Hi Sherri, I'm going to jump in here and comment on your worming protocol. You say you have never had a problem with ascarids and hookworms so why give a toxin in addition to your medication for heartworm. With that thought process why are you giving heartworm medication when you could do bi-annual bloodwork and treat if and when you see evidence of microfilaria. Now before the layperson gets to thinking that worming medication is toxic lets address the fact that the toxicity is to the parasite and not the dog. Trials have shown that drugs used for most parasitic control can be given to the dog in much higher doses before any risk is imposed upon the dog and before anyone wants to tell me that is enough reason for them not to give such treatments let me point out that vitamins and minerals given in excess can be toxic as well but we still need to have a certain amount.
I spent many years working with horses and "cleaning" up those that came from dealers full of parasites and a healthy horse is one that is treated regularly for intestinal parasites. Same goes for dogs, some intestinal parasites are extremely difficult to see on fecal floats and in fact roundworms will not always be seen depending on the stage of development. I have seen roundworms in puppies despite the mother being treated because the pregnancy activates the encysted larvae and the parasite can cross the placental barrier to contaminate the fetus. Many breeders routinely worm their puppies and some don't but IMO all puppies should be followed up with a routine worming or at the least checked regularly after leaving the breeder's. Children in the home can be infected with hookworm, whipworm and roundworm if they come in contact with contaminated ground. While some people may be very vigilant about their dogs general health the subject of worms is sometimes forgotton and troublesome bowels and unthriftiness is often a sign of parasitic burden. Better out than in:-) Rose
