Parasites

Polka Dot Stools in Dogs: What Are Those White Things in My Dog’s Poop? Intestinal Parasites and When to See a Vet

If your dog’s poop looks like somebody just had a birthday party in their belly, somebody did. Those polka dots on your dog’s poop are cooties… in other words, parasites! Unfortunately, your dog’s polka dot stool will not look as cute as in this illustration. How fresh is the poop? If the pie isn’t freshly baked, the worms might not…

by Jana Rade edited by Dr. Joanna Paul BSc BVSc

A Primer On Intestinal Worms: Types, Symptoms, and Diagnosis of Intestinal Worms in Dogs

Intestinal worms in dogs are parasites that live in the digestive tract. They cause damage and rob your dog of needed nutrients. The damage they cause depends on the type and number of worms involved. In general, the adult worms that infect dogs cannot live in people. However, in rare cases, immature forms of these parasites can migrate through human…

by Dr. John A. Bukowski, DVM, and Dr. Susan E. Aiello, DVM

Drug-Resistant Canine Hookworms: Superworms not Responding to Treatment?

Drug-resistant infections are one of the veterinarians’ and dog parents’ worst nightmares. Hookworms worms are true blood-suckers. These common, tiny small intestinal parasites anchor themselves in the intestinal lining, feeding on blood. Despite their size, hookworms can ingest a surprisingly large amount of blood. Consequently, hookworm infestation can lead to anemia as well as inflammation of the intestine. How does…

by Jana Rade

Gastrointestinal Parasites in Dogs: Nero’s Spaghetti Diarrhea

Puppies contract intestinal worms through their mother’s milk. The parasites’ clever life requires multiple treatments to eliminate them from their system. The common intestinal parasites in dogs include: hookworms roundworms whipworms tapeworms In puppies, severe infestation can become a life-threatening problem. Depending on which parasite is ailing the puppy, symptoms might include: diarrhea vomiting excessive gas weight loss pot-bellied appearance…

by Jana Rade

Swollen Abdomen in a Puppy: Tilly’s Story

Of the top of your head, can you list three or more potential causes of a swollen abdomen in dogs? How about if the dog is a puppy? Tilly was a happy, active puppy. Nothing was obviously wrong with her except her pot belly. Maybe she was eating a bit too much? Maybe that’s how a puppy ought to look?…

by Jana Rade

Jana Rade

I am a graphic designer by day, dog health advocate, dog writer, member of the Dog Writers Association of America, and an award-winning author in my spare time. Jasmine, the Rottweiler of my life, was the largest female from her litter. We thought we were getting a healthy dog. Getting a puppy from a backyard breeder was our first mistake. Endless veterinary visits without a diagnosis or useful treatment later, I realized that I had to take Jasmine's health care into my own hands. I learned the hard way that simply seeing a vet is not always enough. There is more to finding a good vet than finding the closest clinic down the street. And, sadly, there is more to advocating for your dog's health than visiting a veterinarian. It should be enough, but it often is not. With Jasmine, it took five years to finally get a diagnosis for her initial issue. Unfortunately, other problems had snowballed for that in the meantime. Jasmine's health challenges became a crash course in understanding dog health issues and how to go about getting a proper diagnosis and treatment. I had to learn, and I had to learn fast. Helping others through my challenges and experience has become my mission and Jasmine's legacy. I now try to help people recognize and understand signs of illness in their dogs, how to work with their veterinarian, and when to seek a second opinion. My goal is to use 20 years of hard-earned experience to save others from the steep curve of having to learn things the hard way, as I did.

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