Parasites can be anything from fleas to ticks to worms. Often they are barely visible from a quick glance but this blog will help you to learn how to identify them and how to rid them from your dog
What Are Fleas?
Fleas are insects, they have six legs and a body divided into a head, a thorax and an abdomen.
They cause the symptom of itching and carry disease agents.
Signs of an infestation: Black grit-type droppings that stain red when water is added.
What are Ticks?
These parasites are bloodsuckers. They have mouthparts that can penetrate the skin to extract blood (their food) from a capillary in your pet.
Where are they found?: Ticks inhabit grassy and wooded areas, animals such as Deer or sheep can carry ticks that are rubbed off onto vegetation. A dog rubbing against the vegetation will pick up the tick.
What are Worms?
These organisms are not the same worms you’d find in your garden, these organisms are given the general name ‘Worm’ because they are long, generally rounded and are ‘worm’ like’.
There are a number of different ‘worm’ types such as;
Tapeworm
Roundworm
Hookworm
These worms are found to be associated with the digestive system and therefore, are feeding from inside the inner organs
Symptoms of worms: Generally, intestinal parasites cause the following
Poor growth in young dogs
Diarrhoea
Agitated behaviour e.g. shuffling the rear end along the ground, scratching at the anus and Vomiting
Dull coat
Enlarged abdomen
What is Giardia?
Giardia is a parasite that once in your dogs system it will feed off them and create an infection. Giardia can be transmitted by eating or sniffing the cysts from contaminated ground, or by drinking contaminated water.
Signs of Giardia: If you suspect giardia in your dog keep a close eye on their stool and watch for:
Unusually soft, or oddly or poorly formed
Pale coloured or greenish
Extra foul smell
Contains mucus more than once
Appears fatty
Blood in stool
NOTE: Your dog may have recurring, intermittent diarrhoea. Some dogs also develop vomiting. If your dog has been infected with giardia for a few weeks they may also begin to lose weight. Giardia can be spread to humans so if your dog is infected take great caution by washing hands regularly etc.
Natural Prevention
Prevention for Worms:
Freshly minced organic Garlic
Ground organic Pumpkin Seeds
Food grade diatomaceous earth mixed very well into food
Worm count testing regularly to detect worms before they develop into a major issue
Prevention for Fleas:
A natural flea shampoo.
Freshly minced organic Garlic
making an apple cider vinegar spray
Natural Flea/Tick repellent supplements
Prevention for Ticks:
Freshly minced organic Garlic
a Natural flea/tick Shampoo
Making an apple cider vinegar spray
Natural Flea/Tick repellent supplements
Prevention for Giardia:
One of the most important things you can do is keep your dog’s environment clean.
Keep your dog’s crate/kennel, food and water bowls, and their favourite toys clean. Be sure to pick up poop in your garden regularly.
Natural Treatments
Treatment for Worms:
Neem Leaf
Ground organic Pumpkin Seeds
Fermented vegetables
grapefruit seed extract
Freshly minced organic Garlic
NOTE: If a positive worm count test has been returned for lungworm or heartworm please seek a vet appointment.
Treatment for Fleas:
use Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth and dust over your pets fur and home furnishings taking care not to inhale it (human and hound)
a Natural flea/tick Shampoo
Making an apple cider vinegar spray
Washing all bedding (human and hound)
Treatment for Ticks:
Tick Tweezers for removal. Always twist do not pull, make sure the head, body and legs are still intact after removing
Treatment for Giardia:
Oregon Grape
Freshly minced organic Garlic
Goldenseal
NOTE: DO NOT Feed garlic to puppies under 6 months of age, or to pregnant or lactating females, or those on blood thinner medication or breeds such as Akitas or Shiba Inus as they are more sensitive to haemolytic effects found in garlic.
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