Puppy dog eyes

As I sat and listened to the Zoom conference on doggo parasites, my attention was at once drawn to Boris (the schnauzer) who was sleeping by my side. After all, not a day has gone by in the last three years that Boris hasn’t been allowed to lie by my side.

Let’s see.

Vets have warned me that parasites in dogs are common and may be found internally or externally. These parasites can be extremely irritating to dogs and can cause serious health problems that may affect other pets or even humans. Fortunately, modern medicine makes treatment, control and prevention of many parasites much easier than in the past.

As I have been a pet lover and dog mom for the last 50 or more years, I have read on and even been witness to parasites that attack my doggos.

Did you know that US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a parasite as “an organism that lives on or in a host organism and gets its food from or at the expense of its host.” Some parasites are also zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from animals to people.

There are two main categories of parasites in dogs that pet parents should be aware of: Internal parasites, such as intestinal worms, live inside the body of an animal, can be transferred in various ways and can affect a number of organs. While external parasites, such as fleas and ticks, live on the body of the host and produce an infestation.

And, so I joined in on the online conference of Boehringer Animal Health Philippines to find out if there was anything new in the world of parasites – because in that world, there is always something new to be feared.

While it’s one thing to be aware of the manifold risks of parasites, it’s another to truly understand the gravity of the threats they pose to our beloved pets.

One moment we could be playing outside with our dog (or snuggling in bed, no matter how brief, as they always seem to escape our hugs), and the other, they’re lethargic or feeling down. Then, they turn out to be sick, stricken by parasites, and eventually refuse to eat. Everything could go south at a moment’s notice, leaving us with little to no time to act.

That’s why Boehringer Animal Health Philippines, Inc. reminds us to guard our pets from the next parasites as prevention is always better than cure.

To know exactly what we’re dealing with, let’s run down the different parasites that cause all sorts of problems to our furry companions -- from simple skin irritations to life-threatening complications.

Seeing your dog suffering from something that eludes your eyes is frustrating. When this happens, they’re most likely dealing with sneaky invaders or internal parasites. These tiny worms wreak havoc inside your dog, which they pick up by ingesting its carrier or its egg from contaminated food or water, as well as surfaces, objects and other animals’ feces.

Among the most common internal parasites in dogs are heartworms, one of the most notorious internal parasites. Transmitted by mosquitoes, heartworms can damage vital organs such as the heart and lungs, which can have fatal repercussions. Then, there are roundworms. These thin and long parasites can cause various digestive issues and even stunt the growth of puppies. If your dog suddenly lacks energy and becomes more prone to illnesses, hookworms may be the cause. They feed on blood and can cause anemia, weight loss and a weakened immune system. Both roundworms and hookworms are zoonotic, meaning they can transfer from animals to humans.

Other parasites are less subtle in their approach. They attack from the outside as visible villains that cause discomfort and irritation. These external parasites range from fleas, which trigger intense itching and skin infections, to ticks — nasty blood-sucking pests. Meanwhile, mites can cause skin irritation, hair loss and pesky ear infections.

Since parasites come in all shapes and sizes with various plans of attack, it’s easier to employ a proactive rather than reactive approach in addressing the issue. Keeping these threats at bay remains the greatest option in ensuring our dogs continue to live their best lives.

Well, at the end of the zoom conference, although there was no medication of ‘magic’ drug introduced for the pesky pests. What I did appreciate was the value of the reminder that regular vet check-ups cannot be overstated.

“Religiously schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to monitor your dog’s health and discuss appropriate prevention strategies,” said Dr. Vincent Brian Casimero, brand manager, pets at Boehringer Ingelheim. “From there, you will learn of the best preventive medications to keep your dogs guarded from the next internal and external parasites.”

“Heartworm is the number one dangerous parasite in dogs,” said Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM Makati Dog and Cat Hospital. “It is transmitted by mosquito bites. The problem is once your dog gets it is hard to kill. The problem is once you get it is hard to medicate. It is expensive and delicate to treat.”

Parasites, those almost invisible pests that can be deadly if left untreated.

It got me to thinking about how important it is that we keep a close tab on our pets. It’s really all very simple. The pests will always be around our pets — the like to run around outside and play with other pets, too.

Just remember, it takes so little time to look into the loving puppy eyes of our doggos because they talk to us all the time and let us know how they feel.

Just look into their eyes.