Parasite Prevention
Keeping your Lab free of internal and external parasites is one of the guidelines of good health. Worms, fleas, and ticks are not just irritating, they also spread disease among dogs and sometimes to humans. Parasite infestation results in physical problems, such as bloody diarrhea and secondary bacterial infections. Some parasites can even transmit other parasites. The outdoorsy Lab frequently comes in contact with these minuscule pests, so it's important to take precautions against them.
Internal Parasites
One of the more unpleasant aspects of being a dog is the potential for internal parasites. Roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and heartworms can all infest your Lab if they're not kept at bay with preventive medicine. Intestinal worms take a toll on dogs by leaching nutrients from the body. They can cause internal bleeding, dull fur, and a potbellied appearance. Heartworms can be fatal if not treated, and some worms can be transmitted to humans. Other potential worm parasites are whipworms, threadworms, and lung flukes.
Here are a few examples of internal worms and methods to prevent and treat them. Please consult with your Lab's veterinarian for more detailed treatment/prevention recommendations.
Parasite |
Warning Signs |
Prevention/Treatment |
Roundworms |
Diarrhea; eggs and worms in the feces; respiratory distress; weakness; dull coat; swollen stomach |
Routine examination of stool samples; application of deworming medications |
Hookworms |
Bloody, dark red, or black and tarry diarrhea; weakness; weight loss; pale gums |
Routine examination of stool samples; application of deworming medications |
Tapeworms |
Visible segments in dog's feces (resemble rice grains); dog may rub its anus on the ground because of itching |
Routine examination of stool samples; application of deworming medications |
Heartworms |
Coughing; exercise intolerance; abnormal lung sounds; breathing difficulties; weight loss; enlarged abdomen; congestive heart failure (or no signs may be visible) |
Adulticide and filaricide (two-step) therapy; application of vet-recommended medications (heartworm preventives); possible surgery in severe cases |
Whipworms |
Bloody diarrhea; weakness; weight loss; anemia |
Application of deworming medications, or heartworm prevention products (possibly two/three treatments) |
Threadworms |
Watery or bloody diarrhea |
Application of vet-recommended deworming medications |
Lung flukes (flatworms) |
Chronic coughing or gagging; loss of body weight; lethargy; weakness |
Application of vet-recommended deworming medications |
Fleas |
Dog scratching and biting its skin |
Flea collars, sprays, shampoos, powders; frequent baths and grooming; vet-prescribed monthly pills (such as Program) that inhibit flea eggs from growing and hatching; topical treatment (such as Advantage or Frontline) |
Ticks |
Visible, spider-like, blood-sucking insects attached to dog's skin |
Regular examination of your dog's coat and skin; tick sprays and collars; tick-preventing medications; antibiotics |
Mites |
Scaly, reddened skin and patchy hair loss; crusty and/or bleeding sores; wounds that dog scratches and bites at |
Series of baths with medicated shampoo, topical medication, and antibiotics; possible use of corticosteroids (to reduce itching) |
External Parasites
Besides the nasty internal parasites, there are several external parasites that look upon your Lab as a great local restaurant. Fleas, ticks, and mites not only cause your Lab to scratch miserably, they also spread infection and disease. Fortunately, thanks to new pharmaceutical developments, control of external parasites is easier than it has ever been.
With the exception of rabies, no data exists to indicate just how long the immunity provided by vaccination against infectious canine diseases lasts. Rabies vaccine is the only commonly used vaccine that requires studies to determine how long immunity lasts before the vaccine can be licensed in the United States.
On the opposite page are a few examples of internal worms and preventive methods against them. Please consult with your Lab's veterinarian for more detailed treatment/prevention recommendations.
