Deworming for Pets

Deworming medications for pets are designed to target and eliminate common intestinal worms like Roundworms, Hookworms, Tapeworms, Whipworms and Heartworms, Roundworm, Lungworms, .  

ROUNDWORM

Roundworm is a parasite which is transmitted extremely easily from the intermediate host to the dogs.

Cause: Infestation of Toxocara canis through mother’s milk in puppies or through ingestion of infected meat of rodents by dogs

Affected Organ: Intestine and, in some cases, Lungs

Symptoms: Similar to Tapeworm, the dog will not exhibit symptoms of ailment. However, the observable signs are Poor coat quality Weight loss Pot-belly Fragments of Roundworm in dog’s stool Coughing, in case the infestation is in the lungs

Treatment: Roundworm can be treated by Deworming medication

HOOKWORM

Hookworm infestation is easy to contract.

Cause: the larve of Hookworm can get into the system if the dog/cat ingests it or through the skin of the dog, upon contact with the soil.

Affected Organ: Lining of the gut and digestive tract; Intestine

Symptoms: The signs of Hookworm infestation are - Diarrhea & Weight loss

Treatment: Hookworm infestation can be fatal in the case of puppies/kittens and should be treated with urgency in adult dogs/cats. Adult Hookworm infestation is treated by anthelmintic medication. The medication is given orally after every 2-3 weeks.

WHIPWORM

Whipworm infestation could be fatal in severe cases.

Cause: Infestation of Whipworm eggs in the intestine of the dog by ingestion. The eggs of the Whipworm are tough to almost destroy. It takes the eggs about three months to hatch, after they are ingested. The Pet parent will only be able notice the infestation of the eggs in the faeces of their dog.

Affected Organ: Large intestione and Cecum

Symptoms: The infected dog will exhibit: Diarrhea Anemia Blood in stool Decreased apetite

Treatment: Whipworm infestation is treated by prescribing Deworming medication.

TAPEWORM

Cure for Tapeworm infestation is simple.

Cause: Infestation of Dipylidium caninum tapeworm in the intestine of the dog/cat by ingesting meat of an intermediatary host with the tapeworm eggs.

Affected Organ: the Intestine

Symptoms: The Pet Parent will be able to observe signs of tapeworm that will look like flecks or grains of rice in the stool of their pet. The pet will have: Poor coat quality In severe cases: Inflamed intestine near the infestation site.

Treatment: Tapeworm is treated by Deworming medication that can be given orally or by injection. Deworming medication is prescribed to the pets every 4 - 6 months as preventive treatment.

HEARTWORM

Heartworm is difficult to detect in the early stages and can only be detected by blood test.

Cause: Infestation of Heartworm larve into the blood stream of the host by the infected mosquitoes.

Affected Organ: Chambers of the heart, Major blood vessels, Lungs, and other internal organs like Kidney and Liver.

Symptoms: The Heartworm larve can grow upto 16 inches long and affect the cardiovascular system of the host, which results in: Shortness of breath and coughing Exhaustion and physical distress

Treatment: If left untreated, Heartworm can cause even death. Heartworm is treated with combination of drugs and rest.

ROUNDWORM                                                                                                     

Roundworm is a parasite which is transmitted extremely easily from the intermediate host to the dogs.

Cause: Infestation of Toxocara canis through mother’s milk in puppies or through ingestion of infected meat of rodents by dogs

Affected Organ: Intestine and, in some cases, Lungs

Symptoms: Similar to Tapeworm, the dog will not exhibit symptoms of ailment. However, the observable signs are Poor coat quality Weight loss Pot-belly Fragments of Roundworm in dog’s stool Coughing, in case the infestation is in the lungs

Treatment: Roundworm can be treated by Deworming medication.

LUNGWORM

Lungworm infection in dogs, while less common, can occur in India, primarily through ingesting infected snails or slugs.

Cause: Dogs become infected by ingesting snails or slugs that are carrying the lungworm parasite. Dogs may accidentally ingest snails or slugs while exploring their environment, especially when eating grass or drinking from puddles.

