Choosing a dog is not just another purchase – it is a long-term responsibility that starts long before you hold the puppy in your arms. The truth is that a dog’s health does not begin on the day you bring it home, but much earlier – in the breeding kennel, in the conditions where it was born and raised. That is exactly why the process of deworming in dogs does not start with the owner.
One of the most important yet often underestimated aspects of early health is parasites. They can be invisible, silent, and extremely destructive. In many cases, problems that new owners face – diarrhea, poor growth, skin issues, chronic diseases – begin with parasitic infections acquired in the very first weeks of life.
This article aims to provide a deep and practical understanding of parasites in dogs, with a special focus on the breeder’s role. It is intended for people who do not just want a dog, but want a healthy, stable, and well-cared-for companion.
What are parasites and why is deworming your dog so important?
Parasites are organisms that live at the expense of their host. In dogs, they can be internal (living in organs) or external (on skin and coat).
The most important thing to understand is this:
Parasites are rarely a coincidence. In most cases, they are the result of poor living conditions.
When a breeder:
- does not clean regularly
- does not deworm systematically
- keeps too many animals in one place
- does not control food and water
→ parasites become an inevitable problem.
⚕️ Internal parasites – the invisible threat
✴️ Roundworms
These are the most common parasites in puppies.
How they are transmitted:
- Through the placenta (before birth)
- Through milk
- Through contaminated environment
What they cause:
- Swollen belly (“pot belly”)
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Vomiting
- Poor growth
- Weak immune system
What this means for the breeder:
- Lack of regular deworming of the mother
- No puppy deworming schedule
- Poor hygiene
✴️ Hookworms
These are extremely dangerous parasites, especially for puppies.
How they act:
They attach to the intestinal wall and feed on blood.
Symptoms:
- Severe anemia
- Weakness
- Bloody diarrhea
- In severe cases – death
✴️ Whipworms
They are harder to detect and often cause chronic issues.
Symptoms:
- Persistent diarrhea
- Weight loss
- General discomfort
✴️Tapeworms
These are flat worms often seen as small “rice grains” around the anus.
How they appear:
- through fleas
- through contaminated food
Meaning: Tapeworms almost always indicate a flea problem.
✴️ Giardia – the underestimated problem
Giardia is one of the most common parasites in poorly managed kennels.
What it is: A microscopic parasite living in the small intestine.
Transmission:
- Contaminated water
- Feces
- Close contact between dogs
Symptoms:
- Chronic diarrhea
- Mucus in stool
- Bad smell
- Weight loss
- Poor nutrient absorption
Biggest problem: It often becomes chronic and recurrent.
✴️ Dirofilaria – the silent killer
Dirofilaria (heartworm) is one of the most serious parasites in dogs.
What it is: A parasite living in the heart and pulmonary arteries.
Transmission:
- Through mosquito bites
Symptoms:
- Coughing
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Heart failure in advanced stages
Why it is dangerous: It develops slowly and is often detected late.
🔅 External parasites – the first warning sign
▫️ Fleas
Symptoms:
- Itching
- Scratching
- Skin irritation
Risks:
- Transmit tapeworms
- Cause allergies
▫️ Ticks
Risks:
- Transmit serious diseases
- Cause infections
▫️ Mites (mange)
Symptoms:
- Severe itching
- Hair loss
- Wounds
⚠️ Parvovirus – the deadly threat in puppies
Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease affecting:
- intestines
- immune system
Transmission:
- feces
- contaminated surfaces
- shoes, hands, clothing
Symptoms:
- Severe diarrhea (often bloody)
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Dehydration
Why it is dangerous: Fast progression and high mortality in untreated cases.
Dog deworming and bad breeders – the connection
Parasites are a direct indicator of care quality.
Signs of a bad breeder:
- Dirty environment
- No deworming schedule
- No vet control
How to recognize problems:
- Bad smell
- Dirty floors
- Lethargic puppies
- Watery eyes
Conclusion
Healthy dogs are not a coincidence – they are the result of proper care.
Parasites are not just a temporary issue – they are a signal of breeding quality and responsibility.
If you want to avoid health problems, choose your breeder carefully and always ask questions.
Remember: a cheap puppy often becomes the most expensive one.
