WHY DOGS NEED
PROTECTION AGAINST
HEARTWORMS & other PARASITES
WHY DOGS NEED PROTECTION AGAINST HEARTWORMS & OTHER PARASITES
Heartworms, fleas, and intestinal parasites can threaten your pet’s health. Fortunately with preventative treatment, you can keep your dog protected!
Watch the video on Sentinel Heartworm Awareness Pet Owner Education
HEARTWORMS
WHAT DO HEARTWORMS LOOK LIKE?
Heartworms look like cooked spaghetti noodles.1
HOW DO DOGS GET HEARTWORM DISEASE?
Heartworm disease is a serious parasitic infection that’s spread by the bite of a mosquito. Adult heartworms live in the blood of a dog’s heart and associated blood vessels. Infected dogs may not have symptoms in the beginning. Heartworms can live in dogs for approximately 5–7 years.1,2
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF HEARTWORMS IN DOGS?1,4
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Distended abdomen
WHAT HAPPENS IF A HEARTWORM INFECTION IS LEFT UNTREATED?
The dog’s heart may enlarge and become weakened, and heart failure may develop. Heartworms put stress on the dog’s heart by limiting the blood flow and can cause problems in other organs. If heartworm disease is not treated, it can be deadly to dogs.1-3
CAN HUMANS GET HEARTWORMS FROM DOGS?
No, not from infected dogs. But, in rare cases, humans can get heartworms from infected mosquitos. Since humans are not a natural host for heartworms, they usually die before they become adult worms.1
HOW DO YOU PREVENT HEARTWORMS?
Medications like SENTINEL SPECTRUM Chews or SENTINEL FLAVOR TABS are available to prevent heartworm disease and are extremely effective when given regularly, as directed by your veterinarian. It’s important to remember that year-round protection is needed!
If your dog does get heartworms, it can usually be treated by your veterinarian. However, this treatment can be costly and cage rest will be needed. Regular use of a preventive medication is highly recommended.5
HOOKWORMS
WHAT DO HOOKWORMS LOOK LIKE?
Hookworms are very small and have hook-like mouths.6
HOW DO DOGS GET HOOKWORMS?
Dogs get hookworms from contaminated soil, from their mother’s milk, and from eating infected prey including cockroaches.7
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HOOKSWORMS IN DOGS?7,8
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Decreased appetite
- Anemia
- Weakness
WHAT HAPPENS IF A HOOKWORM INFECTION IS LEFT UNTREATED?
Hookworms attach to the intestine wall and ingest blood. Sometimes they can enter through the skin and cause skin lesions, most commonly on the paws. Hookworms are most severe in puppies, but can also cause illness in adult dogs if they are stressed or have other illnesses.7,8,10
CAN HUMANS GET HOOKWORMS FROM DOGS?
Humans can get hookworms from soil or sand that’s been contaminated by an infected dog’s poop. Once infected, there may be itching and a skin reaction known as cutaneous larva migrans, which looks like a red, threadlike rash.7-9
HOW DO YOU MINIMIZE THE RISK OF HOOKWORM INFECTIONS IN DOGS?
Dog owners should regularly administer monthly intestinal parasite control products like Medications like SENTINEL SPECTRUM Chews or SENTINEL FLAVOR TABS are available to prevent heartworm disease and are extremely effective when given regularly, as directed by your veterinarian. It’s important to remember that year-round protection is needed! Other control measures include preventing hunting behavior, timely removal of feces, and limiting exposure to contaminated environments.7
ROUNDWORMS
WHAT DO ROUNDWORMS LOOK LIKE?
Roundworms are white or light brown large worms that can be several inches long.11
HOW DO DOGS GET ROUNDWORM?
Dogs can get roundworms from their mother prior to birth or through the milk. Dogs can also get roundworms from eating infected poop or rodents.11,12
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ROUNDWORMS IN DOGS?11
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Dull hair
- Potbellied appearance
- Cough
- White or light brown, adult roundworms in your dog’s feces or vomit
WHAT HAPPENS IF A ROUNDWORM INFECTION IS LEFT UNTREATED?
