The dog in world

12/11/12

Dog Trick : Respond to the Clicker

alldog360 recommends Clicker Training for your dog. This is a simple yet highly effective method, the average dog owner in mind. You don't need to know much about dog training to use this method.

Basically, you want to "catch" good behavior with the clicker. What this means is that you want to train your dog that whenever you click (which means he has done something good.) The way we train the dog to respond to the clicker is simply by clicking and immediately treating the dog. It won't take your dog long to understand that whenever he hears the clicker he'll get a treat. This is an essential step in clicker training your dog. Another term that we will use is jackpot. This is an extra reward that you give your dog, usually when he has done exceptionally well or performed the trick perfectly for the first time.

Step 1: Click and give your dog a treat.

Step 2: Repeat about 30 times. This teaches your dog to associate the click with the treat.

Step 3: To maintain this connection, it is important to follow the rule: Never click without treating and never treat without clicking. We have one exception to this important rule in the Come command

OUR EXPERIENCE

When I taught my dog Caspian to respond to the clicker, I did it over several training sessions. By the end of each five-minute session, he would always jerk his head toward me when he heard the sound of the clicker. Of course, I had to give him several training sessions to reinforce his learning.

TEACHING TROUBLE

Where Can I Find More Info On This Method?

Renowned dog trainer Karen Pryor has several books on the Clicker Training Method, which are great resources for any dog trainer, experienced or not.

Training for Dogs : Clicker

Clicker training first began development by Burrhus Frederic "B. F." Skinner, a Harvard psychology professor who made several scientific claims that jumpstarted the clicker training method, or rather the broader category called "Operant Conditioning."

According to the dictionary, operant conditioning is "the use of consequences to modify the occurrence and form of behavior." This means that whenever a subject performs an action, the the action will be reinforced either negatively or positively.

It was B.F Skinner's two understudies that started operant conditioning with animals. Their names were Marian and Keller Breland. While they worked for Dr. Skinner, they noticed how effective operant conditioning worked with animals. During World War Two, they started a company called "Animal Behavior Enterprises," training pigeons for use in the War. After that, they built the I.Q. Zoo, where they trained chickens to play tic-tac-toe, raccoons to play basketball, and ducks to play pianos and drums.

What does this have to do with me?

The Clicker Training Method is a method based on Operant Conditioning. All you have to do is reward your dog whenever it does the thing your are trying to teach it to do. For example, you catch your dog sitting, all you have to do is reward it then and there. Sounds pretty simple, right? But there's a problem: before you can even say "Good Boy," your dog's thoughts are elsewhere, making it difficult to make the dog quickly understand a trick. This is where the clicker comes in handy. This is just a small plastic box with a thin piece of metal on the inside. When you press the button, (or on some clickers, just press in the thin metal sheet), the device will make a sharp metallic click.

After just a few minutes of training, your dog can learn that whenever you click, it means "treat." The way to get the dog to learn this is simple: just click your clicker, and treat the dog. Do this several times, and pretty soon whenever you click, the dog will look around expectantly for a treat. Now whenever you catch your dog doing something that you want it to do, just click your clicker.

Benefits Of Using Clicker Training For Dogs

The really great thing about this method is that it is so satisfying. In only a few training sessions with the clicker, you will be able to see huge results. With clicker training, I was able to teach my dog to sit the very first day I got him. He was sitting on command at the end of the first five minute training session. Talk about results!

Another great thing about the clicker method is that anyone can train the dog, even children. Involving your children in animal training is both fun and educational. Because Clicker training is easy to use, lets your children be involved, and most importantly has huge results, it is one of the best training methods for animals today.

Worms in Dogs – 5 Important Things You Must Know

Dogs can often suffer from parasite infestations. They are targeted by fleas, ticks, worms and other parasitic creatures. Infestations can cause discomfort, illness and in severe cases even death. It’s important to take preventative measures to protect your animal from parasites. If your dog does become infested with worms or other parasites there are treatments available that can help.

Worms in dogs are very common and sometimes there will be no symptoms to warn you of an infestation, so it is important to ensure that your dog undergoes regular health checks. Some varieties of worm infestations can be easily detected by evidence in the dogs stool.

