Dogs will forever be the most loyal and loving companion of man. Dogs have made a lot of difference to human’s way of life because of the limitless supply of unconditional love they give to their human family. The precautionary measures being done by a dog owner to ensure the health of the pet is therefore understandable. Dogs are not only provided with enough nutritious food, regularly groomed and provided with the required opportunities to exercise. A dog owner concerned for the health of the pet would take time to bring the pet to the vet for its vaccinations. With all these precautionary measures, a dog would still get sick.

Dog owners would continuously be troubled with the pet’s worm infestation. Worm infestation cannot be totally avoided given the life style of these animals. Dog owners are aware that their pets are natural scavengers. Given the chance, dogs would raid trash cans, eat not only rotten food but their own and other dog’s feces as well. Would it be any wonder if the pampered and regularly groomed pet would still be infested with worms?

Although worm infestation can be easily treated, knowing if the pet is infested would be another matter. Some worms are vomited or excreted with the feces. Other types of worms cannot be seen thus an owner has to be alert to the signs that the dog has worms. Vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss and poor appetite are the common symptoms of worm infestation. Lethargy, pot bellied and a scurffy coat are telltale signs of worm infestation. Worm infestation must be treated as soon as signs are seen as severe infestation can snuff the life of the dog. Additionally, the worms can be transmitted to humans.

A fecal exam or a blood test would be necessary to determine the type of worm so that the appropriate worming medication can be administered. Over the counter worming medications are readily available. OTC medications would certainly have an effect but a cautious pet owner would always consult a vet.

Medications for animal health concerns are commonly body weight based so that it would be very easy to administer a wrong dosage that instead of curing the illness would cause the dog more harm. Also, you may be giving the pet the wrong medication. You can save on the vet’s PF if you administer OTC medications but what would be a few bucks if you can be sure that the life of the pet will be saved.

Still wonder what to do if your dog has worms? Find out more about this and first aid for dogs at Sarah’s Dogs.