Roundworms can lead to poor growth in dogs and may be fatal in puppies.13
CAN HUMANS GET ROUNDWORMS FROM DOGS?
Humans, most commonly children, can ingest eggs found in contaminated soil. Human illness can be severe and may include blindness, neurologic, liver, or lung disease.11,12
HOW DO YOU MINIMIZE THE RISK OF ROUNDWORM INFECTIONS IN DOGS?
Dog owners should regularly administer monthly intestinal parasite control products like SENTINEL SPECTRUM Chews or SENTINEL FLAVOR TABS. Other control measures include preventing hunting behavior, timely removal of feces, and limiting exposure to contaminated environments.12
WHIPWORMS
WHAT DO WHIPWORMS LOOK LIKE?
Whipworms look like a very small whip. The body is made of a thin section on one end and the other end is thick and resembles the handle of a whip.14
Whipworms are more prevalent than you think!
In a recent study looking at the prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs at dog parks, whipworms were the second most common nematode seen.15
HOW DO DOGS GET WHIPWORM DISEASE?
Dogs get whipworms by either swallowing infected eggs in the soil or dog feces.16
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF WHIPWORMS IN DOGS?14
- Diarrhea (sometimes bloody or with mucus)
- Weight loss
- Anemia
- Dehydration
WHAT HAPPENS IF A WHIPWORM INFECTION IS LEFT UNTREATED?
More severe infections can cause diarrhea, weight loss, dehydration, and even death.14
CAN HUMANS GET WHIPWORMS FROM DOGS?
No, humans are not known to be infected by whipworms from dogs.14
HOW DO YOU MINIMIZE THE RISK OF WHIPWORM INFECTIONS IN DOGS?
Dog owners should regularly administer monthly intestinal parasite control specifically approved for controlling whipworms, like SENTINEL SPECTRUM Chews or SENTINEL FLAVOR TABS. Other control measures include timely removal of feces and limiting exposure to contaminated environments.14,16
TAPEWORMS
WHAT DO TAPEWORMS LOOK LIKE?
A full tapeworm is rarely seen but sometimes the part of the tapeworm that contain the eggs may be visible. They look like small, flat, moving rectangles or rice under a dog’s tail or in the feces.17,18
HOW DO DOGS GET TAPEWORM?
Dogs may eat fleas, raw meat, or natural prey that contain tapeworms.19
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF TAPEWORMS IN DOGS?18,19
- Small, white worms on the rear end of the dog (may look like rice or seeds)
- Irritable
- Discomfort
- Variable appetite
- Diarrhea
WHAT HAPPENS IF A TAPEWORM INFECTION IS LEFT UNTREATED?
When dogs have tapeworms you may see small moving rice under the tail as well as irritation in that area. Occasionally surgery may be needed to remove worms blocking the intestines.17,18
CAN HUMANS GET TAPEWORMS FROM DOGS?
Tapeworm disease in humans in the U.S. is rare. They would need to ingest an infected flea or Echinococcus egg.18,20,21
HOW DO YOU MINIMIZE THE RISK OF TAPEWORM INFECTIONS IN DOGS?
Dog owners should regularly administer monthly intestinal parasite control specifically approved for controlling tapeworms, like SENTINEL SPECTRUM Chews or SENTINEL FLAVOR TABS. Other control measures include regular use of flea protection and preventing hunting behavior.17,19
FLEAS
WHAT DO FLEAS LOOK LIKE?
Fleas look like small, wingless, reddish-brown insects.22
HOW DO DOGS GET FLEAS?
Fleas jump on the dog! They are typically picked up through the dog’s environment.22
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF FLEAS IN DOGS?22
- Repeated scratching and chewing
- Red, irritated skin
- Hair loss
- Skin allergies
- Tiny, brown fleas on your dog’s haircoat
- Flea feces (flea dirt) on your dog’s haircoat
WHAT HAPPENS IF A FLEA INFESTATION IS LEFT UNTREATED?