Types of Worms in Dogs

There are quite a few different types of worms that dogs can become infested with. The most commonly occurring worms in dogs are roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, heartworm and apeworm. There are two types of roundworms that occur often in dogs.

Roundworms are long and white and they look a bit like spaghetti. They may be seen in the vomit or in the stool of the dog.

Hookworms are very small thin worms that suck blood in the small intestine. Diagnosing hookworms in dogs involves examining the dogs stool under a microscope in order to identify eggs.

Adult whipworms look like minute pieces of thread that are larger at one end. They are not usually seen in the animals stool.

Heartworms usually enter animals body when they are injected by a mosquito. They are quite large and can block the passage of blood between the heart and the lungs. Diagnosis may involve a blood test, an ultrasound or another type of veterinary examination.

An entire tapeworm looks like it is made of brick like segments with a small head at one end. Diagnosis of these worms in dogs is usually made when tiny segments of the tapeworms are seen attached to the dog’s fur around the anus.

Symptoms

Symptoms of worms in dogs vary depending on the type of worm that is causing the infestation. Some symptoms are shared by all types of worm infestations and others indicate what type of worms a dog may have. Dogs who have worms may experience apathy and sluggishness this will cause the dog to be less active than usual. Worms in puppies can also cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Other things that signify that a dog has worms include drinking more water than usual, weight loss, stomach bloating, loss of appetite, persistent coughing and the presence of blood or mucous in stools. Dragging or scooting is common in dogs who are experiencing discomfort or itching.

Dogs who are at least eight weeks old can experience vomiting or diarrhoea if they have roundworm. The worms are usually visible in the vomit or stool. Puppies who are under eight weeks of age are in danger of dying from roundworm infestation. They will fail to develop in a healthy way. Dogs with worms of the roundworm variety will usually show no symptoms if they are over six months of age.

Specific symptoms of tapeworm in dogs include digestive symptoms such as gas and nausea, restlessness, abdominal pain and itching. Sometimes dogs with tapeworm exhibit no symptoms or very mild symptoms.

Prevention

There are some simple steps you can take in order to prevent dog worms. Worms can often spread via larvae that is present in faeces, hygienic practices such as picking up and disposing of dog faeces immediately can help prevent infestations and stop the worms spreading from one dog to another. Another good prevention technique is to ensure that you dog does not eat faeces, raw meat or animal carcasses.

Worm eggs and larvae can survive in the environment for quite a long time, so keeping your dog on a leash when you take it out for walks is a good idea. Asking your vet about a worm and parasite prevention program for your dog can protect against infestations. De-worm your dog regularly and be sure to de-worm any new dog that you bring into your home immediately. Ensure that your de-worming program is sufficient to protect against all different types of worms in dogs.

Treatment

Worms in dogs are treated by first evaluating the severity of the infestation and determining what type of worm is involved. A thorough examination of the dog by a veterinarian will indicate what the best course of action will be in treating the dog. Potential risks and the overall health of the dog will be taken into account.

Roundworms are treated with medications, your vetinarian can recommend a medication that is best for your dog. The medications available are only effective in treating adult worms, so the treatment will need to be used more than once in order to ensure that it is complete.

Hookworm in dogs is also treated with medications. There are several different medicated treatments available. Most dogs do respond well to treatments, however it is a good idea to visit your veterinarian after treatment is complete to ensure that all traces of infestation have been removed.

Nearly all common worming medications are effective in treating whipworm. As with all medicated worming treatments you will need to be diligent in ensuring that the infestation is completely annulled before ceasing treatment.

Tapeworm can be effectively treated by one dose of a drug. The treatment is very effective and will kill the tapeworm without causing side effects of any kind.

The most commonly used treatment for heartworm infestations is a course of injections. Drugs called adulticides will be injected into the dogs muscle. This treatment can require hospitalisation in extreme cases, however the success rate of the treatment is very high.

Home Remedies

It has been claimed by some pet owners that chewing tobacco can be used to kill parasites quickly. Others have said that adding a very small amount of ground cloves to a dogs food each day is a good preventative measure. Doses of wormwood and tinctures of black walnut hull are often used to treat parasites and worms in dogs.

