Intestinal parasites in dogs are common and widespread. Among those that most frequently afflict our four-legged friends are nematodes or roundworms (for example ascarids, familiar to all puppy owners), cestodes or tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum, that is the tapeworm, transmitted by fleas) and protozoa (Giardia or Toxoplasma). Each of these parasites, if present in abnormal quantities, can give rise to the corresponding parasitic disease.

The microbiota and intestinal parasites

Scientific research has identified new approaches and new solutions for preserving the wellbeing of the gastrointestinal tract, highlighting specific characteristics that until now had not been taken into consideration. One of these aspects is the so-called microbiota, which is frequently discussed in relation to both humans and animals.

"By intestinal microbiota we mean the complex of bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi that cohabit in the gastrointestinal tract of both humans and our animals. They are approximately 10,000 times more numerous than all the host's cells, and modern research is highlighting how the microbiota itself is involved in determining a state of wellbeing or the onset of certain diseases," explains Dr Maria Mayer, veterinary surgeon and homoeopath. "It is interesting to note how new research no longer distinguishes the inhabitants of our gut as 'good' or 'bad', but seeks to differentiate these components by their quantity and by the effects they produce on the organism. We must bear this in mind when talking about intestinal parasites – such as Giardia, for example – which can be normal inhabitants of the intestine of healthy animals, if present within the correct limits."

When the microbiota is, however, disrupted and specific symptoms become apparent (such as frequent diarrhoea or vomiting), it is necessary to help our four-legged friend restore proper intestinal function to ensure their wellbeing and health.

Natural methods of treatment and prevention

"A fresh diet, whether cooked with carbohydrates (home-cooked diet) or raw without carbohydrates (barf diet) – Mayer continues – acts on the intestinal microbiota by strengthening populations of microbes that become 'antagonists' of certain parasites, preventing their uncontrolled growth. Phytotherapeutic supplements that are extremely useful for strengthening the immune defences, especially at the intestinal level, can include, for example, echinacea or milk thistle. The latter in particular has been shown to be capable of increasing the efficacy of the conventional pharmacological treatment against Giardiasis, a very common condition in puppies and young dogs."

Food-grade Diatomaceous Earth can also be used as an effective treatment. It is, in fact, a natural preparation composed of a fossil residue of microscopic algae known as Diatoms, which is very rich in silicon. "Diatomaceous Earth, at the intestinal level, performs a thorough cleansing of the intestinal walls, carrying out a kind of gentle scrub, and mechanically removes any parasites present."

Depending on the different unwanted guests, a different approach to prevention may be adopted. "As a general rule – the expert continues – it is of course important to avoid sources of infestation. An example? It will be essential to check for the possible presence of fleas with regard to Dipylidium caninum, which very frequently tends to appear in the intestine of dogs afflicted by these unwanted little guests. A fundamental point, in any case, is to keep our pet's immune system consistently efficient through a proper and complete diet and through the use of specific phytotherapeutic supplements on veterinary advice.

Seasonality and particular conditions

"There are certain 'guests' – Maria Mayer concludes – such as the tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum), which during summer and with the first warm weather can often infest our four-legged friends precisely because it is transmitted by external parasites such as fleas."

For other parasitic infections, however, there are no particular seasonal cycles, although it is true that sharp drops in temperature, changes of season or specific reductions in immune defences can significantly influence the onset of an intestinal parasitic infection. It remains extremely important, in any case, to present the signs of the disease to the vet and to have specific tests carried out on faecal material to reliably confirm the presence of parasites before proceeding with any treatment.