Fleas can lead to health problems such as transmitting tapeworms to dogs, cats, and humans as well as spreading bacterial diseases. Some pets may get severe allergies to flea bites.22,23
CAN HUMANS GET FLEAS?
Humans can also get fleas. They can survive on human blood and their bites may cause itchiness, discomfort, and irritation.25
HOW DO YOU PREVENT FLEA INFESTATIONS?
Frequent vacuuming, washing dog beds, and effective medicines, like SENTINEL SPECTRUM Chews or SENTINEL FLAVOR TABS, will help prevent flea infestations.22 BRAVECTO® (fluralaner) is also a great option that kills adult fleas and prevents flea infestations for 12 weeks.26
MANAGING PARASITES
Almost all dogs get some type of parasite during their lifetime. The good news is by regularly visiting your veterinarian, getting your dog tested annually, and using effective medicines like SENTINEL SPECTRUM Chews or SENTINEL FLAVOR TABS, you can manage and even protect your dog from future infections or infestations.27
TWO GREAT PRODUCTS FOR COVERAGE YOU CAN TRUST
HEARTWORMS
WHAT DO HEARTWORMS LOOK LIKE?
Heartworms look like cooked spaghetti noodles.1
HOW DO DOGS GET HEARTWORM DISEASE?
Heartworm disease is a serious parasitic infection that’s spread by the bite of a mosquito. Adult heartworms live in the blood of a dog’s heart and associated blood vessels. Infected dogs may not have symptoms in the beginning. Heartworms can live in dogs for approximately 5–7 years.1,2
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF HEARTWORMS IN DOGS?1,4
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Distended abdoment
WHAT HAPPENS IF A HEARTWORM INFECTION IS LEFT UNTREATED?
The dog’s heart may enlarge and become weakened, and heart failure may develop. Heartworms put stress on the dog’s heart by limiting the blood flow and can cause problems in other organs. If heartworm disease is not treated, it can be deadly to dogs.1-3
CAN HUMANS GET HEARTWORMS FROM DOGS?
No, not from infected dogs. But, in rare cases, humans can get heartworms from infected mosquitos. Since humans are not a natural host for heartworms, they usually die before they become adult worms.1
HOW DO YOU PREVENT HEARTWORMS?
Medications like SENTINEL SPECTRUM Chews or SENTINEL FLAVOR TABS are available to prevent heartworm disease and are extremely effective when given regularly, as directed by your veterinarian. It’s important to remember that year-round protection is needed!
If your dog does get heartworms, it can usually be treated by your veterinarian. However, this treatment can be costly and cage rest will be needed. Regular use of a preventive medication is highly recommended.5
HOOKWORMS
WHAT DO HOOKWORMS LOOK LIKE?
Hookworms are very small and have hook-like mouths.6
HOW DO DOGS GET HOOKWORMS?
Dogs get hookworms from contaminated soil, from their mother’s milk, and from eating infected prey including cockroaches.7
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HOOKSWORMS IN DOGS?7,8
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Decreased appetite
- Anemia
- Weakness
WHAT HAPPENS IF A HOOKWORM INFECTION IS LEFT UNTREATED?
Hookworms attach to the intestine wall and ingest blood. Sometimes they can enter through the skin and cause skin lesions, most commonly on the paws. Hookworms are most severe in puppies, but can also cause illness in adult dogs if they are stressed or have other illnesses.7,8,10
CAN HUMANS GET HOOKWORMS FROM DOGS?
Humans can get hookworms from soil or sand that’s been contaminated by an infected dog’s poop. Once infected, there may be itching and a skin reaction known as cutaneous larva migrans, which looks like a red, threadlike rash.7-9
HOW DO YOU MINIMIZE THE RISK OF HOOKWORM INFECTIONS IN DOGS?
Dog owners should regularly administer monthly intestinal parasite control products like SENTINEL SPECTRUM Chews or SENTINEL FLAVOR TABS. Other control measures include preventing hunting behavior, timely removal of feces, and limiting exposure to contaminated environments.7
ROUNDWORMS
WHAT DO ROUNDWORMS LOOK LIKE?
