One of the horrible subjects that makes most people squirm.

The most common types of worms that the average pet owners know are the Roundworm and the Tapeworm , but there are quite afew more that are less well known.  Hookworm, Heartworm, Lungworm to name a few, but these very rarely infect the average pet dog and are hard to detect.

SYMPTOMS  - ROUNDWORM

First, we will deal with the puppy.  Most puppies are infected with worms before they are born. Yes, the puppies are infected from mum! The worms travel through the placenta into the puppies which is why the dam should be wormed before mating and after mating.  The first signs of Roundworms is a pot belly, and a cough.  The puppy's coat tends to look dull and lifeless and the puppy - apart from having a pot belly - is then.  It is very serious if the puppies are infested with these worms - they can kill.

Good sanitation is vital and all faeces must be removed quickly.

The worms look like spagetti in the puppies faeces. They at times cough up the worms or are sick.  They have a ravenous appetite although in extreme cases they cannot eat or eat very little as their stomachs are full of worms.

With the amount of information now available about the effects of Roundworm and children there is no excuse for puppies or young dogs being infected with worms.  And certainly not being infested with them.

TREATMENT

There are many pills potions and powders to rid your puppy and dog of these parasites.  Your local pet shop will have the usual puppy wormers.  You must buy the wormers that are specifically for puppies.  Follow the instructions on the packet or bottle.

The worms will exit the puppies system through the bowels - sometimes they are sick and sometimes they exit through both sites! The worms must be disposed of immediately, especially if the faeces is in the garden. 

Your Vet will be able to sell you worming solutions for your puppy.  Although with a new puppy, your first port of call is the Vets so everything can be dealt with on the visit.

Normally the breeder would have started the worming programme so make sure you ask.    

A ROUNDWORM

image to come

SNAIL HAZARDS

Common garden snails are being reported as being responsible for a number of canine deaths. The deaths have occurred in South Wales, Devon, Cornwall and Southern areas.

The problem arises from the fact that the garden snail is host to a parasite worm. If an infected snail is eaten by a dog then larvae from the worm migrate from the intestine to the heart, lungs and brain of the dog causing a condition known as canine angiostrongylosis.

The parasite larvae, which are about 1/3 mm long realease an anti-coagulant which stops the dog's blood from clotting. As a result the dog suffers internal bleeding and bleeding into the eyes with potentially fatal results.

Symptoms can be the same as three different complaints, namely: poisoning by the rat bait Warfarin, the weedkiller Paraquat and pneumonia; therefore making it difficult for the Vet to prescribe suitable treatment.

To keep dogs safe when returning from an infected area, worm with a suitable preparation which is obtained from your Vet.

EAR MITES ~ THE SIGNS

The pet is scratching their ears all the time. There is dark, dry debris in the ears. The ears look inflamed. The inside of your pet’s ears are warm and moist and also well protected which provides a perfect environment for ear mites. They are so small that the human eye can barely see them, but your pets can feel them. This irritation makes them scratch. One reason mites are so hard to get rid of is that they are easily passed from pet to pet, so if you have more than one dog or cat, it is best to treat them all.

A traditional remedy is to put 3 - 5 drops of oil in the ear canal. The oil smothers the mites and also helps to soothe the ears. The oil recommended is olive oil. Do not use Tea Tree Oil as this can be dangerous to cats. For a double protection, soak a crushed garlic clove in the oil overnight. Garlic will kill bacteria that can lead to infections in pets with ear mites. The oil treatment can be given once a day for at least a month, and remember to clean the ear after each application.

Do not wait a month however if your pet also has swelling inside the ear or a pus filled or discoloured discharge as these are signs of infection and you will need to see the Vet.

Puppies are prone to ear mites.

Most ear drops brought over the counter will move them, but a bad infestation needs Veterinary attention.

LONG EARED BREEDS

Their ears need special attention. The air doesn't get to them and they can become damp and smelly with a discharge.

Keep them clean. Use a little olive oil - half a teaspoon at blood heat and pour this into the ear. Gently massage the ear and any discharge will come to the surface where you can gently wipe it away with cotton wool or ear wipes.

Bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments which is why dogs with long ears tend to get ear infections. To help the air to circulate, pluck excess hair inside the ears. This can lead to better airflow.

Remember do not poke anything into your dogs ears.

© Janet Wesley

If you have any problems, email us for advice. Training@worldofdogs.cc