How to Inspect Dog Food for Canine Parasites

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
 

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