SAFE-GUARD® CANINE

Parasites 101

SAFE-GUARD® (fenbendazole) is highly effective in the treatment of six species of the four most common intestinal worm types found in outdoor dogs.

Understand the Threats

Like most people, you probably consider your dog a member of the family. But do you know your loving pet could pose a health risk for all? Learning about canine parasites will not only help you protect your dog, but yourself, your family and your environment.

Roundworm & Hookworm

The risk to your family:
zoonotic disease

Roundworms and hookworms can cause zoonotic disease, meaning they can cause illnesses in people too, especially children. That’s why preventing parasite infestations in dogs is not only important for the overall health of the dog, but also reduces human health risks.1

Roundworm & Hookworm

Think your heartworm treatment has your dog covered? Think again.

While many heartworm treatments include roundworm and hookworm protection, they may not treat tapeworms and whipworms, which can be especially problematic for outdoor dogs.

Dangerous Parasites to the Outdoor Dog

The more your dog is outside, the greater the risk of infection

Whipworm

Whipworm

(Trichuris vulpis) 

Canine Whipworms (Trichuris vulpis) get their name from their whip-like shape.

  • Whipworms infect not only dogs, but also wildlife such as foxes and coyotes.
  • Eggs are passed to the environment in the feces on an intermittent basis where they remain.
  • Not all dewormers target Whipworms. SAFE-GUARD is an effective way to combat this parasite.

A Common Threat

This intestinal parasite is quite prevalent throughout the U.S.1, especially in adult dogs.

Infection

Dogs become infected by accidentally eating whipworm eggs from contaminated soil (while grooming, for example).

Treatment

Because most canine worm treatment products are not effective against whipworms, extra care must be taken when choosing a dog dewormer for whipworms.

Fenbendazole, the active ingredient in SAFE-GUARD Canine, is recommended and is commonly used to control these parasites.

Taenia Tapeworms

Taenia Tapeworms

(Taenia pisiformis)

 Tapeworms are thin and flat, like strips of tape and are made up of a head from which a series of segments will grow.

Taenia Pisiformis

Dogs become infected with Taenia pisiformis tapeworms by eating rabbits, which may carry the infective stage of this worm.

Other Species

Dogs may also become infected with other species of tapeworms by eating fleas or other intermediate hosts that carry the infective stage.

  • Tapeworms consist of a head from which a series of segments grow.
  • Eggs are found in the individual segments which are passed in the feces.
  • Rabbits or rodents accidentally ingest the eggs when grazing.

Treatment

Treatment and control of canine tapeworm infections involves the use of dog dewormers that effectively remove the tapeworm head, as well as the segments.

Hookworm

Hookworm

(Ancylostoma caninum & Uncinaria stenocephala) 

There are two kinds of canine hookworm that infect dogs – Uncinaria stenocephala and Ancylostoma caninum.

  • Female worms lay eggs by the thousands which are passed in the feces.
  • Eggs survive well in mild temperatures, shade and moist soil or grass.
  • Outdoors dogs can be infected and re-infected by accidently eating the eggs or larvae (immature worms) in the environment.

Risks in the Environment

Dogs can be infected by accidentally eating hookworm eggs and larvae in the environment or through larvae penetration of the skin or lining of the mouth.

Treatment

A dog infected with hookworms should be treated with a fast-acting, highly effective and safe dewormer, such as fenbendazole. This should be followed by a second treatment, two weeks later. In severe cases, blood transfusions and supportive therapy may be required.

Roundworm

Roundworm – Most Common

(Toxocara canis & Toxascaris leonina)

 

Roundworms are the most common intestinal parasites found in dogs – and especially in young puppies, that are often infected at birth, or soon thereafter.

  • Female worms lay several thousand eggs a day, which are passed in the feces.
  • Eggs can survive in the environment for several years.
  • Canine roundworm infections are zoonotic meaning they can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Puppies

Puppies can also become infected by eating dirt or feces containing worm eggs and larvae, by licking contaminated fur or paws or by drinking contaminated water.

The larvae of one of the roundworms – Toxocara canis – lie dormant in the tissues of most adult female dogs. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can activate these larvae, which then migrate through the placenta to infect the unborn puppies.

Some immature forms of canine roundworms can also be transmitted through the nursing mother’s milk.

Adult Dogs

Most adult dogs become infected through contact with worm eggs and larvae in the environment

Treatment

Since most puppies have roundworms, it is recommended that you give your dog a broad-spectrum dewormer that is effective against the major canine intestinal parasites, according to the following schedule:

  • at six, eight, 10 and 12 weeks of age
  • once a month until the age of six months
  • at least every six months after the age of six months

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    Know The Enemy

    Parasite Sources, Symptoms & Prevalence

    ENEMYINFESTATION SOURCESYMPTOMSPREVALANCE
    Roundworm– mother
    – soil
    – feces    		– diarrhea
    – vomiting
    – stunted growth
    – rough coat
    – bloated belly    		Widespread in North America, infects nearly all puppies, eggs survive in soil for several years
    Hookworm– mother
    – soil
    – feces
    – through pads on feet    		– weight loss
    – anemia
    – bloody diarrhea    		Also common in North America, multiple infestation sources, consumes dog’s blood causing anemia and other symptoms
    Taenia Tapeworm– rabbits
    – rodents    		– aching
    – weight loss
    – segments visible in stool    		More common in outdoor dogs since source is infected rabbits or rodents, hard to diagnose
    Whipworm– ingestion of feces or soil– diarrhea
    – anemia
    – dehydration
    – loss of appetite    		Growing concern in recent years; more common in outdoor dogs due to potential contact with foxes and coyotes, which act as source of infection

    Why SAFE-GUARD?
    6-in-1 Protection.

    With parasite protection in SAFE-GUARD Canine, given two times a year, you and your dog can enjoy nature and feel safe while you do it.

    Why Safe-Guard?

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    IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: For animal use only. Do not use in pups younger than 6 weeks. Do not deworm a dog or puppy that is sick. Approximately 1% of dogs had vomiting associated with the use of this product. Consult your veterinarian for help in the diagnosis, treatment and control of parasitism.

    References:
    1. Data on file.
    *Dogs over six months of age should be dewormed at least twice a year with SAFE-GUARD Canine Dewormer. For puppies younger than six months, see product label.