Dogs Intestinal Parasite
Statistics show that one in three dogs at some time can be infected with intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms.
Taking care of our canine friends not only stop at grooming, but also checking for parasites which can be detrimental to their health. The following is a list of the common intestinal parasites that infect your dog, what they are, how your dog can possibly acquire them, its harmful effects to your dog and to you, and of course, how to get rid of it.
ROUNDWORMS (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonine)
Description
Most common to infect the animal kingdom, roundworms grow 2 - 4 inches long, tan or white creatures with tapered ends that look like spaghetti.
How they are acquired
Puppies are usually born with them. Those infected with roundworms have a potbelly or a bloated look and dry, scaly coat. When your pets are in unsanitary conditions, don't be surprised if your dog becomes infested. Unlike hookworm eggs, roundworm eggs are very resistant to drying, sunlight or antiseptics. They can last for years in soil and still be infectious.
Harmful Effects to your Dog
If in huge numbers, a dog may vomit these worms or discharge them all as a whole in the fecal matter. Roundworms can cause diarrhea - the infestation's effect is evident on your pet's general appearance. They can also cause intestinal blockage and stool cannot pass if they become too many.
Harmful Effects to Man
Since roundworms are zoonotic, they can be transferred to humans. They cause an infection known as "Visceral Larva Migrans", which result in inflammation of muscle tissue. Young children are susceptible to transfer and can experience eye inflammations leading to blindness.
Treatment
Usually used to treat roundworms are pyrantel pamoate, fenbendazole and piperazine, both classified as Anthelmintics or dewormers.
TAPEWORMS (Dipylidium caninum)
Description
Tapeworms can be seen unlike other parasites. Tapeworm segments, usually white in color, can be seen after in the dog's feces or rectum after elimination that broke off from the adult.
How they are acquired
Fleas can carry tapeworm eggs, so the ingestion of parasite eggs is the only way to infection.
Harmful Effects to your Dog
Although they don't cause much harm to our canine friends, tapeworms cause pet owners to squirm at their ghastly sight. Dogs experience cramping and sometimes gas.
Harmful Effects to Man
Children can accidentally swallow fleas that have eggs, causing intense discomfort. Fish can also be an intermediate host - so be careful in eating raw fish.
Treatment
Antiparasitic agents, praziquantel and epsiprantel are both used both by oral medication or injection.
HOOKWORMS (Ancylostoma caninium)
Description
Hookworms are blood-sucking intestinal parasites and are invisible to the naked eye.
How they are acquired
Puppies can acquire hookworm eggs from their mother and unhygienic surroundings or soil. Heat and dryness kills hookworm eggs quickly.
Harmful Effects to your Dog
If your dog is infected, their feces look abnormally blackish and loose. In the first week of infection, they may look healthy, but extreme infections in injured or young dogs can be lethal. They can cause intestinal bleeding leading to anemia and bloody diarrhea. | 
