When we have a Pitbull as a puppy we learn to identify the threats to which they are exposed in the environment throughout their lives. For this reason, beyond giving him love, affection and food, it is also important to learn to protect him from certain organisms that can put his health at risk.
In this case we are going to refer to worms in dogs, a common parasite that is sometimes distinguished in their feces, which many people have heard about, but few know how to avoid them, combat them or how harmful and harmful they can get. be for our dog.
Index of contents
- 1 How do intestinal parasites appear?
- 2 Types of earthworms that can affect a Pitbull
- 3 How to know if my Pit Bull has intestinal parasites?
- 4 When and how to deworm our Pitbull
- 5 Earthworm health problems
- 5.1 How to prevent worms in dogs
- 6 Earthworm transmission risks
How do intestinal parasites appear?
Intestinal worms are the most frequent parasites that affect the health of our Pitbulls. They enter your body when they lick dirty material or feces from other animals Consequently, the eggs are ingested and reach their intestines, an environment conducive to the reproduction of worms where the eggs hatch and multiply.
Types of earthworms that can affect a Pitbull
The main parasites o earthworms that affect our dogs since they are puppies, they are flatworms and roundworms.
Roundworms Nematodes like hookworms, Ascaris and whipworms look similar to spaghetti, which can often be seen when the dog evacuates its feces.
These roundworms settle in the thin part of the intestine of dogs where they take their adult form. Before that, the worms had already traveled through other organs of the animal, causing many times, important injuries that compromise its health.
Another of the best known parasites is the “had ”, Also called a solitary earthworm. It is very popular for the large size it can reach, they have a pearly appearance and their shape is flat with several rings.
This worm adheres to the intestine and absorbs all the nutrients from the food that our dog ingests, which directly affects its health and development.
How to know if my Pit Bull has intestinal parasites?
If we have not properly dewormed our puppy, he runs the risk of suffering the consequences of a possible spread of worms, the most notable symptoms are:
- Swollen belly area
- Dull coat
- Delayed development
- Digestive disorders, such as diarrhea, vomiting, etc.
- A decrease in immune defenses
- Itching in the anus area
- Sometimes epilepsy and serious injury to attacked organs
When and how to deworm our Pitbull
We must bear in mind that all dogs, even from puppies, will have roundworms at some point in their lives. That is why it is advised deworming our Pitbull since he was a puppy and regularly.
The first deworming treatment for dogs is prescribed by the veterinaryn as a puppy, at 2 weeks of age, then recommends repeating the treatment at 4, 6 and 8 weeks.
For puppies at higher risk, coming from a shelter or stray dogs on the street, it is required to provide a longer treatment, about 10 or 12 weeks.
Then we must continue to supply the treatment for up to 6 more months. From 6 months old, regularity of treatment for parasites What the vet prescribes will depend in part on the behavior and environment of our dog, on the lifestyle he leads, if he frequently goes out on the street or not and on his state of health.
Earthworm health problems
Depending on the type of earthworm, dogs affected by these parasites may present, in addition to the symptoms indicated, irreversible damage, such as the loss of part of their intestine. In this case, your vet will need to have surgery to repair and replace your colon.
How to prevent worms in dogs
Hygiene-based prevention measures are absolutely necessary to prevent our American Pitbull terrier from catching roundworms, not only to protect your health, but to all family members.
- Wash all clothes the day we start the deworming treatment to destroy the eggs. Preferably with very hot water.
- Wash your hands after petting our Pitbull.
- Do not, under any circumstances, handle the dog’s feces without gloves.
- Prevent our dog from licking our face or any other part of our body.
- Avoid climbing on beds or furniture.
Earthworm transmission risks
Humans are also exposed to contaminating ourselves with this type of parasites, in this case we are talking about zoonoses. Accidental ingestion of eggs, for example, can occur when we have a dewormed dog at home, or when we play with them in the places they frequent the most, such as gardens or lawns.
In this case, children are more likely to acquire a worm transmission directly from their pet, since they generally play and interact more with the puppy from the house.
Therefore, in order to reduce the risk of catching this type of parasite, it is imperative that all members of the household strictly adhere to the hygiene prevention regulations that we previously mentioned, especially children.