Human can atch Worms from Dogs

Can Children or Humans Catch Worms from Dogs and Cats?

Catching worms from the family pet is not common but you should be aware of the possibility.

Infants and small children are more susceptible to catching worms from pets as they have immature immune systems and often poor hygiene.

Humans can catch worms from the family dog or cat so it is important to teach your children to wash their hands before eating. Equally important is to regularly treat your pets for worms.

Can humans especially children catch Roundworms from dogs?

Roundworm are the most common parasite of the digestive system in cats and dogs. Roundworm can only spread to humans by ingesting roundworm eggs. This can happen when a child comes in contact with contaminated soil or sand and then transfers eggs to the mouth via contaminated fingers or by putting contaminated objects in their mouths.

Visceral larva migrans, is a disease caused by roundworm that can affect humans.

Visceral larva migrans also known as Toxocariasis is a potentially serious disease that can affect the eyes and other organs. The disease is caused by Toxocara canis (dog roundworm) which lives in the intestine of dogs and Toxcara cati (cat roundworm) which lives in the intestine of cats. Dogs have been known to be infected with Toxcara Cati after eating the feces of cats.

After the eggs are inadvertently eaten they hatch in the human intestine. The larvae from these eggs are then released into the bloodstream and find their way to all parts of the body, including the liver, lungs, heart, brain and eyes.

Most human patients are children between the ages of two and four years, who become infected after playing in sandboxes or soil contaminated by pet feces. The eggs can survive in soil for as long as seven years.

Toxocariasis can be prevented by keeping children from playing in soil contaminated by animal feces and by teaching children to wash their hands before eating. Toxocara eggs can only become infective if they have been in the environment for approximately two weeks, so direct contact with an infected animal generally does not result in transmission.

Can humans or especially children catch Hookworm from pets?

Hookworm is an intestinal parasite found in cats and dogs but is more common in dogs. Hookworm are most commonly found in tropical and subtropical areas. In animals the hookworm attaches to the inside of the intestinal wall by means of a hook-like mouth and feed on the blood of the host. The eggs are excreted in the animals feces.

Hookworm is transmissible to humans via soil contaminated by cat or dog feces. Hookworm eggs are deposited into the soil. The larvae which hatch from the eggs can infect a human either by ingestion or by penetrating the skin. In skin penetration humans can develop into a characteristic itchy rash called cutaneous larva migrans, or creeping eruption. The rash can take the form of a snake-like tract with blisters which is caused by the hookworm larvae traveling under the skin. In humans when the hookworm enters via the skin it does not find it's way to the intestines.

Children or adults can become infected through the soles of their feet by walking barefoot in a hookworm infected area or on the buttocks by sitting in a infected area.

Can Ringworm spread from dogs and cats to humans or especially children?

Ringworm on a human

Contrary to its name Ringworm is not a worm at all but a fungus called Dermatophytes. Dermaphtytes means 'plants that live on the skin'.

The fungi cause circular lesions on the skin.

Ringworm is very contagious and can spread from cats, dogs and other animals to humans and visa versa.

Threadworm (also known as pinworm) are so called because they look like pieces of white cotton thread in the child's feces.

Threadworm are NOT caught from dogs and cats. The most likely transmission of threadworm is from other children.

Dog Tapeworm transmitted to Humans

Dipylidium Caninum is the most common tapeworm in dogs and cats. It is not common for a human to become infected with tapeworms from dogs or cats.

In order for a human to become infected with Dipylidium Caninum they must ingest an infected flea and this doesn't happen often. Pets on the other hand often ingest fleas whilst grooming.

Can you catch heartworm your dog?

No. Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes not dogs or cats. Humans are not a natural host for heartworm.

The importance of worm control in Cats and Dogs

Intestinal Worms in Dogs (and Cats)

Learn about the different types of worms in dogs (and cats) here ... roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, whipworms. Your veterinarian can check your pet's stool sample to be certain pets do not harbor intestinal parasites such as you see here.

Worms in Dogs (and Cats)!

