How to tell if a dog has intestinal parasites?

Dogs are humans' most loyal companions, and their health always tugs at our heartstrings. Intestinal parasites are one of the common health problems in dogs, which can not only affect their quality of life but also pose a threat to their lives in severe cases. So, how can we keenly detect whether a dog is troubled by intestinal parasites?

In terms of behavioral manifestations, a dog may show some abnormalities. If a dog that was originally lively and active suddenly becomes listless and sleepy, losing interest in its favorite toys and games, it is likely a signal that something is wrong with its body. Intestinal parasites living in the dog's body will rob the dog of the nutrients it ingests, causing the dog to become weak and lack energy, thus showing a poor mental state. Some dogs will also lick their anal area frequently. This is because the parasites lay eggs around the anus, causing itching, and the dog tries to relieve the discomfort by licking. This behavior is often easily ignored by the owner, who may think it is just a habitual action of the dog, but in fact, it may hide the problem of intestinal parasite infection.

The physical appearance can also reveal many clues. Carefully observe the dog's abdomen. If you find that the abdomen is abnormally swollen and looks bulging, it may be that a large number of intestinal parasites have multiplied, blocking the intestines, causing the accumulation of intestinal gas or the disorder of intestinal peristalsis, and thus causing abdominal distension. In addition, the dog's coat will lose its former luster, becoming rough, dry, and even experiencing hair loss. The parasites in the dog's body compete for nutrients, so the dog cannot obtain enough nutrients to maintain the health of its skin and hair, and the condition of the hair will deteriorate as a result.

Fecal examination is the most direct and important method to determine whether a dog has intestinal parasites. Under normal circumstances, a dog's feces should be formed and of moderate softness. If you find that the dog's feces contain blood streaks or mucus, or the feces are soft and unformed, it may indicate that there is a problem with the intestines, and intestinal parasite infection is one of the common causes. More obviously, sometimes you can directly see white thread-like or rice grain-like objects in the dog's feces. These are likely to be tapeworm segments or parasites such as roundworms. Tapeworm segments will be excreted from the body with the feces and look like rice grains that can wriggle, while roundworms are relatively long white thread-like worms. Once these suspicious objects are found in the feces, it can be basically determined that the dog is infected with intestinal parasites.

Weight change is also a point that cannot be ignored. If the dog has a normal appetite, or even eats more than usual, but its weight decreases instead of increasing, it requires high alertness. Intestinal parasites in the dog's intestines absorb a large amount of nutrients. Most of the nutrients from the food the dog eats are absorbed by the parasites, and the dog itself cannot get sufficient nutrient supply, so its weight will decrease. Even if the owner continuously increases the dog's food intake, it is difficult to improve the situation of continuous weight loss.

There are also some other less noticeable symptoms. For example, if the dog vomits. An occasional vomiting may be caused by improper diet or other reasons, but if it vomits frequently and sometimes worms can be seen in the vomit, it is definitely the work of intestinal parasites. Intestinal parasites irritate the intestinal mucosa, causing the reverse peristalsis of the intestines, which leads to vomiting. In addition, the dog's immunity decreases, and it is prone to various diseases, such as frequent colds and respiratory tract infections. This may also be related to intestinal parasite infection. Parasites in the dog's body damage the immune system, reducing the dog's resistance, and making it easier for external pathogens to take advantage of the situation.

Dogs can't talk, and they can only convey the information of physical discomfort to us through these behavioral and physical changes. As owners, we should always pay attention to every move of the dog, and with our care and love, we can detect the possible problem of intestinal parasites in the dog in a timely manner. Once we suspect that the dog is infected with intestinal parasites, don't panic. We should take the dog to a veterinary hospital as soon as possible for professional examinations, such as fecal examinations, to determine the specific type of parasite, and carry out scientific and effective deworming treatment under the guidance of a veterinarian. Because only by keeping the dog away from the 侵害 of intestinal parasites can it accompany us healthily and happily through more wonderful times and continue to bring us endless warmth and joy.