It is possible for a puppy to actually be born with worms, if the mother is infected with a certain type at the time of birth. And because some worms may be hard to detect, it is important that you test and treat your puppy accordingly so that it can grow without the influence of a worm presence. Doing so can save the very life of your puppy.
There are different types of worms that can infect your puppy, so you should be aware of the different symptoms that your puppy may take on. The tapeworm is one of the more common types of worms, and is able to infect your puppy from one single flea. These are usually the easiest to spot, since you will likely see pupa in the stool of your puppy. This is a very clear sign of worms, and should not be ignored.
Puppies aren't the only ones who may get worms – so you should be careful of cross contamination. Children are at high risk when playing with a puppy who has worms, especially with the roundworm. Roundworm can be passed along by simply playing with a puppy who is infected. Hand washing techniques will safeguard against infection in this case.
Worms can be difficult to get rid of since not all medication is able to get rid of pupa that may be in the puppy's system. Some medications will only target adult worms, and then leave the door open for the offspring to take control. This means you will likely be giving the puppy multiple rounds of medication to protect against future generations of worms.
The best practice to use is to simply continue medication even after symptoms of worms disappear. Just because the symptoms go away doesn't always mean that the worms are gone for good. You should continue the medication for a short period of time after the symptoms go away, as indicated by a veterinarian. The instructions on the medication may also give you a clue as to when you should stop treatment, and how to tell your puppy is cured of worms.
Some medications may not be friendly to puppies, so you should read instructions carefully. Puppies are underdeveloped and may not be able to take stronger medications that adult canines can. Some types of dogs may need to vary medication amounts, so it is best to talk to a veterinarian or pet professional in your community for further information.
In Conclusion:
By not allowing your puppy treatment, you may hinder the growth of the puppy as it will lack nutrients that worms steal from it. You may also put its very life in danger as a result of waiting to administer treatment. As such, you should act immediately if you see symptoms arise from your puppy.
