How to Protect Your Dog or Puppy From Parasites

Internal and external parasites adversely affect quality of life and can pose serious health problems. Outlined below are measures that you can take to protect your dog.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Dental Kits (for Dogs)
• Dog Brushes
• Dog Carriers
• Dog Collars
• Dog Leashes
• Dog Medication
• Dog Shampoo
• Flea And Tick Dog Shampoo
• Dogs
• Veterinarian

1. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for an exam. Request information about and diagnostic tests for parasites common to your area.
2. Treat as recommended and use products designed to prevent reinfestation.
3. Give your puppy wormer at three weeks of age; 80 percent of puppies have roundworms.
4. Avoid exposure to strays and don't exercise your pet in areas that attract lots of dogs.
5. Prevent your dog from eating feces from other dogs or other animals. Contact with fecal material from another dog is the most common way for a dog to get intestinal parasites.
6. Control fleas and don't let your dog eat rodents (to avoid tapeworm infestation).
7. Be aware that parasite types vary depending on locale. Prevention measures will differ for indoor and outdoor dogs and among breeds.
8. Take precautions when traveling with your dog. Before you go, check with your travel agent or vet about risks in the areas where you'll be traveling.
9. Ask your vet to recommend products that are broad spectrum in activity. The newest products protect against roundworms, fleas, ticks and heartworms.
10. Continue preventive measures year-round and see your vet for an annual exam.

Tips & Warnings

• Select products that control all stages of the flea on your dog and in the home. Pay attention to what is safe for the environment and around your kids.
• Regular bathing and grooming will keep you aware of any external parasites, but blood and fecal tests are required to diagnose internal parasites.
• Eliminating tapeworms requires medication available only from the veterinarian.
• Avoid over-the-counter products and home remedies. These are generally less effective and may be dangerous.