Internal Parasites

All animals harbor internal parasites. Some of these parasites, such as the intestinal flora, are beneficial. Others, such as the protozoa and worms, can cause severe damage and even death, if left unchecked. Dogs come in for a share of these internal parasites. Of the two major types of internal parasites infesting dogs—worms and protozoa—worms are by far the most common and troublesome.

Every dog owner should know something about the life cycles of the various worms and protozoa and how these parasites enter the dog’s body. While there are treatments and drugs to expel these parasites, your dog can become reinfested at any time. Only by breaking up or destroying the life cycles of these parasites can reinfestation be prevented. Prevention, then, is your best weapon against internal parasites.

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