Most of our dogs are four-legged explorers of the world. Every blade of grass, pebble, or leaf is something new worth sniffing. A big treat for a dog is the droppings left by another member of its species. Playing in a puddle or mud is real fun! Do you know what dangers might lurk for your dog on an ordinary walk? Below is a list of the most common parasites that can occur in our pets. There are many of them, so I will mention the most frequently encountered ones.
Dog roundworm
Dog roundworm (Toxocara canis) is probably the most common “hitchhiker” found in dog feces, especially in puppies. In the case of pregnant bitches who are carriers of the roundworm (larvae can remain dormant in the bitch’s body), larvae can pass through the placenta or mammary gland. That is why great emphasis is placed on deworming the pregnant bitch and puppies already 2 weeks after birth.
In adult dogs, infection occurs through the digestive tract—by consuming food or water contaminated with invasive eggs. Dog roundworm eggs can survive in soil for up to 6 months after being excreted by an infected individual! Symptoms of infection most often affect the digestive tract. Larvae resembling thin noodles can be found in the dog’s feces. It is worth mentioning that dog roundworm has zoonotic potential—humans can become accidental hosts. Larvae can settle in various human organs, including the eyeball!
Hookworms
Hookworms (Ancylostoma, Uncinaria) are also frequently found parasites in our pets. As with roundworms, puppies are more commonly affected—infection also occurs through lactogenic and intrauterine routes. Symptoms in puppies may include fever, lethargy, diarrhea, and significant dehydration. Blood tests may show anemia—the parasites have special hooks that attach to the intestinal mucosa causing bleeding. Older or less heavily infected animals may experience a milder invasion. In older animals, infection also occurs through the digestive tract. This parasite is rarely seen in feces due to its small size.
Whipworm
Whipworm (Trichuris vulpis) is also a common parasite living in our pets and a tough opponent when the environment is contaminated with its eggs. The eggs of this parasite are very resistant to environmental conditions and can survive in soil for many years! Infection occurs by swallowing invasive eggs (does your dog “clean” its paws after a walk with its tongue?). The parasite’s name comes from the appearance of the adult form. The eggs are very characteristic and easy to find in fecal exams—they resemble a lemon. As with other parasites, symptoms mainly affect the digestive tract—diarrhea, which may be bloody. Blood tests may show anemia.
Dog tapeworm
Dog tapeworm (Diphylidum caninum) is the most common tapeworm found in dogs. It is sometimes called the “cucumber tapeworm” because its segments resemble cucumber seeds. When a dog is infected, white segments resembling cucumber seeds can be seen around the anus or in the feces. The presence of this parasite is usually associated with fleas, which are its intermediate host. The dog swallows tapeworm eggs by biting fleas. That is why, besides proper deworming, it is important to protect your dog against ectoparasites like fleas. The parasite resides in the small intestine, so symptoms mainly affect the digestive tract. Anal itching (so-called “scooting”) may also occur due to the tapeworm segments being expelled.
Giardia
Giardia (Giardia intestinalis) is better known in human medicine as lamblia. Despite the difference in naming, humans can catch giardia from their dogs, and dogs can catch it from humans! Giardia is a protozoan that inhabits the small intestine of various animal species. Sometimes infection can be asymptomatic, with symptoms appearing only, for example, when immunity drops. The main symptom is watery diarrhea, sometimes with blood. Infection occurs through ingestion of cysts present in the environment—in water, food, or soil. Interestingly, standard deworming agents do not work against giardia; fighting this parasite is more challenging. Antiparasitic drugs are used for several days, along with probiotics. Bathing during therapy is important because invasive protozoan forms can survive on the dog’s fur, and licking can cause reinfection. Additionally, disinfecting all areas where animals stay is recommended. If giardia is detected in a dog, fecal testing of all household members is advised.
Deworming and cleaning up after your dog is important
As you can see, even on an ordinary walk, a dog can encounter various, not necessarily friendly hitchhikers. Some of them can even pose a threat to humans. That is why regular, preventive deworming of dogs, even once a quarter, is so important. Remember that standard deworming agents do not work against all parasites or work only to a limited extent (for example, if the invasion is too large). Sometimes the invasion can be asymptomatic. Instead of one deworming per year, it is worth collecting feces from your pet over three days and sending it for testing. It is also worth testing feces if your pet frequently has diarrhea, vomiting, or other stomach problems. Also, remember to clean up after your pets—you never know what might be lurking in your dog’s poop… at least until you test the feces.
Tags:
