News You Can Use
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Parasites At Dog Parks by Sherri S . Cokefair , VMD , Calico Creek Vet Clinic
Over the last decade , there ' s been an increase in the number of dog parks developed . These outdoor , fenced in areas are a great place for dogs and their humans to play , exercise , and socialize . Although there are benefits to taking your dog to a dog park , there are also cons . There are obvious risks , such as fights , diseases , and injuries , but internal parasite exposure is one often not considered by dog owners . Parasites at dog parks are common . Research shows that nearly 90 % of dog parks studied in the U . S . had parasites in the stool samples , the most common being whipworms , giardia , and hookworms . Dogs can pick them up if they ingest eggs through contaminated soil , water , food , feces , or other objects . If your dog goes to a dog park and digs in the dirt , shares a water bowl or toys , they could be at risk for contracting internal parasites .
Giardia is not a worm or bacteria , it ' s a microscopic , single-celled parasite . It ' s spread through contaminated water and can be found at dog parks with wading pools , splash pads , and sprinklers . A common symptom of this infection is foul smelling diarrhea , but many dogs may not have any symptoms . Giardiasis is usually not life-threatening for healthy dogs .
Whipworms ( Trichuris Vulpis ) are an internal parasite that live in the large intestine of dogs . Wormlike and about 1 / 4 " long , an infection will cause bloody diarrhea and weight loss . Eggs can remain dormant for up to 5 years , increasing your dog ' s risk of re-infection . If your dog has been diagnosed with a whipworm infection , it can be treated with a dewormer .
Hookworms are a hook-shaped parasite that live in the soil . There are multiple ways a dog can get infected . Larvae can penetrate the dog ' s skin , if stepped on , and be passed from a pregnant female through the placenta to unborn puppies and also through her milk . The parasites attach to the intestinal lining of the host , causing gastrointestinal issues , like bloody diarrhea . As hookworms feed from their host , they inject a substance that prevents blood clotting . Once they detach , the feeding site continues to bleed , which can lead to anemia . Other symptoms may include weight loss .
It ' s not necessary to avoid dog parks to prevent your dog from picking up parasites . Precautions you can take can decrease the chances of your dog getting parasites . Keep your dog on a monthly preventative your veterinarian prescribes . Most internal parasites cannot be seen with the naked eye so have your dog ' s stool sample checked at their annual exam . Bring your own water dish to the park so your dog doesn ' t drink from a community bowl . Wash your dog ' s paws well after visiting a park . Don ' t let your dog come in contact with other dog ' s feces , clean up after your own dog , and encourage others to do the same . These things will make your dog less likely to get internal parasites .
Pawsitively Pets -- May
Around The Hydrant :
News You Can Use
Recalls :
Stratford Care USA , Inc : Recalling multiple brands of Omega-3 supplements due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin A , which can cause health problems and vitamin A toxicity if too much is ingested over a long period of time . The FDA recommends immediately discarding any remainder of this product in a way that no wildlife or other animals can get to it . Info : 877- 498-2002 . ( 3 / 13 / 23 )
Nestlé Purina PetCare Company : Expanding its voluntary recall of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental ( PPVD EL ) prescription dry dog food to two additional product lots , which precede the production dates of the previously recalled lots . Info : 1-800-345-5678 . ( 3 / 10 / 23 )
Nestlé Purina PetCare Company : Recalling a limited amount of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental ( PPVD EL ) prescription dry dog food due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D . This is a prescription-only product . Info : 800-345-5678 . ( 2 / 8 / 23 )
Nestlé Purina PetCare Company : Recalling a limited amount of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Low Fat prescription wet dog food due to a labeling error . It is safe to feed , but it is not the intended formula for dogs requiring a prescription low fat diet or who may have sensitivities to traditional diets or difficulty digesting fat . Info : 800-579-7733 . ( 12 / 2 / 22 )
Source : dogfoodadvisor . com , amva . org
Calico Creek Veterinary Clinic - Annual Rabies Clinic -
Wednesday , May 24th , from 4pm-6pm Dogs and cats only - $ 16 per pet
• Rabies vaccine ONLY ( no exams , vaccines etc .)
• Please bring proof of a previous rabies vaccine .
• No appts . - Walk ins only .
2967 Eagle Valley Road , Rt . 150 , Mill Hall