Everything You Should Know About Treating Parasites in Dogs

Parasites are present throughout a dog’s environment, posing a significant threat to their well-being. Given their close bond with us, it’s crucial to provide dogs with proper care and treatment to safeguard them from these tiny invaders.

Types of Parasites

Dogs can contract a variety of parasites from their environment. Below are some of the most frequently encountered ones:

1 – Fleas

Fleas are a frequent issue for dogs, as they are small insects that reside in their coat and fur. Dogs contract fleas through contact with other infected dogs, wooded areas, and places where fleas are present.

2 – Ticks

Ticks pose significant health risks to dogs, such as Lyme disease. They latch onto dogs while playing outdoors in tall grass and bushes. In Australia, the main types of ticks include Bush ticks, Brown dog ticks, Cattle ticks, and Paralysis Ticks.

3 – Worms

Worms invade internally, leading to significant health issues in dogs. These parasites infest crucial organs such as the heart, lungs, and digestive system of our beloved companions.

The primary types of worms are heartworms and gastrointestinal worms.

3.1 Heartworms

Heartworms invade the heart and lungs of our beloved pets, leading to serious health issues. If left untreated, they can be fatal for dogs. Prevention of heartworms is strongly advised as they can result in chronic coughing, lethargy, and respiratory difficulties.

3.2 Gastro Intestinal Worms

These worms reside and mature within the dog’s gastrointestinal tract, specifically in their intestines. The four most prevalent types of intestinal worms include roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms.

Symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, reduced appetite, weight loss, a swollen abdomen, and lethargy are signs of intestinal worm infestation.

Next, let’s explore different treatments aimed at eradicating these parasites.

Parasitic Treatments for Dogs

These treatment options can effectively prevent parasites. However, you should consulta veterinarian before starting any treatment to tailor the plan to your pet’s specific needs.

1 – Oral

Oral treatments for parasites include tablets and chewables, which can be administered directly or mixed with dog food.

2 – Spot-on or Tropical

Spot-on or topical treatments are liquid solutions applied to the back, specifically between the dog’s shoulder blades.

3 – Flea Collars

Flea collars are bands worn around the neck that contain ingredients designed to combat flea and tick infestations. While some collars actively treat and eliminate these pests, others work as repellents against fleas and ticks.

4 – Sprays

Sprays are applied to the skin and effectively eradicate biting insects such as fleas, ticks, and lice.

Treatment Table

The following table provides a brief of different parasitic treatments.

Concluding

Our dogs require continuous attention and care. Ensuring they are protected from parasites provides them with comfort and peace of mind. VetSupply offers a range of effective parasitic treatments at affordable prices. Explore vetsupply.com.au today to find the right product for your dog.