Intestinal parasites in the dog, how to defeat them naturally

Intestinal parasites in the dog are frequent and widespread. Among those who most often afflict our four-legged friends there are the nematodes or round worms (eg ascarids, known by all puppy owners), cestods or tenie (the Dipylidium caninum, that is, the Tenia transmitted by the flea ) and protozoa (Giardia or Toxoplasma). Each of these parasites, if present abnormally, can give rise to the corresponding parasitic disease.

Scientific research has identified new approach techniques and new solutions to preserve the state of well-being of the gastrointestinal tract, highlighting specific peculiarities that had so far been ignored. One such aspect is the so-called microbiotics that you often hear about both men and animals.

"By intestinal microbiotics we mean a certain complex of bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi that co-inhabit both the human and the animal's gastrointestinal tract. They are about 10,000 times more than any host cell, and modern research is pointing out how the microbiotics are involved in determining the state of well-being or the onset of certain diseases, " explains Dr Maria Mayer, a veterinarian and homeopathic physician . "It is interesting to note that new research no longer distinguishes our intestines from 'good' and 'bad', but try to differentiate these components in their quantity and effects on the body. We must remember when we talk of intestinal parasites - such as Giardia, for example - that may be normal guests of the intestines of healthy animals, if they are present in the right limits."

However, when the microbiotics are altered and specific symptoms (such as diarrhea or frequent vomiting) emerge, it is necessary to help our four-legged friend to restore proper bowel function that ensures their well-being and health.

"Fresh food, which is cooked with carbohydrates (homemade diet) or raw without carbohydrates (barf diet) - continues Mayer - acts on the intestinal microbiotics by strengthening microbial populations that become 'antagonists' of certain parasites, avoiding uncontrolled growth. Extremely useful phytotherapeutic additives to strengthen immune defenses, especially at the intestinal tract, can be eg echinacea or thorax. The latter, in particular, has been shown to increase the effectiveness of classical drug therapy against Giardiasi, a disease very common in puppies. "

Diatomaceous Terrain for food use can also be an effective therapy. It is a natural preparation consisting of a fossil residue of microscopic algae called Diatomee which is very rich in silicon. "The Diatomaceous Terrain, at the intestinal tract, performs a complete cleansing of the intestinal walls, carrying out a sort of light scrub and mechanically removing any parasites."

Depending on the number of unwanted guests, however, different prevention can be implemented. "Generally speaking - continues the expert - it's important to obviously avoid sources of infestation. An example? It will be essential to check for the presence of fleas with regard to the Dipylidium caninum, which is very tended to appear in the intestines of dogs afflicted by these unwanted small guests. The key point, however, is to keep our immune system always efficient with proper and complete feeding and using specific phytotherapeutic components for veterinary indication.

"There are special guests - concludes Maria Mayer - like the Tenia (Dipylidium caninum) that often can infest our four-legged friends during summer and early warm days, because they are driven by external parasites such as fleas".

For other parasites, however, there are no special seasonal cycles, although cold peaks, seasonal changes or specific decrease in immune defenses may have a significant effect on the appearance of an intestinal parasite. However, it is important to keep the veterinarian updated at all times regarding signs of disease manifestation and to carry out specific tests on the fecal material to safely detect the presence of parasites before proceeding to any cure. If you want to keep your dog healthy and safe, you can buy a GPS for dogs with an integrated activity tracker.