Types of Canine Intestinal Parasites

A parasite is an unwanted leach that uses your dog as a supply source. Canine intestinal parasites are no exception. In fact, a parasite leaching off of your dog’s intestinal tract is dangerous. It robs your pup of needed nutrients and can leave them feeling ill.

Dogs of all ages are susceptible to an intestinal parasite; however, puppies are the most vulnerable. These organisms can vary from location to location. For example, a dog from North America can contract different parasites than a dog from Europe. This article is going to discuss the infestations most prevalent for dogs in North America.

The tapeworm is commonly associated with cats. Dogs can also suffer from a tapeworm. Research indicates the tapeworm does not stimulate immunity by the host and it poses little to no threat to human. If a dog contracts a tapeworm known as Echinococcus it has a possibility of being fatal to humans.

A flea can pass two common canine intestinal parasites to your pet: Dipylidium caninum and Taenia pisiformis. When a flea carries either of these tapeworms and is ingested by a dog, the tapeworm takes up residence in the GI tract. It will mature to adulthood in the small bowel. Next, these insidious organisms will shed their eggs in small segments, looking much like small piece of rice. These segments can be seen in the dog’s feces. Sometimes they can even be found attached to the adjacent tissues of the anus. Generally treatment consists of either an infection or oral treatment.

Coccidia are another type of organism that makes the lining of the small intestine home. The two most common types of corccidia are Eimeria and Isospora. Puppies most commonly contract this from contaminated food or feces. In many cases a dog’s immune system will squash these unwanted residents. However, sometimes treatment is necessary. Treatment usually involves antimicrobials that are bacteriostatic. This treatment halts the growth of the parasite and gives the immune system time to fight.

Canine intestinal parasites are no walk in the park. They are difficult to prevent, but in most cases easily treatable. Your veterinarian can be valuable in diagnosing an intestinal parasite.