Why does the veterinarian want to check a stool sample? Dogs (and cats) are victims of several internal parasites frequently referred to as worms. The most common are the roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms. Of these four only two are commonly seen in the stool with the unaided eye: roundworms and tapeworms.

Most worm infestations cause any or all of these symptoms: diarrhea, perhaps with blood; weight loss; dry hair; general poor appearance; and vomiting, perhaps with worms in the vomit. However, some infestations cause few or no symptoms; in fact some worm eggs or larvae can be dormant in the dog's body and activated only in times of stress, or in the case of roundworms and hookworms, until the later stages of pregnancy when they activate and infest the soon-to-be-born puppies and kittens.

Look at the photo on the right and you can see that roundworms can assume different sizes. Tapeworms, meanwhile, will not be seen externally; in fact, all you might see in the stool or attached to the fur would be the small segments that detach from the end of the tapeworm. Hooks and whips are also so small that they seldom are seen in the stool.

This is precisely why a stool sample is often required in order to discover which parasite is present; the presence of these worms' eggs can often only be detected microscopically.

Keep in mind that it is the goal of each parasite to stay in the safety of the intestinal tract; if they come out, they'll die! They don't want to be detected!

Let's examine each type of worm individually:

Parasite Eggs, As Seen Under the Microscope in a Stool Sample

Roundworms

A large percentage of puppies (and kittens) are born with microscopically small roundworm, or ascarid, larvae in their tissues. The larvae is introduced to the developing pup (or kitten) right in the mother's uterus -- via migration through the mother's tissues!

Roundworm larvae can also be transferred to the nursing pup or kitten from the mother's milk. The larvae make their way to the intestinal tract where they can grow up to five inches in length. They start shedding eggs and try desperately to keep house in the small intestine of the pup (or kitten).

The eggs that the adult worms pass in the stool can now reinfest the animal or other dogs and cats if somehow the egg-bearing stool is eaten. When the worm eggs hatch, larvae are released internally to migrate to the animal's lungs where the larvae (remember, the larvae are microscopic in size) are finally coughed up, swallowed, and finally grow up to adults in the small intestine.

Female roundworms can produce 200,000 eggs in just one day. These eggs are protected by a hard shell, which enables them to exist in soil for up to years. Puppies (and kuttens) with active roundworms in the intestines often have a pot-bellied appearance and poor growth. The worms may be seen in vomit or stool. If not treated in time, a severe infestation can cause death by intestinal blockage.

Roundworms don't just affect young pups (or kittens), though. They can infest adult dogs and cats, too. However, as mentioned above, the larvae can encyst in body tissue of adult dogs and cats, remain dormant for periods of time, and can activate during the last stages of pregnancy to infest the puppies and kittens.

Worming the mother has no effect on the encysted larvae in the body tissues and cannot prevent the worms from infecting the newborn. Almost all wormers work only on the adult parasites in the intestinal tract.

Whipworms

This parasite is more often seen in dogs than cats. Adult whipworms, although seldom seen in the stool, look like tiny pieces of thread, with one end enlarged. They live in the cecum, the first section of the dog's large intestine. Infestations are usually difficult to prove since the whipworms shed comparatively few eggs; so an examination of even several stool samples may not reveal the presence of whipworms.

If a dog is presented with chronic weight loss and passes stool that seems to have a covering of mucous (especially the last portion of stool the dog passes), and lives in a kennel situation or an area where whipworms are prevalent, the veterinarian may prescribe a whipworm medication based upon circumstantial evidence.

Although they seldom cause a dog's death, whipworms are a real nuisance for the dog and can be a problem for the veterinarian to diagnose.

Hookworms

These are also much more common in dogs than in cats. They are very small, thin worms that fasten to the wall of the small intestine and suck blood. Dogs get hookworms from larval migration in the uterus, from contact with the larvae in stool-contaminated soil, or from ingesting the eggs after birth. As with roundworms, the hookworm larvae can also be transferred to the nursing pup from the mother's milk.

A severe hookworm infestation can kill puppies, often making them severely anemic from the loss of blood to the hookworms' vampire-like activities! Chronic hookworm infestation is a common cause of illness in older dogs, often demonstrated as poor stamina, feed efficiency and weight maintenance. Other signs include bloody diarrhea, weight loss, anemia, and progressive weakness. Diagnosis is made by examining the feces for eggs under a microscope.

