Transmission: By ingestion of contaminated material or through the skin.
Common Signs: Pale gums, sometimes black tarry stools, weakness, weight loss, bloody diarrhea.

ROUNDWORMS
This is a very common parasite of dogs. They live in the small intestine of the animal. Infected
animals can pass millions of eggs in the feces each day. The roundworms absorb nutrients from
what the animal eats, they can interfere with digestion and also damage the lining of the intestine.
Transmission: By ingestion of something contaminated with infected feces.
Common Signs: Vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, dull hair coat. Severe infections can
cause an obstruction of the intestines. Sometimes a cough may be present. Pneumonia can
develop in young puppies.

TAPEWORMS
These worms attach themselves to the animal's intestine. Segments of the worm containing the
eggs are continuously passed in the dog's feces. Segments may also be found on the animal near
the anus. When the segments dry they may look like a grain of rice.
Transmission: Through the ingestion of an infected flea.
Common Signs: There are very little signs of infection, the animal may show abdominal discomfort
or nervousness. The most common sign is observing the worm segments in the stool or on the
animal.

GIARDIA
One-celled parasites that live in the small intestine. Found in the feces it can contaminate the
environment and water, it can infect other animals and humans. It is difficult to diagnose and treat
effectively.
Transmission: By ingestion of contaminated water or feces.
Common Signs: The usual sign is diarrhea, some animals may have weight loss, abnormal feces
having a bad odor and appearing greasy.

COCCIDIA
One-celled parasites that live in the intestinal tract. It is passed in the feces of a carrier animal.
Mostly found in young puppies.
Transmission: By ingestion of contaminated feces.
Common Signs: The most common sign is diarrhea.