Parasite and Pest Prevention
The first line of defense in parasite prevention is the prevention of pests. Pests, such a rodents and mosquitoes, carry parasites that can infect the Doberman and these parasites, such as flees, ticks, and worms, can also introduce parasites as well as a variety of other illnesses.
The threat from vermin can be reduced with the use of a rodent control programs using safe techniques that will not directly endanger the Doberman or Doberman puppy. Also important is proper storage of food items such as grass seed, bird seed, and the Doberman’s own food. Further prevention includes reducing clutter in the home and out-buildings, and the removal or proper storage of wood piles, masonry materials, and brush piles. Trimming low-lying shrubs and other plants is also important.
Also helpful is equipping your Doberman with some personal defense against pests and parasites. One that we like is a liquid applied to the dogs back between the shoulders and on the back near the tail, called K9 Advantix®. It protects the dog from fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes
Blood Sucking Disease Carring…
The mosquito is the worst pest of all. It carries numerous diseases including malaria (which kills over one millions people each year), and the West Nile Virus. It is also the vector in the spread of deadly heartworms.
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Fleas
Not Only Itchy, a Real Health Hazard
In the old days, fleas were hard to control and were a constant tormentor of people and dogs. In fact, one of the reasons the Doberman was originally bred with a short coat was flea prevention.
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Ticks
Carriers of Serious Disease
Ticks are a parasitic arachnid, in the same phylum as spiders, scorpions, and mites. They feed on the host’s blood with a specially formed mouth piece that is burrowed under the skin and anchored with barbs.
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Heartworms
A Worm Deadly to All Dogs
Heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis) are the most dangerous and deadly parasitic worms to infect dogs, and are why mosquitoes, the vector that spreads these parasites, are so dangerous. Unlike most parasites, heartworms are deadly to the healthiest of adult dogs.
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Intestinal Worms
Every Dog Gets Them
Your Doberman puppy’s first veterinary appointment will include examination of his stool for worms, so you should bring a fresh stool sample. If signs of a worm infection are found, the veterinarian will administer an oral treatment that will kill the worms which the puppy will soon pass.
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