Tapeworms

The tapeworm is transmitted to dogs (and cats) that ingest fleas -- as apparently fleas think tapeworm eggs are real tasty -- or hunt and eat wildlife or rodents infested with tapeworms or fleas. If you were to see an entire tapeworm you would notice that they are arranged with a small head at one end and many tiny brick-like repeating segments making up the rest of the worm.

Tapeworms can reach 4 to 6 inches in length within the intestine. Each tapeworm may have as many as 90 segments (!), though it is the last segments in the chain that are released from the worm that can be seen in the stool or, as seen in the photo on the right, attached to the fur under the pet's tail.

Many cases are diagnosed simply by seeing these tiny terminal segments attached to the pet's fur around the anus or under the tail; they even move around a bit shortly after they are passed and before they dry up and look like little grains of rice or confetti. It also these segments of the tapeworm which contain the eggs.

Tapeworms cannot be killed by the typical generic, over-the-counter wormers. So don't waste your time and money on non-prescription medication, see a veterinarian for a treatment that actually works.

Why should the veterinarian check a stool sample?

Early diagnosis for the presence and type of intestinal parasite is vital. To do this the stool (only about a teaspoonful is needed) is mixed with a special solution, which makes the microscopic eggs more visible. Many veterinarians include the stool check as part of the annual health examination. (Note: Tapeworm eggs do NOT show up well in routine fecal analyses! Tell your veterinarian if you spot these rice-like segments in the stool or caught in the fur under the tail.)

What is a Dewormer Solution?

A derwormer solution is used to rid your pet of worms. The type of dewormer solutiion will depend on the type of worm present. Not all worms respond to the same treatment and no single wormer works against all kinds of parasites.

Additionally, some non-prescription wormers are quite ineffective in removing worms from the dog or cat. Your veterinarian will have available for you the best kinds of wormers for the particular type of parasite your pet has.

Prevention

If you allow the dog to eliminate in the backyard, remove feces at least once a week. It also important you watch where your dog goes in the neighborhood dog park; these are often infested with intestinal worm larvae.

Use the correct wormer under veterinary supervision, and have the dog's feces checked frequently in persistent cases. Do not mix wormers and do not use any wormer if your dog is currently taking any other medication, including heartworm preventative, without consulting the veterinarian.

In the case of persistent reinfestations, some veterinarians will prescribe worming treatments on a routine basis all year long. Generally, prescription wormers will be safer and more effective (although often more expensive) than over-the-counter worm medications.

Do worms affect humans?

CAUTION! Intestinal parasites of dogs and cats are potential health hazards for humans, too. If hookworm larvae penetrate the skin they can cause "cutaneous larval migrans", a potentially serious and scarring inflammation results.

For example, ascarid (roundworm) eggs, if ingested, can cause a disease called "visceral larval migrans" where tiny worm larvae migrate through the person's intestinal wall and into the body tissues. They then grow to larger size almost anywhere in the body. Ocular disease is a common sequel "visceral larval migrans".

Children are at most serious risk especially if play behavior is in an environment where dog, cat, or raccoon feces may be present... such as in a sandbox. A single adult Toxicara canis female can shed up to 100,000 eggs a day which pass into the dog (or cat's) environment with the stool.

Please take the worming advice of your veterinarian seriously and adhere to strict sanitation principles whenever pets and children are in close contact.

Worms in Dogs

Worms are one of the most common health problems for dogs. There are five types of worms that generally affect dogs: heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. Certain types of worms are easier to spot than others. For example, if your dog picks up a tapeworm, it’s common to see what resembles grains of rice in its stool. Heartworms, on the other hand, are harder to diagnose and an infected dog will often show only subtle symptoms until the disease has progressed to a more advanced stage.

Here are the 11 most common symptoms of worms in dogs:

1. Dog Coughing

One of the advanced stage symptoms of heartworms in a dog is coughing. Dogs with hookworms and roundworms may also develop a cough.

2. Dog Vomiting

Dogs that have worms will often throw up. Roundworms can sometimes show up in a dog’s vomit.

