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The best way to curb infestation of worms in dogs is to monitor its diet. Human food may be given, but not when it is starting to get bad. Disposing of rotten food should also be done with care, lest dogs may topple garbage bins over and feed on the trash.

Here are the most common parasites, worms in dogs, their accompanying symptoms, and their treatment.

Hookworms

Hookworms are among the most occurring parasite that plagues dogs, because hookworms are contracted in the soil as eggs. They fasten on intestinal walls to feed on the blood supply of their host. Because hookworm rapidly populate, severe infestation may occur and can cause anemia to dog and human alike. Though hookworm infestation can be asymptomatic, severe infestation can result to a pot bellied appearance. From the loss of blood, weakness comes as a result, and vomiting.

Hookworms in dogs can be contracted as easily by a human, that’s why routine dog checkups by vet should be done. Albendazole is the known treatment for hookworm.

Tapeworms

Tapeworms are another more known parasite in dogs. Symptoms for tapeworm infestation can include abdominal discomfort. This is because tapeworms can grow to several feet in length that can sometimes reach 100 feet, blocking or cramping parts of the intestine. Loss of appetite is also one of the symptoms, diarrhea, and obvious malnutrition.

Tapeworms are acquired by dogs when eating contaminated food. Given the nature of a dog’s eating habits, tapeworms in dogs usually is hard to avoid. The most obvious presence of tapeworm should be when there are segments attached on the fur under their tail or along their anus. Praziquantel is a known treatment for tapeworm infestation.

Whipworms

Also a frequently occurring worms in dogs, they are acquired by dogs as eggs swallowed, either by licking or eating food dropped into the soil. Symptoms could include anemia, dehydration, and diarrhea though sometimes they remain asymptomatic.

Fighting worms in dogs include annual if not quarterly checkups with the vet. Most worms in dogs are contracted from the soil and through other infected dogs. Because it is literally impossible to prevent your dog from playing on any patch of gravel, especially if you want to keep a healthy and happy dog, there’s no way really to stop parasites from entering your dog’s body. You can however prevent the proliferation of the parasites by dealing with them at the first sign.

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Here are some eye problems that could affect your dog:

* Cherry Eye can occur if the haw dries out and swells. The tear duct will then appear as a red mass. If a dog has Cherry Eye he is more susceptible to other eye irritations and infections. Surgery is usually necessary to correct this problem.

* Uveitis may be apparent in your dog if he blinks or squints and has a clear discharge from the eye. The eye itself can become discolored or dull. Your dog will also want to avoid brightly lit areas. Treatment such as antibiotics and pain medication may be needed to treat this infection.

* Dry Eye happens when the cornea is damaged by a breakdown in the tear film. Scar tissue can build up and cause eyesight problems. The eye needs to be lubricated and antibiotics may be administered.

* Eyelid tumors can occur. They are usually benign but should be treated.

* Glaucoma, as with humans, is the build up of pressure in the eye. Some dog breeds are more susceptible to glaucoma, such as Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels.

Keeping your dog’s eyes free from debris will reduce the risk of infection and eye conditions. Never let your dog travel in the car with its head out of the window. If he does this, insects, dirt and debris could get caught in his eyes. Eye injuries from dog fights and car accidents can also occur.

If you see your dog squinting or excessively blinking, or pawing at his eyes, he may have a problem. Inspect your dog’s eyes regularly during grooming sessions. Take note of any abnormalities and have them seen to. With long haired dogs, it is important to keep hair out of the dog’s eyes by regularly trimming the ‘fringe’.

If you think your dog has something in his eye, make a solution of salt and water (one teaspoon salt to a pint of water) and squeeze the liquid in his eyes. If this flush does not remove the object, take your dog to the veterinarian immediately.

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