Affected Organ: The heart and blood vessels connecting the heart to the lungs

Symptoms: 

1. Non-productive cough (produces no mucus) 

2. Rapid respiratory rate 

3. Exercise intolerance (becoming out of breath more easily, not able to play as hard/long as usual) 

4. Difficulty breathing 

5. Dogs can also have a subclinical lungworm infection, which means they show no signs.

Treatment: 

1. Veterinary Prescription: Lungworm infections require veterinary treatment, and medications are available only by prescription. 

2. Prompt Veterinary Care: If you suspect your dog has lungworm, seek immediate veterinary care.

Prevention: 

1. Avoidance: Keep dogs from eating snails, slugs, or uncooked prey. 

2. Clean Environment: Maintain a clean environment, free of snails and slugs, especially around food and water bowls. 

3. Prophylactic Measures: Consult with a veterinarian about preventative measures, such as medication, to reduce the risk of infection.

EYEWORM

Eye worms in dogs, are parasitic worms that live on the surface of the eye, often under the third eyelid, causing irritation, redness, swelling, and discharge

Cause: Thelazia californiensis is the most common species that are transmitted to dogs through contact with certain kinds of flies. These worms are transmitted by flies, which act as intermediate hosts, picking up the larvae from the eye secretions of infected animals and then depositing them on the eyes of other dogs.

Affected Organ: Eyes

Symptoms: 

1. Excessive tearing

2. Redness and swelling of the conjunctiva (the mucous membrane around the eye) 

3. Mucus or pus-like discharge from the eyes 

4. Squinting or pawing at the eyes due to discomfort 

5. In some cases, worms may be visible on the surface of the eye or inner eyelids

Treatment: 

1. Veterinarians can often remove the worms manually or use medication to kill them. 

2. Treatment may also include medications to address any secondary infections or inflammation

GRUBS

“Grubs" in dogs, also known as botfly larvae or Cuterebra infestation, are a parasitic condition where botfly larvae burrow into the skin, causing painful lumps or warbles.

Cause: Grubs are the larvae of botflies, specifically the rodent or rabbit bot fly (Cuterebra spp.). Dogs become infected when they come into contact with a blade of grass that has a maggot on it, which then crawls onto the dog and enters through an orifice (mouth, ear, nose, etc.). People also call them “warbles” or “wolf worms” when they are in the larval stage.

Affected Organ: skin, eyes, upper respiratory tract, or central nervous system (brain/spinal cord).

Symptoms: Dogs with grubs may exhibit the following: 

1. Small, raised lumps or bumps on the skin Inflammation and redness around the affected area 

2. Foul odor from the wound Itching or discomfort 

3. In some cases, respiratory issues if the larvae migrate to the respiratory tract

Treatment: 

1. Manual Extraction: The veterinarian will carefully remove the larvae, often under sedation or general anesthesia, to avoid the release of toxins into the dog's bloodstream. 

2. Wound Care: The wound area will be cleaned, and any damaged tissue may need to be debrided. Antibiotics: If an infection develops, antibiotics may be prescribed. 

3. Follow-up: Several appointments may be required to ensure all larvae are removed and the wound heals properly.

SUCKING LICE

Sucking lice in dogs, specifically Linognathus setosus, are blood-sucking parasites that cause severe itching, irritation, and potential anemia, especially in puppies.

Cause: Linognathus setosus is the scientific name for the dog sucking louse. They are blood-sucking lice, meaning they feed on the dog's blood. They are small, wingless insects that spend their entire life cycle on the dog's body. Lice are transmitted from one dog to another through direct contact. They can also be transmitted through contaminated grooming equipment, bedding, or other items.They are species-specific, meaning they primarily infest canines and are unlikely to infest other animals or humans.

Affected Organ: Skin

Symptoms: 

1. Severe itching 

2. Skin irritation 

3. Hair loss 

4. Scruffy coat  

5. Anemia 

6. Lethargy and weight loss

Treatment: 

1. Veterinary consultation: It's important to consult with your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment recommendations. 

2. Medications: Various medications are available to treat louse infestations, including spot-on treatments and oral medications. 

3. Environmental cleaning: Thoroughly clean the dog's environment, including bedding, grooming tools, and other items that may be contaminated