Approaching the topic of worms in our beloved dogs is not one we are particularly fond of. Truthfully, parasites and worms tend to give us a shivering wave over our bodies.
However, researchers have recently voiced their concerns that parasites in our dogs are rising at an alarming rate. These being mostly hookworm and heartworm.
The heartworm is a potentially lethal worm that grows up to a meter in length. It lives around the heart and in the blood vessels of our dogs. Research has shown that in recent years, the heartworm infection rates have gone up 15-20%, with approximately 66% of dogs in the United States having received no preventative treatment at all.
Overall, researchers say that they have noticed most pet parents do not deworm their dogs regularly. Some only treat them seasonally, or occasionally. The latest trends in worm patterns being recorded are that worms becoming more abundant in areas where they used to be minimally present. What researchers suspect is that the worms have moved with infected dogs and are spreading among them too.
The take-home message from researchers is that year-round parasite protection is really important. This is not exclusive to worms but includes ticks and fleas too. Parasites can be spread between canine and other animals (such as rabbits and rats), making it even more important to ensure your canine companion has been treated as up to date as possible. Researchers also say that caution must be taken with these products, as instructed, for maximum protection and safety in our precious pooches.
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