While the exterior part of beagle puppies may be host for fleas and ticks, the internal part of any puppy can also be inhibited by a variety of parasites. Most of the parasites found inside of puppies are from the worm family. Tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms, whipworms and heartworms are all parasites that could possibly effect your beagle puppies. However, the most serious of the internal parasites is the heartworm.
Most puppies are infected with heartworm after being bitten by a mosquito that is infected with heartworm microfilaria (larve). A puppy that is infected with the parasite will develop worms that are 6 to 12 inches long. As these worms mature they begin to take up residence in your pups heart. This can be a very serious problem.
The symptoms of heartworm may include coughing, difficulty breathing, tiring easily and weight loss. Heart failure and liver disease are the worst case scenarios and can occur if not treated. The only way to find out if your puppies have been infected with the disease is to have blood drawn by a vet. The blood will be screened to see if microfilaria are present. When you bring your beagle puppies to vet they will be given a preventative pill that needs to be taken once a month. Because the disease is transmitted by mosquitoes the warmer months of the year are a greater concern. If you live in an area that is warm year round, your puppies are in greater risk of contracted the disease. If you live a temperate area then you may only give your beagle pups the heartworm pill for a portion of the year.
It is a good idea to have your dog examined once a year for the pararsite. Beagles love the outdoors, especillay in the nice weather, so it’s important that you keep an eye on them. Proper care, regular vaccinations, periodic stool checks and preventative nediactions will ensure that your beagle puppies stay healthy.
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