3. Diarrhea in Dogs

Soft stools and canine diarrhea can be the result of worms. In addition to diarrhea, dogs with hookworms may have blood in their stools.

4. Low Energy Dogs

Dogs that are lethargic and less active than normal may be showing symptoms of having worms.

5. Pot Bellied Appearance

If your dog starts to appear pot bellied or bloated, it may have contracted worms. This is commonly seen in puppies that have picked up worms from their mother.

6. Dog’s Change in Appetite

If you notice a sudden change in your dog’s appetite, he may have come into contact with roundworms. Dogs that are infected often lose their appetite. As worms steal a dog’s nutrients, a dog with worms may also show a sudden increase in hunger.

7. Dog Losing Weight

If your dog shows signs of rapid weight loss, he may have a tapeworm or a whipworm.

8. Dull Coat

A healthy dog should have a shiny thick coat. If your dog’s coat begins to dull and dry out, he may have picked up a form of worms. Loss of hair or the appearance of rashes can also denote worms.

9. Dog Itching and Signs of Skin Irritations

Dogs that show signs of skin irritation may have a severe infestation of worms.

10. Dog Rubbing Its Bottom on the Ground “Scooting”

While this can often be caused by problems with the anal glands, dogs with worms will occasionally rub their rear ends on the floor in order to relieve themselves of the itch due to worms in the area.

11. Visible Worms in Fur or Fecal Matter

Some worms, such as tapeworms may appear as small moving segments in the fur or area around dog’s anus. Roundworms can often be seen in a dog’s stools.

If left untreated, worms can damage your dog’s internal organs and lead to loss of consciousness and death. If you suspect that your dog has worms, take it to your nearest veterinary office. Most worms are easy to treat and your veterinarian will prescribe a medication based on the diagnosis.

The best way to keep your dogs safe is to make sure they use a monthly heartworm disease preventive year round

How to treat your dog's worms

How to tell if your dog has worms

Worms are one of the most common health problems for dog, but, fortunately, also very treatable. Therefore, it is important for you to learn how to tell if your dog has worms and obtain the appropriate medication.

I will go over how to know if your dog has worms, what you should do if you find worms, and how you can prevent worms.

CONTENTS AT A GLANCE

Signs telling you that your dog has worm...
Why your dog might have worms
How do you know if your dog has somethin...
What kind of worms can your dog have?
What to do if your dog has worms
How to select a dewormer

Signs telling you that your dog has worms

Common symptons to watch out for

Since your dog can't speak English well, YOU need to be diligent in watching out for your dog and noticing any unusual signs. Here are some common ways to tell if your dog has worms.

Visible worms or eggs in fecal matter - This is the most common way to confirm that your dog has worms. However, not all kinds of worms are visible in fecal matter to the naked eye.
Visible worms in fur, or area around dog's rear - Tapeworms, in particular, may appear as small moving segments, which later dry out to resemble grains of rice.
Scratching or rubbing of rear on the ground or against furniture - if your dog shows signs of itchiness around the rear, it may be irritated by worms in the area. However, this could also be due to problems with glands unrelated to worms.
Vomiting with visible worms - if your dog has worms, you may also see them in your dog's vomit.
Bloated stomach or belly - This is another common symptom of worms, often seen in puppies who receive worms from their mother.
Weakness, increased appetite, constant hunger, weight loss - If your dog has worms, the worms are stealing your dog's nutrition. Your dog may be weak or constantly hungry, and in severe cases, may be losing weight.
Diarrhea, particularly with blood in it.

Why your dog might have worms

When your dog is at risk

Newly born puppies - roundworm eggs can form cysts in adult dogs that remain dormant. These eggs CANNOT be removed by medication. When a female dog is pregnant, these dormant eggs will activate and infect the puppies.The mother's milk can also pass roundworms to puppies.
Contact with infected dirt - roundworm eggs and hookworm larvae can reside in dirt. If you dog comes in contact with infected dirt, your dog may have worms.
Fleas - young tapeworms can reside in fleas. If your dog swallows fleas while grooming, your dog will ingest tapeworms and be infected.
Hunting or eating wildlife - wild animals may carry worms, including tapeworms residing in fleas on wild animals. If your dog hunts or eats wildlife, your dog may swallow worms.