Roundworms are white or light brown large worms that can be several inches long.11
HOW DO DOGS GET ROUNDWORM?
Dogs can get roundworms from their mother prior to birth or through the milk. Dogs can also get roundworms from eating infected poop or rodents.11,12
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ROUNDWORMS IN DOGS?11
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Dull hair
- Potbellied appearance
- Cough
- White or light brown, adult roundworms in your dog’s feces or vomit
WHAT HAPPENS IF A ROUNDWORM INFECTION IS LEFT UNTREATED?
Roundworms can lead to poor growth in dogs and may be fatal in puppies.13
CAN HUMANS GET ROUNDWORMS FROM DOGS?
Humans, most commonly children, can ingest eggs found in contaminated soil. Human illness can be severe and may include blindness, neurologic, liver, or lung disease.11,12
HOW DO YOU MINIMIZE THE RISK OF ROUNDWORM INFECTIONS IN DOGS?
Dog owners should regularly administer monthly intestinal parasite control products like SENTINEL SPECTRUM Chews or SENTINEL FLAVOR TABS. Other control measures include preventing hunting behavior, timely removal of feces, and limiting exposure to contaminated environments.12
WHIPWORMS
WHAT DO WHIPWORMS LOOK LIKE?
Whipworms look like a very small whip. The body is made of a thin section on one end and the other end is thick and resembles the handle of a whip.14
Whipworms are more prevalent than you think!
In a recent study looking at the prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs at dog parks, whipworms were the second most common nematode seen.15
HOW DO DOGS GET WHIPWORM DISEASE?
Dogs get whipworms by either swallowing infected eggs in the soil or dog feces.16
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF WHIPWORMS IN DOGS?14
- Diarrhea (sometimes bloody or with mucus)
- Weight loss
- Anemia
- Dehydration
WHAT HAPPENS IF A WHIPWORM INFECTION IS LEFT UNTREATED?
More severe infections can cause diarrhea, weight loss, dehydration, and even death.14
CAN HUMANS GET WHIPWORMS FROM DOGS?
No, humans are not known to be infected by whipworms from dogs.14
HOW DO YOU MINIMIZE THE RISK OF WHIPWORM INFECTIONS IN DOGS?
Dog owners should regularly administer monthly intestinal parasite control specifically approved for controlling whipworms, like SENTINEL SPECTRUM Chews or SENTINEL FLAVOR TABS. Other control measures include timely removal of feces and limiting exposure to contaminated environments.14,16
TAPEWORMS
WHAT DO TAPEWORMS LOOK LIKE?
A full tapeworm is rarely seen but sometimes the part of the tapeworm that contain the eggs may be visible. They look like small, flat, moving rectangles or rice under a dog’s tail or in the feces.17,18
HOW DO DOGS GET TAPEWORM?
Dogs may eat fleas, raw meat, or natural prey that contain tapeworms.19
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF TAPEWORMS IN DOGS?18,19
- Small, white worms on the rear end of the dog (may look like rice or seeds)
- Irritable
- Discomfort
- Variable appetite
- Diarrhea
WHAT HAPPENS IF A TAPEWORM INFECTION IS LEFT UNTREATED?
When dogs have tapeworms you may see small moving rice under the tail as well as irritation in that area. Occasionally surgery may be needed to remove worms blocking the intestines.17,18
CAN HUMANS GET TAPEWORMS FROM DOGS?
Tapeworm disease in humans in the U.S. is rare. They would need to ingest an infected flea or Echinococcus egg.18,20,21
HOW DO YOU MINIMIZE THE RISK OF TAPEWORM INFECTIONS IN DOGS?
Dog owners should regularly administer monthly intestinal parasite control specifically approved for controlling tapeworms, like SENTINEL SPECTRUM Chews or SENTINEL FLAVOR TABS. Other control measures include regular use of flea protection and preventing hunting behavior.17,19
FLEAS
WHAT DO FLEAS LOOK LIKE?
