Treating Roundworms in Dogs and Cats
Dangerous Roundworms and how to rid your Dogs and Cats of them
Among the many actions you may undertake regarding your pet’s health, one of the infections new pet owners must be vigilant about concern roundworms.
Roundworms are among the most common intestinal infections for both dogs and cats, particularly when they’re still puppies and kittens. Because these parasites are also a threat to humans, they must be dealt with immediately, especially when young children are present in the home, since they’re the most vulnerable. Children handling pets carrying roundworms can be afflicted with serious and often disabling illnesses such as blindness, seizures and many other maladies.
Why are kittens and puppies so easily infected with roundworms? Primarily they’re exposed to the parasite during their time in their mother’s womb, where it’s passed through the placenta before birth – if they’re not infected at the time of birth, they also are exposed via the mother’s milk while they’re nursing.
How do you know if your dogs and cats are infected? Unfortunately, in many cases you won’t discern the infection, mostly because many symptoms are not noticeable. But among the symptoms which are verifiable signs of roundworm infection, you may notice the following.
* Vomiting
* Pot – bellied appearance
* Weight loss, or an inability to gain weight
* Diarrhea
Effective treatments for roundworm in dogs and cats. The good news here is that there are a number of medicines currently available that treat Roundworms, including some of the following:
* Piperazine
* Pyrantel
When should you treat your dogs and cats for roundworm? Simply put, as early as possible. The threat for humans and children becoming infected with roundworm is serious enough that you should try to treat your pets for it when they’re still puppies and kittens. At present, most recommendations for the date at which treatment should begin is at two weeks old. You also must conduct periodic testing of your dog and cat’s feces, and this is accomplished by sending in regular samples to be analyzed by a veterinarian. Only then will you be assured that the infection has been effectively neutralized.
How can you prevent a roundworm infection from happening in the first place? More good news here, as many of the current flea prevention treatments can also prevent the roundworms from taking hold of your pet.
A critical component of your pet health care regimen is to always be on the lookout for early signs of any infections, and treating your dog or cat for roundworm is not just important for their well – being, but for your family’s as well.
Other Relevant Posts:
What You Need to Know About Worms That Affect Dogs and Cats
There are many types of worms which infect dogs and cats.
How does a dog or cat become infected?
Rescued Katrina Dogs Trigger Heartworm Epidemic
Another danger of this parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes is that wildlife is vulnerable, especially foxes, wolves coyotes, raccoons.
Can I Catch A Disease Or Worms From My Puppy?
There are certain precautions that you can take to help prevent this from happening.
Usually you see no signs of worms unless you really know what to look for.
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Tags: cat health, dog health