Need advice how to prevent/deworm dogs/cats

[katicabogar]

Hi, All,

I was wondering if anyone here knows how to deworm or prevent dogs and cats getting worms?
I am taking both to a vet today just to check for worms and it will cost me a lot. Office visit $50.00 for each plus who knows what else they charge and I just can't afford to do this every three months.
Usually I just take them to vet once a year, but since I am moving in with my daughter, I am worried, my two grandkids, who are four and two years old, might catch something from the animals.
I use the Frontline flea medication on both the dog and cat, but don't know how to prevent them catching worms. They both get out a lot and God knows what they are eating when outside.

I read somewhere, giving them garlic pills or just sprinking garlic powder on their food prevents worms..not sure if anyone tried this? Or should I just get something from Petco without prescription?

Thanks for reading and I would appreciate any advice.

Kat

[ksgirl]

You would think that with as many animals as I have I would know a natural remedy, but I don't. I just use an over the counter wormer on my dogs every three months. It seems to be effective and it's a lot less expensive than going to the vet. If you do go to the vet for the first treatment ask them what you can do at home.

[katicabogar]

Yes, I will ask what to use at home, but not sure if they will tell me. I asked this before but they always tell me, it is best to bring in the animals for checkup so they know what type of worms, if any, they have.
I think they just want to collect that office visit fee whenever they can. Most vets are like that in my area.

[jayne]

garlic is a good help but dogs and cats are always gonna have some sort of worms 1-800 pet meds is your cheapest way to go to get flea,tick and worm protection

[Sithie]

You can try this site, I find it to be a good one. I am not a big believer in prevenitive worming. The chemicals in the wormers are harsh. You can wait til and if they get worms, (you will see them in stool) and treat it with wormwood, which is the herb used in the ready made stuff you buy. But preventitive worming can be harmful. The only tpe of preventitive worming that is really nessasary is heartworm meds, and they are somewhat expensive, but VERY nessasary.


Here is the site
http://www.dogster.com/forums/Dog_Health/thread/485664

Hope this helps,
Sithie

[katicabogar]

Thanks for the advice.
I just got home from the vet, paid $220.00(ouch). Looks like the cat is fine but the dog has whipworms, so gave me medication. He doesn't recommend garlic as a preventive method for worms, he said it can harm dogs? Anyway, he recommends Sentinel for dog, supposed to prevent fleas and worms, 6 months supply cost $100.00. For the cat, he recommends Revolution, cost for 6 months $90.00.
I will research some natural preventive method, maybe I will find something less harsh, but probably Jayne is right, they gonna have some type of worms no matter what. He said, only the roundworms are dangerous catching by humans so I shouldn't be this paranoid regarding my grandkids, right?

[tweety00]

nope and round worms can also just be in the soil ...

[ksgirl]

Something I just thought of, do the children have a sandbox? If they do, make sure the sandbox has a tight cover so the kitty can't get into it. That is one way children get sick from animals.

[Wink]

katicabogar~
Garlic or onions are like poison to cats or dogs. I forget the name of it, but there is a toxic chemical in the onions and garlic that affects animals for some reason. I believe onions are more dangerous. I use to know all that stuff but my memory suffers somewhat. Too many toxic cheeseburgers, I guess!

A dog or a cat can transmit worms to a child or an adult. There are several--not just one type. I have always been very careful, myself--not only keeping the dogs and sleeping area clean and sanitized but always have taken my shoes off at the door and washed my hands and arms thoroughly after being out with the animals...and sometimes changed clothes depending on the situation. (I used to raise German Shepherds, Pugs and Shih Tzu's). This site can describe many of the infestations better than I can:
http://www.petshed.com/petcyclopedia/hum...-dogs.html

Also, if you interested in saving big bucks, try the generic wormers. One that is a monthly MUST is heart worm medicine. Heartgard Plus is the best for prevention of heartworms, hookworms and roundworms. But buy the generic brand! I use Tri-Heart Plus, which is 50% less the cost than Heartgard Plus and has the same ingredients! Anyway, just stick to that and don't overdo it with additional wormers which can be more harmful than the worms themselves!

When I was breeding big time, I only had to take my dogs to the vet once a year for annual checkups and booster shots--and usually they were just fine, simply because of all the precautions I practiced. The only real problem I encountered was tapeworms. Fleas can be a problem if you have sandy land. If your dog eats an infected flea------TAPEWORMS. This is easily treated. The only frustrating thing is they can get tapeworms AGAIN the follwing month! Treat em again is all you can do. If you are able to recognize that your dog has tapeworms then you can save money by just picking up the tablet at your vets office instead of a costly examination each time. Stay away from Happy Jack---a waste of money. Been there, done that. The vet has the safest and most potent pill for your pet!

Anyway, whatever I or anyone else may tell you, if you are still in doubt and just don't know, then it's best to take your cat or dog to the vet--no matter the costs.

[Lilly]

Hi, another way to save some bucks at the vet....(may sound gross) is to collect a fresh poo poo sample in a zip lock bag with the dogs name written on it , and drop it off at the vets if you want to know if there's an infestation and the type of worm the dog has. We do this with the horses. This way they only have to put the feces under a microscope to see what horse, pup pup or kitty has. Saves you a vet call or an office call....then allows you to buy cheap needed wormer at a online or tractor supply store. OR, Do a search online for natural dog/cat wormers & see what comes up.
Usually wormie signs in dogs & horses is butt scratching, and a pot belly or gaunt look in the haunches, and funky hair texture.
Lilly