Fleas look like small, wingless, reddish-brown insects.22
HOW DO DOGS GET FLEAS?
Fleas jump on the dog! They are typically picked up through the dog’s environment.22
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF FLEAS IN DOGS?22
- Repeated scratching and chewing
- Red, irritated skin
- Hair loss
- Skin allergies
- Tiny, brown fleas on your dog’s haircoat
- Flea feces (flea dirt) on your dog’s haircoat
WHAT HAPPENS IF A FLEA INFESTATION IS LEFT UNTREATED?
Fleas can lead to health problems such as transmitting tapeworms to dogs, cats, and humans as well as spreading bacterial diseases. Some pets may get severe allergies to flea bites.22,23
CAN HUMANS GET FLEAS?
Humans can also get fleas. They can survive on human blood and their bites may cause itchiness, discomfort, and irritation.25
HOW DO YOU PREVENT FLEA INFESTATIONS?
Frequent vacuuming, washing dog beds, and effective medicines, like SENTINEL SPECTRUM Chews or SENTINEL FLAVOR TABS, will help prevent flea infestations.22 BRAVECTO® (fluralaner) is also a great option that kills adult fleas and prevents flea infestations for 12 weeks.26
MANAGING PARASITES
Almost all dogs get some type of parasite during their lifetime. The good news is by regularly visiting your veterinarian, getting your dog tested annually, and using effective medicines like SENTINEL SPECTRUM CHEWS and SENTINEL FLAVOR TABS, you can manage and even protect your dog from future infections or infestations.27
TWO GREAT PRODUCTS FOR COVERAGE YOU CAN TRUST
SEE IF YOUR VETERINARIAN CARRIES
SENTINEL BRAND PRODUCTS
SENTINEL Brand Products require a prescription from a veterinarian.
Enter your ZIP code below to see which ones carry SENTINEL Brand Products.
For technical assistance or to report a suspected adverse drug reaction, contact Merck Animal Health at 1-800-224-5318.
Important Safety Information:
SENTINEL® SPECTRUM® Chews (milbemycin oxime/lufenuron/praziquantel). Dogs should be tested for heartworm prior to use. Mild hypersensitivity reactions have been noted in some dogs carrying a high number of circulating microfilariae. Treatment with fewer than 6 monthly doses after the last exposure to mosquitoes may not provide complete heartworm prevention. For complete product information refer to the product insert.
SENTINEL® FLAVOR TABS® (milbemycin oxime/lufenuron). Dogs should be tested for heartworm prior to use. In a small percentage of treated dogs, digestive, neurologic, and skin side effects may occur. For complete product information refer to the product insert.
BRAVECTO Chews for Dogs have not been shown to be effective for 12-weeks’ duration in puppies less than 6 months of age. BRAVECTO Chews are not effective against lone star ticks beyond 8 weeks of dosing. Fluralaner is a member of the isoxazoline class. This class has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions including tremors, ataxia, and seizures. Seizures have been reported in dogs receiving isoxazoline class drugs, even in dogs without a history of seizures. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders.
See full prescribing information within product packaging.
References: 1.
