an essential preventive care regime that all pet owners must undertake to prevent the development and transmission of parasites in the pets and humans who live with them. And the dogs will surely swallow the chewable or medicine. Meanwhile, based on the deworming product, worms exit their systems through droppings or faeces.
Why Deworming Is a Must?
Worms are parasites that cause chronic gastrointestinal problems in dogs if not taken care of. As such, deworming of dogs contributes to their health and well-being. And when puppies do not undergo deworming regularly, they may fall ill, experience weakness and suffer from growth retardation. Besides, when humans or other animals come in contact with the worms through their faeces, body fluids or otherwise, they are also susceptible to developing the parasites.
How to Identify If the Dog Has Worms?
Dogs react to worms in their bodies through their physical appearance and behaviour. Meanwhile, a fully grown dog might not show significant signs of infection. But, owners may be able to identify pieces of the worms in their vomit or faeces. However, puppies may show more observable symptoms like respiratory issues and diarrhoea. Their stomachs might also inflate while the rest of their body remains the same.
If the dogs are suffering from tapeworm, owners might find bits and pieces of the worm in their faeces. Some puppies also indicate itchiness by scratching their bottoms along the floor as they walk. Coughing, vomiting, loss of weight, energy and appetite are other common indications of an infection. And, products like Nexgard Spectra for dogs are the best solutions to help such pets.
When Must One Deworm the Dogs?
Dog owners can deworm their pets preventively or as treatment. Also, puppies are usually born with worms, so they must receive the treatment every 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks or according to the treatment schedule provided by the vet. However, it is recommended that puppies must be dewormed starting early and every 2-3 weeks, as they are more vulnerable.
Dogs that are six months or older must be dewormed about four to five times a year, based on the recommendation of the vets. Apart from this, there are general circumstances when they might need deworming, like when the dogs spend a lot of time outside, foraging and hunting. It increases the chances of them getting contaminated with worm larvae or fleas. And, of course, when owners find worms in the faeces of the pets.
Things to Remember About Deworming
- Owners must not forget to re-administer deworming chewable and medications periodically or as recommended.
- They must consider the dog’s weight.
- One antiparasitic does not kill all species of parasites.
- Ensure that the dog swallows the chewable and does not spit it out.
- Deworm all the pets in the house.
- Consult a vet before administering any form of antiparasitic.
Author Bio:
Alison Lurie is a farmer of words in the field of creativity. She is an experienced independent content writer with a demonstrated history of working in the writing and editing industry. She is a multi-niche content chef who loves cooking new things.
