Your dog’s body is a prime habitat for parasites such as worms and heartworms. Puppies can become exposed to worms from their mother or by playing in a new environment, while older dogs can contract worms by sniffing and eating foreign objects.

Worms and heartworms can be prevented with routine vet checkups, heartworm medications, and an effort on your part to prevent your dog from eating feces. However, these methods alone won’t guarantee lifelong health. If your dog has worms or heartworms, they need to be dewormed.

Below are a few vet-approved tips for these dreaded parasites.

How to Get Rid of Worms

If your dog has worms, they are likely tapeworms, hookworms, or whipworms. These critters live in your pup’s intestines and may cause them to lose a significant amount of weight over a short period. Other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, and licking under the tail.

If you believe your dog has worms, ask your vet when scheduling your next pet wellness exam. If you can, bring in a sample of your dog’s stool. Once your vet confirms your dog has worms and identifies the species, they can begin treatment. Potential solutions include a shot or oral medication that kills worms and other parasites living in your dog’s intestines.

How to Get Rid of Heartworms

Compared to worms, heartworms are far more dangerous to your dog’s health, and they are also harder to eliminate. These parasites can grow up to a foot in length, infecting your dog’s heart, lungs, and blood vessels. If your furry friend has heartworms, your veterinarian will administer X-rays, blood work, and a series of shots, antibiotics, and anti-heartworm medications. Your dog may receive these medications for three to six months, so it’s crucial to stick to the schedule prescribed by your vet.

During this time, minimize your dog’s physical activity, as heartworm medications can be dangerous to pets that come under too much stress. After the six months are up, your vet will run more blood work. If the heartworms are gone, your pooch will be cleared for play. However, they may need to continue taking heartworm medications for the rest of their life.

If you’re looking for a compassionate vet in Kentucky, visit Florence Veterinary Hospital. For over 30 years, this pet hospital has provided local animals with high-quality care—from deworming treatments to spay and neuter procedures. To learn more, visit them online, or call (859) 371-6501 to make an appointment.