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Treatments for Puppy Worms
Just because you don't see them, it doesn't mean your puppy is worm-free. Puppy worms are present in a majority of puppies. If not removed, they will rob your puppy of much needed nutrients and cause numerous health problems. Some may even cause death…
Are dog worms dangerous?
Yes, they are.
Dog worms present danger not only to your pet but, because they can be transmitted to humans, to every single member of your family. If you have small children, have them wash their hands after they play with any dog.
Lets take a look at the…
The Most Common Puppy Worms
Virtually all puppies are born with worms. The most common are Heartworms and Intestinal Worms.
Heartworms
Can reach 12 inches in length and are usually transmitted from dog to dog by mosquitoes.
These puppy worms live in the right side of the heart and adjoining vessels of infected dogs and can cause substantial damage to the heart and lungs before any symptoms become visible. Sometimes, the damage to the heart is so great that nothing can be done to save dog's life.
Fortunately, this is a disease that you can easily prevent.
Heartgard Plus is the #1 choice of veterinarians for Heartworm disease prevention.
Its 100% effective against Heartworms (it also removes Roundworms and Hookworms) and is approved for use in puppies as young as 6 weeks of age.
Unlike some other products, it's safe to give to pregnant and nursing females. To prevent Heartworms, give your puppy one pill each month, year round.
Heartgard Plus is sold by prescription only. You can buy it from your vet or, to save money, buy it on-line. I'll show you how to buy prescription meds on-line in a minute…
Intestinal Worms
Several types of puppy worms can be classified as intestinal worms. Here are some examples...
- Tapeworms
- Hookworms
- Roundworms
These worms live inside your dog's intestines and can cause, among other illnesses, weight loss, weakness and dehydration.
Most intestinal puppy worms are passed from their mothers, either in the womb or when nursing. For that reason, check your puppy for worms at his first checkup with the vet.
Interceptor tabs will not only remove most intestinal puppy worms, but are also effective against Heartworms.
I tried several brands on Bo, but he seems to like how these taste (OK, maybe it's a stretch! Tolerate is a better word!)
By the way, you can also give Interceptor to cats.
In addition to Heartgard Plus and Interceptor, there are also plenty of over the counter medications that you can buy without a prescription.
HomeoPet Worm Clear is a homeopathic product. It's 100% natural and comes in liquid form.
The 2 advantages of liquid medications are that they act faster than pills and are easier to mix with water.
The last point is especially important because some dogs, no matter how hard you try, will not eat pills.
HomeoPet Worm Clear will remove Hookworms, Roundworms and Tapeworms.
Worm Protector 2X Double Strength Liquid Wormer is an over the counter product used for removal of large roundworms and hookworms in dogs and puppies.
It may also be used to prevent reinfestion of roundworms in puppies and adult dogs.
Worm Protector comes in liquid form and can be given directly to your pet or mixed with food.
As far as I know, all medications that can remove Heartworms require a prescription.
There are no vaccines to keep your puppy worms-free. That's why prevention is so important. It's also important you learn to recognize the symptoms of worms in puppies.
Luckily, there are medications, like the ones I profiled above, that you can give to your puppy in the comfort of your own home. Of course, when you do visit your vet, he or she may still test your dog for worms and, if appropriate, prescribe another medication or treatment.
For more information on puppy worms, please visit worms in dogs page. And, if you suspect your puppy has worms, contact your veterinarian.
I hope you will find this information useful and it helps you to recognize some common health problems your pet may be experiencing. However, if you suspect your pet is ill, immediately contact your veterinarian. He or she will be able to help you decide the best course of action when it comes to caring for your pet.
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