Weimaraner and Internal Parasites

For once in his life, your Weimaraner may possibly suffer from various internal and external parasites. This article will focus on internal parasites such as hookworms, roundworms, whipworms and tapeworms. Some internal parasites have virtually no effect on the host animal's health. Some cause various illness and even death if the are present in large numbers and if they are not treated in time.

Hookworms
Hookworms are intestinal worms that live in the small intestine. They hook onto the intestinal wall consuming ample amount of the host's blood; which may possibly result to death due to anemia and low protein level. Symptoms of hookworm infestation vary depending on the number of parasites present and the health of the host. Symptoms include lethargy, dark stools or diarrhea, weakness and vomiting. Diagnosis is made by fecal exam and egg recognition in your Weimaraner's feces.

Roundworms
This type of parasite is the most common internal parasite among dogs more particularly among puppies. Signs of roundworms infestation include vomiting, lethargic and loss of appetite. While others may not show any symptoms, some may even exhibit coughing, fever, nasal discharge and pneumonia. A slender worm that looks like a curled up spaghetti noodle can be found in the feces or vomitus of your pet. Diagnosis is made by fecal exam.

Whipworms
Whipworms are long, whip-shaped worms that have a slender end and a thick end. These parasites live in the large intestine, usually in dogs and suck the blood of the host animal. Weight loss, anemia, chronic diarrhea and fresh blood in the stool are signs of heavy infestation of whipworms. Just like hookworms, whipworms can cause death due to anemia and low protein level. Diagnosis is made by looking for the oval-shaped eggs in your pet's feces.

Tapeworms
Cestodes, commonly called tapeworms are long segmented worms that hook themselves to the wall of the small intestine. These parasites look like small, flattened grain of white rice that may move or may not be moving. The eggs are often visible in your dog's feces or sticking to the dog's hair around the anus. Some dogs infested with tapeworms may not show any signs. The most common sign however is dried tapeworms segments that look like grains of brown rice in the hair around the anus.

Internal parasites differ from external parasites. If you suspect that your Weimaraner is suffering from any of these parasites, do not wait any further. See your vet for diagnosis. Worming medications that are effective, safe and convenient are available to help you and your dog eliminate those parasites.

Weimaraner
Weimaraner