Often parasites take valuable nutrients that your pet needs, leaving them malnourished. In some cases, parasites can even spread diseases that can be life threatening. The tick, for example, is known to transmit at least 7 major diseases to dogs in the United States (“Canine Tick-Borne Disease”).
How do parasites affect animals?
Internal parasites often interfere with digestion and assimilation of food, causing poor growth, temporary or permanent injuries, or death. Both external and internal parasites may weaken an animal's immune system and create conditions favorable to bacterial disease. In severe cases, these diseases can also be deadly.
Why is it important to prevent parasites in dogs?
We recommend that every pet have a fecal checked for intestinal parasites yearly. One major reason for this is that intestinal parasites can harm your pets by decreasing their ability to absorb nutrients, causing vomiting or diarrhea, or even damaging their intestines.
How does a parasite affect a dog?
Intestinal parasites can cause malnutrition, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and anemia.
Are parasites life threatening to dogs?
In adult dogs, however, intestinal parasites are only occasionally life-threatening. Debilitated animals or those that have a weakened immune system are more likely to experience severe intestinal parasitism and show clinical signs due to their worms. "Intestinal worms can be a serious problem in young puppies."
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