How do you know if your dog has something besides worms?

A dog owner's guide to diagnosis and treatment

Some of the symptoms for worms, such as stomach irritation, can be confused with other health problems. Keeping your dog healthy means you need to be alert to warning signs for a range or problems, not just worms. You can always bring your dog to the veterinarian, but the first line of defense, is YOU, the dog owner at HOME, not the veterinarian's office.

In addition, medication can have side effects, and some dogs react poorly to medicines prescribed by the veterinarian. Even after you visit the veterinarian, you need to carefully observe your dog and know when there is another problem.

If you are interested in learning how to take care of your dog's health from home, and what health problems to look out for, I recommend that you devote some time to learning about dog health issues. This means a lot of reading, at least in the beginning! You can ask your veterinarian to recommend literature. Easy-to-read, but reputable, magazines are also a great source of health information.

What kind of worms can your dog have?

How to tell the difference between worms.

Below are symptoms and risks for worm infections, grouped by the kind of worm.

Roundworms - roundworms can grow up to half a foot in length and live in the intestines. They should be visible as small noodle-like bits in fecal matter and cause swollen bellies. Roundworms are a big problem with puppies.
Hookworms - hookworms are thin, small worms that "bite" or "hook" into the intestinal wall. They are not always visible by eye, which means a microscope examination is needed to observe eggs in fecal matter. Hookworms can cause bleeding because of their biting, which results in bloody stools or anemia.
Tapeworms - tapeworms are flat, long worms that live in the intestines. Segments of the tapeworm breaking off are visible to the naked eye as rice-like grains after drying out.
Heartworms - heartworms are one of the most dangerous worms because they cannot be easily detected. Heartworms can be spread by mosquitoes. Heartworms damage the heart muscle and require a blood test to detect. Heart damage can be fatal, and you will only see other symptoms such as weakness or dull fur after heart damage has already occurred. It is absolutely necessary to keep your dog on a heartworm preventive medicine.
Whipworms - whipworms are thin, thread like worms living in the large intestine. Adults may be visible by the naked eye, but fecal matter does not contain many worms, so they may be difficult to detect. A microscope examination of several fecal samples may be necessary to detect them. Whipworms are one of the most difficult worms to eliminate, but they are treatable.

What to do if your dog has worms

How to treat your dog

If you think your dog has worms, safe and effective treatments are readily available.

For the most common types of worms, including heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms, there are all-in-one medications for your dog in flavored chewable tablets. For example, Iverhart Max

tablets are useful for treating all four of these conditions and includes three active ingredients: ivermectin to prevent heartworm, pyrantel pamoate to treat roundworms and hookworms, and praziquantel to treat tapeworms.

Since this kind of medication covers all the major worm types, it is a very convenient multi-purpose medication for the average dog owner. You need to determine the correct dosage based on your dog's weight, but most of these medications require one tablet a month.

How to select a dewormer

Guide to petmeds for dog worms

If you know what kind of worm your dog has, you can find the correct medication available from discount online stores. Just make sure to check the ingredient and usage label to determine activity against a specific kind of worm. Common ingredients are listed below. Many convenient formulations which mix multiple ingredients are also available. In some cases, a prescription may be necessary.

Ivermectin - prevention of heartworm
Pyrantel pamoate - treatment of hookworms and roundworms
Selamectin - treatment or prevention of heartworms, prevention of hookworms and roundworms
Milbemycin oxime - prevention of heartworms, treatment of hookworms, roundworms, and some whipworms
Paziquantel - treatment of tapeworms

How to make sure your dog does not get worms

The best treatment is prevention

Because worms are effectively treated with medication, it is important to keep you dog on a worm prevention treatment. Heartworm, in particular, can be fatal, and is preventable with monthly tablets. The same tablets can also help prevent other worms. For example, Iverhart makes a preventive tablet labeled Iverhart Plus, which contains only ivermectin for prevention of heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms.

Preventive measures are the best way to deal with worms BEFORE your dog has health problems. By taking this simple measure, you can help keep your dog happy and healthy.