Keep the worms out of your pet’s heart! The facts about heartworm disease. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Updated August 22, 2019. Accessed May 21, 2021. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/keep-worms-out-your-pets-heart-facts-about-heartworm-disease#:~:text=People%20cannot%20get%20heartworms%20from,bitten%20by%20an%20infected%20mosquito 2. Dog owners: Heartworms. Pets & Parasites. Accessed August 11, 2021. https://www.petsandparasites.org/dog-owners/heartworms/ 3. Heartworm. Companion Animal Parasite Council. Updated July 28, 2020. Accessed May 21, 2021. https://capcvet.org/guidelines/heartworm/ 4. Heartworm in dogs. American Heartworm Society. Accessed September 27, 2021. https://www.heartwormsociety.org/heartworms-in-dogs 5. Heartworm disease in dogs, cats, and ferrets. Merck Manual Veterinary Manual. Updated September 2020. Accessed May 21, 2021. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/circulatory-system/heartworm-disease/heartworm-disease-in-dogs,-cats,-and-ferrets 6. Ward E, Panning A. Hookworm infection in dogs. VCA Hospitals. Accessed August 11, 2021. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/hookworm-infection-in-dogs 7. Hookworms. Companion Animal Parasite Council. Updated July 29, 2020. Accessed August 8, 2021. https://capcvet.org/guidelines/hookworms/ 8. Dog owners: Hookworms. Pets & Parasites. Accessed May 21, 2021. https://www.petsandparasites.org/dog-owners/hookworms/ 9. Hookworm overview detailer. Pets & Parasites. Accessed May 21, 2021. https://www.petsandparasites.org/resources/hookworm-overview-detailer 10. Peregrine AS. Hookworms in small animals. Merck Manual Veterinary Manual. Updated October 2014. Accessed May 21, 2021. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/digestive-system/gastrointestinal-parasites-of-small-animals/hookworms-in-small-animals 11. Dog owners: Roundworms. Pets & Parasites. Accessed May 21, 2021. https://www.petsandparasites.org/dog-owners/roundworms/ 12. Ascarid. Companion Animal Parasite Council. Updated July 29, 2020. Accessed May 21, 2021. https://capcvet.org/guidelines/ascarid/ 13. Peregrine AS. Gastrointestinal parasites of dogs: Roundworms. Merck Manual Veterinary Manual. Updated May 2018. Accessed May 21, 2021. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/digestive-disorders-of-dogs/gastrointestinal-parasites-of-dogs 14. Trichuris vulpis. Companion Animal Parasite Council. Updated July 28, 2020. Accessed May 21, 2021. https://capcvet.org/guidelines/trichuris-vulpis/ 15. Stafford K, Kollasch TM, Duncan KT, et al. Detection of gastrointestinal parasitism at recreational canine sites in the USA: the DOGPARCS study. Parasit Vectors. 2020;13(1):275. doi:10.1186/s13071-020-04147-6 16. Dog owners: Whipworms. Pets & Parasites. Accessed May 21, 2021. https://www.petsandparasites.org/dog-owners/whipworms/ 17. Taenia spp. Companion Animal Parasite Council. Updated November 1, 2016. Accessed August 11, 2021. https://capcvet.org/guidelines/taenia/ 18. Dog owners: Tapeworms. Pets & Parasites. Accessed May 21, 2021. https://www.petsandparasites.org/dog-owners/tapeworms/ 19. Peregrine AS. Gastrointestinal parasites of dogs: Tapeworms. Merck Manual Veterinary Manual. Updated May 2018. Accessed May 21, 2021. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/digestive-disorders-of-dogs/gastrointestinal-parasites-of-dogs#v3202831 20. Echinococcus spp. Companion Animal Parasite Council. Updated April 12, 2017. Accessed September 9, 2021. https://capcvet.org/guidelines/echinococcus-spp/ 21. Dipylidium caninum. Companion Animal Parasite Council. Updated November 1, 2016. Accessed September 9, 2021. https://capcvet.org/guidelines/dipylidium-caninum/ 22. Dog owners: Fleas. Pets & Parasites. Accessed May 21, 2021. https://www.petsandparasites.org/dog-owners/fleas/ 23. Fleas. Companion Animal Parasite Council. Updated September 19, 2017. Accessed August 11, 2021. https://capcvet.org/guidelines/fleas/ 24. Reimer K. Fleas: How to conquer these blood-feeding, egg-laying machines. dvm360. January 26, 2020. Accessed May 21, 2021. https://www.dvm360.com/view/fleas-how-to-conquer-these-blood-feeding-egg-laying-machines 25. Fleas. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated August 13, 2020. Accessed May 21, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/fleas/index.html 26. BRAVECTO Chew for Dogs [prescribing information]. Rahway, NJ: Merck Animal Health; 2014. 27. Dog owners: Overview. Pets & Parasites. Accessed August 11, 2021. https://www.petsandparasites.org/dog-owners/overview/