Parasites

As with human beings, dogs have more health concerns than just their basic needs for food, water, and shelter. Like human beings, dogs can and do become ill. In the event that your puppy gets sick, remain calm. Just like when a human being gets sick, prompt medical attention is always a good idea.

It is vital you take your dog for regular veterinary exams. It is also critical to pay close attention to your dog’s behavior and eating habits.

Hookworms

Hookworms attach themselves to a dog’s intestinal lining. This is a relatively common problem among dogs, and is easily treated with medicine.

Roundworms

The symptoms of roundworms are typically mild in comparison to some parasites.
Additionally, roundworms are very contagious, as they affect nearly every part of a dog’s body. Symptoms include stomach problems, bloating, and poor growth. Again, as with most parasites, roundworms are easily treated, and can be prevented.

Heartworms

Most veterinarians recommend a heartworm preventative. Symptoms of heartworms include coughing and difficulty breathing. If you suspect your dog may have heartworms, treatment is available from your veterinarian, but prevention is the best policy.

Giardia

Giardia is caused by microscopic organisms in your dog’s intestines. Giardia is a very commonplace infection and many effective treatments are available.

Tapeworms

Dogs infected with tapeworms generally exhibit no symptoms except for gradual weight loss. The only sure way to check your dog for infection is regular trips to the veterinarian, and treatment is very simple.

Fleas

Fleas are very common in outdoor dogs, but any dog is susceptible. Symptoms include itching, discomfort, and rash. There is a variety of preventative measures that ward fleas off, and if your dog becomes infected, treatment can be as straightforward as a bath with medicated shampoo.

Ticks

Ticks are parasites that attach themselves to a dog’s skin. If you find a tick on your dog, use a pair of sterilized tweezers to pull the tick out by the head. Squeezing the tick’s body may force toxins out of the tick’s body and into your dog, leading to infection.

Mites

Mites are the cause of mange. Signs of mange include hair loss, redness, rash, and scaling. There are other mites that affect your dog’s ears. Signs of ear mites include itching, swelling, red skin, and black crusting within the ear canal.