There are five types of worms that can be found in puppies. Among the five types of worms, roundworms are the most common. Roundworms are circular and tubular in shape. Generally they are 2-4 inches in size but it can grow up to 7 inches in a short period of time. There are two common types of roundworms: Toxascaris leonina and Toxacara canis.

Roundworms are parasites that are passed to the puppy in the womb through egg or larvae. They can also be passed to the puppies though the milk of the mother. Aside from this, puppies can also get roundworms if they get close to the feces of an animal with the said parasite or through the feces of their mother. Consuming prey infected with roundworms can make the puppies acquire the infection as well. The larvae moves through the liver, then to the muscles, then to the lungs and then to the puppies’ intestines where they feed on the partially digested food.

If infected with roundworms, puppies may have trouble in swallowing and urinating. The symptoms of roundworm infestation include frequent vomiting, weight loss, diarrhea, dry or dull hair, bloated stomach and loss of appetite. If the puppies are not de-wormed immediately, the infestation may lead to the puppies’ demise.

De-worming of puppies that are about 3 weeks old is essential since their body resistance is low and this might cause for roundworm infestation. There are medicines that can control roundworms; these are Fendendaole, Pyrantel and Piperazine. However, these medicines can cause serious side effects to puppies. Thus, it is highly recommended to seek the opinion of your veterinarian first before giving your puppy anything. Puppies eventually develop resistance to any infection when they are already 6 months old.

The veterinarian usually does microscopic exam on the puppy’s stool to determine the presence of roundworms. After that, he/she will give the necessary prescription for the puppy. The treatment for roundworms do not kill the parasites, it will just remove the parasite from the puppy’s body by its stool. The treatment for roundworms can last for two months for there are instances that the roundworms’ larvae are still inside the puppy’s intestines.

Homeopathy is one kind of treatment that is considered to be safe. This is done my mixing – to 2 cloves of chopped fresh garlic and grated carrots to the puppies’ meal. Oat barns can also be used instead of grated carrots. Also, wash and disinfect the area where the puppies usually defecate with a mixture of bleach and water.

The treatment for roundworm infestation can be a big job, thus, it is really best to follow proper dog care steps to keep the symptoms at bay. Ensure to check your puppy’s body to see if there are other parasites living off its body. Dispose the puppy’s food immediately if it does not want to eat it. Never leave the food open for a long time and disinfect the surroundings. Deworming your pregnant dog during the latter stages of pregnancy can also help lessen the roundworm infection on its puppies. Keep in mind to deworm your puppy as and when it is needed. Keep your puppies from the places where other dogs do their bowel movements and dispose your puppies’ feces properly. Roundworms and other dog worms can also infect humans, thus, proper dog care and hygiene is vital.

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Neutering is the removal of an animal’s reproductive organs. In male dogs, it refers to castration, a process during which the testicles are removed. In female canines, it refers to spaying, which involves the removal of the uterus and ovaries. Many owners refuse or neglect to neuter their pets. But there are several advantages to doing so, including health benefits that may extend the life of your dog.

In this article, we’ll provide a brief list of the most important reasons to have your pet neutered. You’ll discover that doing so will not only benefit your canine, but will make him a more pleasant companion for you and your family.

Reduced Tendency To Roam

Male dogs that are left intact are more inclined to roam in search of mating partners. In the wild, this behavior is natural and unlikely to result in injury or death. In the city, however, they may wander into streets and become injured by drivers who are unable to avoid hitting them.

Neutering reduces your pet’s tendency to roam. This in turn reduces the likelihood he’ll leave your property and become injured.

Fewer Prostate-Related Issues

Unneutered dogs are more susceptible to problems related to their prostates as they age. In most cases, this involves enlargement of the gland, which can make it more difficult for your pet to urinate. Sometimes, the gland can become infected, or a mass will begin to develop and grow. On rare occasions, intact canines cope with prostate cancer.

Castration of male canines sharply reduces the risk of prostate issues. Such problems can still occur, but they are much less likely in neutered pets.

Less Aggression

An intact dog is more likely to display aggressive behavior toward other male canines. The reason is believed to be due to testosterone, which surges through their bodies. It drives them to compete for female mating partners, and may even extend toward protection of their territory.

This behavior declines in most dogs following castration. Because they are less inclined to aggressively confront other canines, they are less likely to fight and become injured.

Less Inclination To Mark Territory

Your pet, if left unneutered, may mark territory that he considers his own. This may include bushes and trees in the neighborhood, or your garden, yard, and house. Urine marking is common among all dogs, but more so with those that are intact.

