Intestinal Worms
Every Dog Gets Them
Your Doberman puppy’s first veterinary appointment will include examination of his stool for worms, so you should bring a fresh stool sample. If signs of a worm infection are found, the veterinarian will administer an oral treatment that will kill the worms which the puppy will soon pass.
Periodically, your Doberman should be check for a reoccurrence of these worms. Worms are easily spread, even by uninfected dogs. Worm eggs are also prevalent throughout the environment. Adult dogs can usually keep worms under control with their natural defenses, but sometimes need a little help.
To prevent intestinal worms, the Doberman owner should clean up after his dog. On walks he would always gather any dropping. The Doberman’s area of the yard should be cleaned up at least every other day and dispose of the dropping properly.
Also, the Doberman should be kept away from wild or stray animals and away from areas that they roam.
Roundworms (ascarids)
Roundworms are the most common intestinal parasite in dogs. Due to the roundworm’s life cycle, most puppies have them and require treatment to remove them. If not treated, the worms will absorb nutrients from the puppy which can cause weight loss and slow growth, and will interfere with digestion. Roundworms can also cause diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, anemia, dulling of the coat, intestinal damage, and can cause the puppy to form a pot-belly.
Continue....
Tapeworm
The most common tapeworm in dogs is the Dipylidium caninum. The life cycle of the Dipylidium tapeworm involves the flea. So, if fleas are not present around your Doberman, neither is tapeworm. However, if fleas are present, tapeworm is certain.
Continue....
Whipworms
Whipworms are thin, less than an inch long, and difficult to see without a microscope. Diagnosis must be done by a veterinarian using a fecal sample. They are also present throughout the United States.
Continue....
Hookworms
Hookworms are a common intestinal parasite, especially around livestock. They are small, between ½ and ¾ inches long. Despite their individual size, Hookworms infections are a serious, mainly in puppies.
Continue....
