My Ideal Dog

Worms in dogs can be a persistent nuisance, as well as a bit of a gruesome subject. Despite this, it is still important you know where to look for worms in dogs. With a clear understanding of where to look for worms, you can minimise the risk of them doing your dog harm.

The Places To Look

Worms in dogs can be looked for in two places. Even if your dog is up-to-date with their de-worming, you should still look for worms regularly. The colouring, shape and colouring of worms varies depending on their type. They generally tend to be a white-tan colour. Ringworms are the largest worms round, growing up to seven inches in length.

Vomit

Worms can be passed up in a dog’s vomit if it is a particularly severe infestation. When ringworms develop into ‘third stage larvae’, they migrate towards the host’s lungs. Their presence in the lungs will generate coughing in the dog. When they’re coughed into the host’s throat they re-enter the dog’s intestine where there is a chance they will be vomited.

Whenever your dog vomits, be sure to give it the once over for worms. If you do find worms, take your dog to a vet immediately.

Faeces

Worms can also be found in a dog’s faeces. Have your dog’s faeces checked for worms every couple of months, as well as checking it yourself.

If you notice quarter to half-inch sized broken segments around your dog’s rectum or in their faeces then it is likely your dog has been infected with tapeworms. When they’re alive, tapeworms appear to expand and contract. They will look like uncooked rice when they die.

Fulfilling your dog’s dietary requirements is an important part of the dog health care process.

This is not as straight forward as it initially appears; a dog’s nutritional requirements differ depending on the stage of life they are at.

This article will highlight the basics of managing a dog’s diet to make sure it is benefiting their general health. Only through a good diet can successful dog ownership be achieved.

Adults    

Just like a human, the most essential aspect of your dog’s diet is balance. Protein is fundamental in maintaining this balance. Feed your dog plenty of chicken, salmon and lamb to ensure their protein content is up and around the recommended 20 to 30 per cent.

Carbohydrates such as rice, cereal and pasta are also a crucial component of their diet, as they supply the dog’s energy. You can ensure smooth bowel movement by complementing their diet with plenty of fibre.

Feed your dog at regular intervals, ideally twice a day. Keep the portions a consistent size and aim to serve at scheduled timings.

Feeding Puppies

The dietary needs of a puppy are very similar to those of adult dogs, with the major difference being that the food needs to be easily digestible and higher in energy. You will need to feed a puppy less, more often, because they have smaller stomachs.

There are some foods you cannot give to a puppy that you would be okay giving to a normal dog. An example of this would be table scraps, because they can be particularly difficult to digest.

Senior Dogs

Older dogs are less active and have a slower metabolism; therefore their nutritional needs are different from adults and puppies.

You will need to keep the calorie levels of an older dog down as well as making sure their diet is easily digestible. Key minerals such as vitamin C and vitamin E will support their aging joints.

As dogs begin to age, their ability to chew effectively lessens. Keep the portion sizes of an older dog smaller and avoid giving them large pieces of chewy meat.