You might not read about intestinal parasites most of the time, but it is a topic worth tackling. These parasites are mostly worms that live in dogs’ intestinal tracts. There are hookworms and roundworms that live in the small intestines and stomach of a dog, and tapeworms that live in their large intestines.

There are intestinal parasites like Giardia and coccidia that are not worms. These are one-cell organisms and are also considered internal tract parasites. These stated parasites can impact your pet in many ways, from simple irritation to life-threatening conditions when left neglected. As we continue, we’ll discuss how you can protect your pet from these parasites to keep them healthy and free of any health threats.

Five Tips to Protect Your Dog Internal Parasites

Some parasites can transmit diseases to you and your household. If you presume your pet has internal parasites, don’t delay bringing them to an after-hours emergency clinic to prevent their condition from getting worse. This situation can be a matter of life and death, so prompt action is required.

Thankfully, we have gathered five simple ideas to prevent these parasites from infecting your dog in the first place to protect your household and beloved pet.

1. Don’t let them eat their feces

Numerous parasitic worms live in animals’ feces, and eating poop is a way to pick them up. You can prevent your four-legged buddy from eating their feces by cleaning up their stool instantly or taking them out on a leash in a location where there are feces from other animals.

2. Have your veterinarian do regular fecal checks

Each time you visit your veterinarian for your pet’s routine examination, always bring a fresh sample of your canine’s stool. The vet can utilize this to check for parasites. Young pets are most vulnerable to internal parasites, so ensure to bring a stool sample to their veterinary exam. 

It’s also good to get a copy of your puppy’s deworming records from the breeders if you purchased your dog from them. This data is important to discuss with your vet. You can check the website of animal professionals for more info about the necessary vet care for your beloved pet.

3. Maintain a feces-free yard

Good sanitation is a great way to decrease your pet’s exposure to parasites. This means cleaning up after them and picking up their feces in the backyard since lots of internal parasites can spread through exposure to feces. Additionally, a fecal-contaminated yard can be a source of exposure for months, given that some parasites can thrive in the soil for a long time.

4. Give them preventative medications

The good news is that there are already available simple-to-administer medications to secure your pet from these pesky internal parasites. Most veterinarians suggest giving these preventatives to your pet year-round. These internal parasite preventative medications are offered in most preventive care packages.

Consistency is essential even if you’re away or out with your furry buddy for a trip. If you miss a few doses, contact your vet for advice.

5. Never let them drink stagnant water

Stagnant water is a breeding place for Giardia, a parasite that can trigger serious diarrhea. Don’t ever let your pets drink from stagnant water or puddles. Always provide them with a fresh and clean water source to prevent them from looking for water elsewhere.