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I'm a new mother again. My daughter just gave me an
early Christmas present, a puppy. So over the course
of the next few articles we will touch on puppy care.
Christmas, Easter, Valentines, Mother's Day, and Father's
Day usually bring an increase to a few families. No
doubt there may be a few other families needing some
pointers in the near future.
Owners of newly acquired pets should obtain the medical
history of the pet and contact their veterinarian to
set up a schedule for worming and vaccinations. Some
breeders and pet stores have already started the worming
and vaccinations prior to the adoption release and will
provide you with the information. All pets adopted from
the SPCA have been wormed and given vaccinations. They
will also recommend you contact your veterinarian to
follow up on worming and vaccinations.
Most reputable breeders initiate worming treatments
at 2 weeks, and repeat at 4, 6, and 8 weeks, just prior
to releasing the pet for adoption. On a newly acquired
pet that has no history of de-worming contact your veterinarian
to set up and immediate schedule of de-worming While
consulting your veterinarian on basic worming schedules,
you should have your pets stool examined for tapeworms,
hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and a blood test done
for heartworms.
There are several types of tapeworms, the most common
is the flea tapeworm. This tapeworm is most common in
residential or urban areas. Dogs ingest it during grooming.
The other types are usually transmitted to dogs through
eating rabbits, rodents or uncooked meats. Tapeworms
look like flattened pieces of rice in your pets stool
or attached to the fur in the anal area. Dogs may drag
their behinds as an indication of infection. Don't allow
your dogs to ingest raw meats or hunt rodents thus eliminating
the opportunity for infection.
Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitos. When a mosquito
bites an infected dog, it not only sucks up blood but
baby heartworms in the blood. This gets passed along
to the next dog the infected mosquito bites. An infected
dog may show signs of a chronic cough, laboured breathing,
listlessness, and is easily tired during exercise. Once
your veterinarian has determined your dog is free of
heartworm infection he/she will begin a regular preventative
medication program.
Roundworms live in the dogs intestines and live by
sucking blood. Puppies often are infected through the
placenta of the mother. This is why de-worming is usually
begun at 2 weeks into the life of the puppy. Pets infected
with roundworms usually have bloated bellies and rough
looking coats. Your pet may show signs of vomiting,
diarrhea, and colic. If left untreated a severe infection
could damage the brain, liver, or lungs.
Hookworms attach themselves onto the intestinal lining
with hook-like teeth. As this worm feeds on your dog's
blood, it moves around continually leaving bleeding
sores. Bloody, mucus-laden diarrhea is an indication
your dog may have a hookworm infection. This worm infection
can cause anemia, weight loss, skin problems, rough
coat, weakness, and impair the growth and physical development
in puppies.
To prevent infection of any type of worm it is important
that you do not let your dog drink stagnant pond water,
ingest other dogs feces, rabbits or rodents, raw meats,
garbage, or bones it may find on walks. Also, do not
let your pet play in possible areas infected by mosquitos
or other dogs. And last, but not least, have your dog
examined and put on a regular preventative treatment
program by your veterinarian.
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Reprinted with permission by Terrie Simpson.
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