Intestinal Worms of Dogs

of dogs are parasites that colonize the enteric tract of the animal causing various ailments.

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Generally, the parasites that infest the intestines of dogs are nematodes and tapeworms; unfortunately, some of them can also be transmitted to humans (zoonosis).

Treating intestinal parasites in dogs is therefore very important, not only for the welfare of the animal, but also to avoid the transmission of the parasite to other animals and to humans.

The article will analyze the main intestinal worms in dogs, the disorders and symptoms they induce and the possible treatments to counter the infestation caused by these unwelcome organisms.

, class of cestodes (Phylum Platyhelminthes, Classe Cestoda). Below, the main intestinal worms of dogs belonging to the aforementioned phylums will be briefly described.

Nematodes

Nematodes are commonly referred to as "round or cylindrical worms" due to their shape. Among those that most commonly infest the intestines of dogs, we find:

• Roundworms: these are parasites that infest the enteric tract of dogs and can also be transmitted to humans. Adult specimens live in the intestine, eating its contents. They cause irritation of the enteric mucosa due to the movements they make to avoid being expelled. The eggs laid by the female specimens, on the other hand, are eliminated with the faeces, inside which they hatch, releasing larvae which - after an initial period of development - can infest new dogs or humans. Among the species of roundworms that can infest both dogs and humans we remember Toxocara canis And Toxascaris leonina.
• Hookworms: different genera and species of intestinal worms in dogs belong to the group of hookworms, such as Ancylostoma caninum And Uncinaria stenocephala. Also in this case, these are parasites that can infest both dogs and humans. Once they reach the enteric level, these worms attack the intestinal mucosa to feed on the blood of the host animal.
• Tricurids: Tricurids are a family of parasites including different genera and species. Among these, it stands out Trichuris vulpis, whose adult specimens lodge in the intestine of the dog feeding on blood and other organic fluids. The eggs produced by the females are expelled with the faeces of the animal and evolve in the external environment until they become pests. However, they hatch only when they reach the final host (the dog, in fact), therefore, these worms are not able to cause parasites in man.
• Intestinal strongili: we find among the parasites of this type that can infest both dogs and humans Strongyloides stercoralis. It is a parasite that is characterized by a life cycle divided into two phases: a parasitic phase in which it lives in the intestinal lumen of the unfortunate host and a free-living phase, during which the male and female specimens can give rise to larvae free, non-parasitic living in the environment. However, under certain conditions not yet clarified, the free larvae transform into infesting larvae, giving rise to a new parasitic phase. Through the bloodstream these intestinal worms of dogs can also transfer to other districts bodily.

Cestodes

Unlike nematodes, tapeworms have a flattened shape which has given rise to the common name of "flat worms". Among those that can parasitize the intestinal tract of dogs, we find:

• Dipylidium caninum: also known as "dog tapeworm", this parasite infests the intestines of canids and felines. In order to complete its life cycle it needs an intermediate host - generally represented by fleas - and a final host (dog or cat, precisely) This type of intestinal worm, therefore, is transmitted by the bite of the flea.
• Echinococcus granulosus: is the parasite responsible for echinococcosis in dogs, a parasitosis in which adult individuals of this worm live in the dog's intestine, attacking its walls. Normally, its life cycle does not include human attack, but in some cases it could infest it and "use" it as an intermediate host causing cystic echinococcosis.