Internal parasites are a common problem in domestic animals. Some owners do not notice internal parasites at all, while others see small white threads, white granules or plaques in their animals' feces. Some animals also vomit worms. When the alarm occurs, the owners are naturally interested in how to eliminate internal parasites. In the following, we will describe all the symptoms, treatment options and prevention of this annoying problem.

Internal parasites or parasites in the gastrointestinal tract of our pets are as common as ticks and fleas. There can be different forms of parasites, from small worms to meter-long tapeworms. The worms are white, 5-12 cm long. The most common tapeworm in dogs and cats is 20-70 cm in size, whitish-yellow in color and moving. They can be seen in the stool or stick to the hair around the anus and cause itching. The animal constantly licks around the butt opening or slides behind. She is often nervous and restless.

They have a very negative effect on the immune system and make the animal more susceptible to infections. However, certain internal parasites can also be transmitted to humans. Infection usually occurs when they ingest parasite eggs that enter the environment with faeces. It is a very important preventive measure, regularly cleaning up animal excrement and maintaining proper hygiene (hand washing).

Young animals and problems related to parasites

• lag behind in growth and development
• they lose weight
• they are anemic
• indigestion occurs
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• sadness
• increased
• a taut stomach
• decreased appetite
• pale mucous membranes
• soft mud
• the skin is inelastic, without shine, wrinkled
• spasms occasionally occur

How often to eliminate internal parasites?

Every animal, regardless of age, is dewormed before vaccination, in this way we ensure that the organism can respond well to the vaccine. The general rule is that we give preparations against internal parasites to adult animals at least 3-4 times a year. It is crucial to eliminate fleas as well, as they are intermediate hosts for some tapeworms. Dogs and cats become infected with tapeworms when they ingest fleas that contain developing forms of tapeworms.

The most obvious sign of the presence of parasites in the intestines are:

• white worms in your dog's stool
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• rapid weight loss
• anemia and itching around the buttocks
• rubbing against a carpet or grass surface

Sexually mature parasites cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical signs depend on the degree of infection, the age of the animal and its general condition.

Let's also mention dirofilariasis, a disease caused by the heartworm Dirofilaria immitis, which is transmitted by a mosquito. The disease is otherwise not present in mainland Slovenia, animals become infected if we travel with them to Mediterranean areas. Due to their abundance and size, adult worms cause the heart and blood vessels to expand and become blocked, and as a result, we notice:

• indigestion
• weight loss
• apathy
• cough
• accumulation of fluid in the abdomen

To prevent various disease states that internal parasites can cause in animals and humans, we ensure the regular use of antiparasitic agents, regular removal of animal excrement and proper hygiene.

There are various preparations in the form of tablets, pastes, injections, drops for the skin...recently, a lot of attention has been focused on the positive effects of industrial hemp. Research over the past 10 years has repeatedly demonstrated a wide range of positive effects on the health of farm animals. Cannabinoids act directly on the nervous, immune, cardiovascular, respiratory, skin and digestive systems.

Source: https://www.mylovely-pets.si/