What Are Parasites?

• Parasites are worms or other "critters" seeking a host to supply them with nutrition. It is unhealthy for any dog to not be treated for worms or other parasites, and they instantly become contaminants to all other dogs (cats and humans too) they are exposed to.
  
  

Symptoms

• The symptoms of parasite infestation, unfortunately, are similar to several diseases that afflict dogs. However, many dogs never show any symptoms until the parasites are visible in the stool. Some of the symptoms are "slimy" stool, diarrhea, lethargy and anemia.
  
  

Prevention

• According to veterinarians, there is no real way to prevent your dog being exposed to parasites. Your dog may acquire parasites or worms by drinking stagnant water, getting a mosquito bite or being exposed to another dogs fecal matter. The best prevention is to follow a regular heartworm prevention program recommended by veterinarians nationwide. This will not only kill any heartworm parasites, but secondary parasites as well. Beyond this, having your dog's feces tested annually and carefully observing changes in bowel movements will be the best bet in preventing a larger problem. Currently, there is no proof that any dietary supplement can cleanse or prevent parasite exposure.
  
  

Diagnosis

• The best way to diagnose a dog for parasites is to take a stool sample to the vet. Many veterinarians want a stool sample as part of a dog's annual checkup. The reason is that while heartworm prevention kills heartworms and secondarily most other worms/parasites, it does not kill coccidia or giardia and treatment for these are best when caught early.
  
  

Treatment

• Once diagnosed, cleansing your dog of the parasites is essential for their long-term organ functions. Most treatments involved a seven-to-ten-day anti-bacterial treatment specific to the parasites involved. It is important to keep a watchful eye on your pooch after treatment begins to make sure there are not adverse effects, such as liver toxicity. If your dog refuses to eat or drink after treatment begins, be sure to call your vet, as a change in medication may be in order.
  
  

Review

• While there is no way to prevent your dog from being exposed to worms and parasites, monthly prevention programs will create a constant cleanse of most critters your dog's intestines may encounter. Your best bet is to always pay attention to your dog's stool and to get regular checkups to ensure that you can prevent any long-term harm to your best friend.