5 Obvious Threats for Not Regularly De-Worming Your Pet

Every pet owner experiences their pet suffering from worms at some point of life. Certain infections can be managed but when a healthy pet undergoes something sinister inside them it means trouble. If the proper de-worming procedure is not carried out, then there can be atrocious consequences including:

· Anemia

· Blockage of blood flow in the heart

· Inflammation of arteries

· Intestinal blockages

· In some worse cases even death

Some of the early signs to watch out for pets suffering from worms include:

· Abnormal breathing

· A bloated abdomen in puppies/kitties

· A dull and brittle coat

· Blood in feces

· Coughing

· Diarrhea

· Increased appetite

· Poor growth

· Vomiting

Let us now look at some of the threats that pets can face if they are not de-wormed on a regular basis:

Their Mothers

It is a known fact that approximately 90% of puppies born are already infected with the Toxocara roundworm, as the larvae can pass through the mother to the pups through the placenta. After birth, both puppies and kittens are prone to get infected through the mother's milk as Toxocara larvae can even find its way into mammary ducts. Since the mother is an invariable source of infection, regular worming every two weeks till the weaning process is a must.

Environment

Dewormer

Toxocara roundworm eggs pass out in the feces of the infected pets and mature into an infective stage in the environment. If these infected larvae are eaten then they can establish infection in the pet. Even polluted grass, food and water can transmit infection, hence make it a point to pick up the feces. Nursing mothers can get reinfected when they clean up their litter and so the endless cycle continues as the larvae gets shifted through the milk again.

Prey

Pets as active hunters run the risk of infection as prey animals like rabbits and rodents act as a middlemen for different types of roundworm and tapeworm that can be life-threatening for pets.

Fleas

Fleas feed on the eggs and carry the larvae of the most prevalent tapeworm - Dipylidium caninum and if the pet accidentally

Flea & Tick Control

swallows a flea while grooming he will definitely get infected. It is very important to give flea and tick preventative treatment coupled with de-worming treatments for best results.

Food

There are certain tapeworms, like Taenia species lie in the cyst inside the muscle tissue of their middlemen and if the meat is fed raw or under-cooked, they can survive to infect cats and dogs.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?5-Obvious-Threats-for-Not-Regularly-De-Worming-Your-Pet&id=9522417

Common Health Problems For Dogs

Pets have health problems. It just happens. Some of them are accidents, as pets can be curious and run around a bit. But some are hereditary or common. This is especially true for those that own dogs. Dog owners should be aware of the common health problems that affect all dogs, not just their breed. As such, the following are just some of the issues that you may need to be wary of. When you see any signs of these issues, you'll want to make sure to visit a vet and get a proper diagnosis.

Dysplasia

One of the most common issues that you will find amidst small and large dogs alike is that of dysplasia. This is an issue that can affect the joints on the leg and elbow of various dogs. This may require surgical repair, and can be quite stressful for pet owners. Pet health insurance can cover this, otherwise a veterinary hospital may need to be paid out of pocket to get help. Left alone, a dog may lose the use of their leg, which is not a good thing. You can notice there's an issue if a dog starts to limp and favor their leg.

Kennel Cough

Another issue that you should know about is a common option that scares many pet owners, and it's kennel cough. This is an issue that affects many dogs, especially those that are inside kennels and other pets that have sickness. It's a very contagious issue and can arise after symptoms of coughing, and sounds of choking. It's a bacterial infection that can be treated by a vet. There are vaccines that can be administered, as well as treatment that can help. The symptoms only last a few days, and when treated properly, will only last around a week, before they are all better. There's no need to panic, simply visit a vet to get a helping hand. Many dog health articles talk about this, as it is very common.

Worms

Perhaps the biggest problem that many dogs face is in regards to worms. There are several types of worms that can cause issues for your pet. There are no less than 5 that you should look out for. The symptoms manifest in the coat, weight loss, and bloody stool. When these things  occur, 

it's important to look into going to a vet and getting medication. There are several treatments that can help with getting rid of worms, as well as preventing their spread over time.

At the end of the day, the aforementioned are just some of the issues that you may face when owning a dog today. These are common illnesses, but by no means are they the only options that you may face. It's a good idea to look at the type of canine you have and looking into common health issues that are attributed to their breed. Chances are you will be able to prevent and treat many issues when you know exactly what to look for. When in doubt, visit a vet and get more information for prevention and treatment of many illnesses.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Common-Health-Problems-For-Dogs&id=9458023