Let’s talk about worms.
It’s not a pleasant subject but, let’s face it, worms happen. And, not only are they uncomfortable and unhealthy for your dog but, in the case of hookworms and roundworms, they’re also a potential problem for the two-legged members of your family.
Intestinal worms are a very common parasite of dogs, but when combated with dog worming using the appropriate worming medication, can be easily prevented. Many pets show no outward signs of intestinal parasites but some dogs become sick with vomiting, loss of appetite, and severe weight loss.
Dogs become infected with hookworms by inadvertently eating hookworm larvae; the larvae can also penetrate the skin and enter the body that way. Puppies can be infected in the uterus, or by drinking mother’s milk containing larvae. Once that larvae matures, the adult worm attaches to the lining of the small intestine to drink blood.
As for humans, the Center for Disease Control says, “Hookworm larvae typically move about within the skin, causing inflammation in the affected skin. This is called cutaneous (skin) larva migrans. One type of hookworm can penetrate into deeper tissues and cause more serious damage to the intestines and other organs.”
Roundworms are another risk to dogs and humans. Like the hookworm, the roundworm lives in the small intestine of the dog. The eggs are most often ingested by humans; these then hatch into larvae. In most people, they cause no symptoms but there’s the risk that the larvae will migrate and cause damage to the eye, even causing blindness or permanent nerve damage.
To prevent worms, it’s best to stop it at the source. Here are a few simple steps for reducing the risk of parasites for you and your dog:
- Treat your dog regularly with an effective worming medication so that droppings in your yard aren’t harboring eggs or larvae.
- Pick up droppings and dispose of all pet waste so children don’t come in contact with them. Bag and dispose of feces.
- If your child has a sandbox, keep it covered when it’s not in use.
- Be sure to teach children proper hygiene when they are around your dog, washing their hands after petting most especially.
A few simple steps can keep your dog—and the rest of your family—free of these pesky parasites!
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