vetinfo4dogs.com

How to Inspect Dog Food for Canine Parasites

Dogs > Diet and Nutrition > How to Inspect Dog Food for Canine Parasites

also see Low Residue Dog Food

also see Cat Parasites

also see Wet Dog Food

Parasites can be a deadly problems for pets, so owners should become familiar with worms and other parasites that may be present in canine dog food. Worms like ringworms, whipworms, and hookworms are usually digested and live in a dog's intestines. Most of the time these worms are passed onto dogs when the pets eat fecal matter. Fleas, lice and worm larvae can also be accidentally swallowed and hatch inside the intestines of your dog.

Preventing Parasites

Many parasites are too small for the naked eye to see, but the full-grown worms can be seen in dog feces after passing through the intestine. You can look in your dog's food bowl when your pour in the food to catch the bigger parasites, but for the smaller parasites you just have to take measures to prevent them from getting in the food. Some ways to prevent parasites from getting in your dog:

Keep dog food sealed in an air-tight container
Stored food in a cool, dry area
Keep your dog in areas cleaned of fecal matter and don't allow him to digest any feces
Keep you dog groomed
Screen for parasites twice a year
Look into monthly medications, collars and topical treatments

also see Why Cheap Dog Food Gets What You Paid For

also see Best Foods for Pregnant Dogs

also see Diet for Dogs: Five Proven Strategies

also see Determining Dog Nutritional Supplement Rations