Many experts believe marking behavior may be due to testosterone. As with aggression, canines may be more motivated to claim territory they believe is their own. Neutering your pet may help curb the behavior.

Removes Risk Of Testicular Cancer

When intact dogs reach five years of age, the risk of testicular cancer rises significantly. Tumors may form inside the testicles, which places the animal’s life in danger. Neutering your male pet eliminates this risk, and thus helps prolong his life.

Helps Reduce The Problem Of Overpopulation

Sadly, millions of canines are euthanized each year due to overpopulation. Many become lost while others are simply abandoned by their owners. Animal shelters often lack the space to take them in, leaving few alternatives to euthanization.

One of the reasons there are so many dogs is because owners neglect to have their pets neutered. This leads to roaming and breeding, which results in overpopulation. By having your male pet castrated, you’ll eliminate his contribution to this growing problem.

Dispelling Common Myths About Neutering

A lot of owners refuse to have their canines neutered because they fear doing so will lead to undesirable consequences. In most cases, however, these presumed consequences are based on fallacies. For example, some believe castration leads to weight problems, apathy, and personality changes. Issues involving weight are entirely under the control of the owner. Canines become less active with age, and their diets should be modified to accommodate their energy levels.

A castrated dog does not become apathetic due to being neutered. He may be less inclined to roam, but his energy level should remain consistent. Your pet will still want to play and enjoy walks with you.

Regarding personality, there may be changes due to less aggression. But most owners welcome such changes since aggressive behavior is often problematic.

There are many compelling reasons to have your dog neutered, and very few reasons to choose otherwise. In the end, you’ll improve his quality of life, and likely extend his lifespan.

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Epilepsy in dogs can be an inherited trait or it may be brought on by preservatives in the type of dog food they are eating. Certain breeds have a slightly higher percentage for risk of the condition than others. It is possible that a dog may have one of three different types of the condition. Most canine epilepsy can be treated with diet change, the proper medications and periodic liver enzyme testing.

A certain genetic basis for seizures has actual been proven in the breeds of Beagles, German Shepherds, Dachshunds, Belgian Tervurens and Keeshonds. There is some evidence that suggests that the English Springer Spaniel may also be predisposed genetically. The condition is quite common in dogs and even when not inherited, they may develop it over the course of their lifetime. Seizures have been linked to conditions related to the thyroid as well and this should be tested initially at diagnosis.

Changing the dogs diet is going to be the first and one of the best courses of treatment to avoid preservatives that are likely to be causing the problem. For breeds that are at particularly high risk anyway, foods that contain preservatives should be avoided from the beginning to eliminate the development of the condition. Check labels closely regarding preservatives in food; it will be clear on packaging.

The three various type of epilepsy that may occur with canines are reactive, secondary and primary. Seizures labeled as reactive involve the metabolic system. These are always related to either low blood sugar, kidney failure or liver failure.

Secondary refers to symptomatic and is labeled this way because the cause is actually known. The problem is most likely related to stroke or tumors located within the brain. Many times these types of seizures will occur after a particular trauma.

Primary or idiopathic seizures are labeled as such due to having no known cause. This diagnosis is reached when all other probable conditions have been completely eliminated. These are likely to begin in dogs that are in the age group of one and three.

Different types of seizures present and they can last for different time lengths and at various intensity levels. A petit mal is considered mild and may be brief and only result in a brief moment of looking upward or staring while the grand mal is moderate and can last for as long as three minutes with a possible loss of consciousness. Status epilepticus and cluster seizures are difficult to differentiate between and both are considered life threatening. They can go on for long periods with loss of consciousness and then return.

Many medications are available for the treatment of seizures including Phenobarbital, potassium bromide and Valium. When Phenobarbital is being used as the medication of choice, it is necessary to monitor the liver functions closely to avoid liver damage. Should the liver become damaged, the pet will be changed to a medication of potassium bromide for continued treatment. Valium is usually reserved for status epilepticus and cluster seizures and is given either by injection, rectally or orally. Over the counter medications can be used to comfort the animal after seizures to assist with faster recover time; consult a veterinarian about which types are best to use for treatment of canine epilepsy for a particular pet.

Sandra DeMers is the author of Cory’s Story, the story of how one dog conquered canine epilepsy that will absolutely AMAZE you. Visit her website for a wealth of knowledge and resources for seizures in dogs.