| Canine intestinal worms are parasites that inhabit | | | | suitable for all dog worms. |
| the gastro-intestinal system of dogs and cause | | | | While canine intestinal worms are a threat to |
| damage to a greater or lesser extent. This | | | | canine health, it is as well to remember that some |
| damage might be as a direct result of the | | | | of them also have zoonotic potential. That is they |
| intestinal worms grabbing onto the lining of the gut | | | | can also cause disease in humans, with young |
| and intestines, or it may indirect when the worms | | | | children being the most vulnerable simply because |
| deprive the dog of blood and nutrients. | | | | they tend to spend a lot of time getting dirty |
| There are a variety of canine intestinal worms | | | | while playing on the ground and have not yet |
| that are commonly found in dogs, although this will | | | | mastered the niceties of simple personal hygiene. |
| vary with the age of the dog and the geographic | | | | As dog's mature, their immune systems can start |
| location. The common ones include the | | | | playing an active role in preventing a worm |
| roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms and | | | | infection. It is therefore important that dog |
| pinworm and they all, unfortunately, are quite | | | | owners should ensure that, to the best of their |
| different from each other. | | | | ability, the dog's immune system is fully functional. |
| I say unfortunately because these differences | | | | This is best done by ensuring the dog eats good |
| mean that we cannot lump them all together in | | | | quality food, drinks clean water, has adequate |
| one broad category of "canine intestinal worms" | | | | shelter from the elements, is fully vaccinated, and |
| when it comes to treatment and prevention - the | | | | gets regular exercise. |
| differences ensure that no single approach is | | | | |