The Dog Spot
Most Common Dog Parasites Article
This is a selection made from among articles on Most Common Dog Parasites. For a permanent link to this article, or to bookmark it for future reading, click here.
Dog Roundworms
from: Kyle BesserDog roundworms look very similar to earthworms. Roundworms can grow to about 6 inches in length. They are a very common parasite that usually invade your dog's small intestines and large intestines. They are organisms are most likely to be found in puppies where they cause gastric and intestinal disorders.
The process of invasion begins with the roundworm feeding on the food in your dog's stomach and intestines. Next, the roundworms dig through the organ walls and then get into the bloodstream. From the bloodstream, the roundworm finds its way to the dog's liver and subsequently to the lungs. The roundworm eventually get into the trachea and are expelled into the mouth through coughing. The roundworm is then sent to the stomach and intestines through swallowing.
Roundworms that are left untreated are likely to migrate to a growing puppy's muscles. Once inside the muscles, the roundworms form cysts and vegetate. If the host is a female and becomes pregnant later in her life, her whole litter is also likely to be infected with the worms. The roundworms will once again start their journey to the puppy's lungs where they will remain.
On the positive side, dogs do eventually and naturally develop immunity to roundworms after a period of time. However, it is possible for some dogs to develop the condition again if they come into direct contact with infested food or feces.
There are several symptoms that are associated with roundworms. The most common symptoms are pain and discomfort, loose stools, loss of shine in coat and upset stomach. Puppies with regular roundworm infestation tend to have distended abdomens and may appear to be potbellied. Respiratory problems will also develop if there is a significant lung involvement. Puppies often get pneumonia from roundworm migration due to the alveoli becoming damaged.
In treating roundworms, your vet will need a stool specimen to check for presence of roundworms. There are several kinds of effective drug treatment that your vet may prescribe to fight these parasites. The treatment also gives the dog protection against roundworm infestation. Your vet may also recommend that your dog's stool be examined for worms at different stages of the treatment.
To prevent roundworm infestation, make sure that the female dog is thoroughly checked and treated before you breed her. To make sure that all worms are detected early, every dog should have stool specimens checked twice per year. Also, keep your dog out of the trash where roundworms could be waiting. Giving your dog a proper and filling diet will decrease the chance of him going through your trash.
Dog-Parasites Online News
Senators say Secret Service scandal could reflect agency's culture - Washington Post
 The Associated Press | Senators say Secret Service scandal could reflect agency's culture Washington Post As soon as a Senate hearing into the Secret Service prostitution scandal began, it was clear there would be no rehabilitation of the agency's reputation. In fact, by the time the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee session concluded, ... Sullivan apologizes for Secret Service scandal Secret Service chief says there's no culture of misbehavior Secret Service chief denies 'culture' of impropriety |
Mitt Romney unveils education reform plan heavy on 'parental choice' - Christian Science Monitor
 Christian Science Monitor | Mitt Romney unveils education reform plan heavy on 'parental choice' Christian Science Monitor Mitt Romney's plan for education reform challenges President Obama and teacher's unions, including federal money for some low-income and disabled students to attend private schools. By Mark Trumbull, Staff writer / May 23, 2012 Republican presidential ... Obama spokesman incorrectly says Romney moving goal posts on unemployment Obama team wrongly says Romney moves goal posts Democrats say sampling flawed in poll showing Romney widens Florida lead |
It Might Pay to Be a Facebook Sucker - Wall Street Journal
 Globe and Mail | It Might Pay to Be a Facebook Sucker Wall Street Journal By DAVID WEIDNER If you're one of the shareholders suing Facebook Inc. because the social-networking company and its underwriters played favorites about disclosing changes to analysts' forecasts, then you deserve to be compensated for your losses or ... News Summary: Facebook Stock up, Co. Faces Suits Facebook stock climbs, but company faces lawsuits Facebook IPO Scrutiny Grows as Morgan Stanley Defends Role |
Obama greets AFA cadets, campaigns on latest Colorado swing - kwgn.com
 kwgn.com | Obama greets AFA cadets, campaigns on latest Colorado swing kwgn.com Pres. Barack Obama delivers the commencement address at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. May 23, 2012 COLORADO SPRINGS — President Barack Obama spent Wednesday congratulating cadets and rallying campaign supporters on another ... Obama to graduates: 'A new feeling about America' Obama to cadets: It's "a different world" Obama Seeks To Gain Support Among Military Voters |