Dr. Jack’s Dog Facts

Chapter Twelve: Internal Parasites A. Coccidiosis This is a condition only seen in new puppies. Coccidia are only seen under the microscope on a fecal smear. These parasites are caused by dirty surroundings while pups are still with mom. The main symptom is diarrhea, maybe watery. Fortunately, this is a self-limiting infection after the puppy is removed from the old environment. Your veterinarian can give you either tablets or a liquid to help stop the diarrhea and speed recovery. B. Roundworms These are the most common internal parasites of any puppy and most dogs. Puppies get them from their mothers and grown dogs from contaminated soil. The treatment is very simple. Most of the monthly heartworm preventatives also will prevent roundworms and hookworms. C. Hookworms Hookworms are almost as common as roundworms, and also obtained from mother and contaminated ground. They bite into the intestinal wall and suck blood. They can cause bloody diarrhea in young dogs. They are also easily treated. D. Whipworms These are only seen in mature dogs, usually confined to a fenced yard. The most common sign noticed by an owner is blackish diarrhea. Whipworms inhabit the lower large intestine, and sometimes treatment is not fully successful. Also if the pooch is returned to the same contaminated yard, he may easily become re-infected. Frequent fecal exams would be recommended to be certain a cure has been affected. E. Tapeworms This is the only internal parasite we diagnose by seeing-- grossly. They look like flat grains of rice either on a bowel movement or lying in the hair beside the rectum. What we see are segments of an adult tapeworm, still lodged in the intestines. These segments contain the tapeworm eggs. As these segments dry out and begin to disintegrate, a flea will come by and swallow some of these tapeworm eggs. When the flea jumps on a dog, the dog chews his fur, and swallows the flea, thus completing the cycle. Dogs can only get tapeworms from swallowing the contaminated fleas. So in addition to giving medication to annihilate the tapeworms, we also have to counsel the owner concerning flea control for immediate application. F. Heartworms Heartworms are discussed in Chapter 10: Internal Organs, and is mentioned under Heart and Lungs.