Does Your Dog Need a De-Wormer?

Do you suspect your dog has worms? Do you self medicate your dog? If you do suspect that your dog may have worms, you should never self medicate your dog by purchasing a dewormer over-the-counter from your local pet supply store.

If you have reason to suspect your dog may have worms, what you should do is collect a fresh stool sample, label it, and take it the same day to your veterinarian’s office. In their lab they will determine from that sample if your dog does — or does not — have worms. If the dog does have worms, they will also then determine exactly what type of worms/parasites s/he may have. This is important. Don’t forget that dewormer is a poison. Why would you unnecessarily give your dog a poison if s/he doesn’t even have worms? Also, the vet will prescribe the correct type of dewormer for the specific type of worm based on the stool sample. Just as importantly, the veterinarian will also give the correct dosage for your dog based on its weight.

For more detailed information on identifying and treating worms in your pet and in a more natural way, I recommend reading the section on Worms in the Quick Reference section of Dr. Pitcairn’s New Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats. 

As I’ve mentioned in many posts in this blog, I highly recommend Pitcairn’s book as a wise investment in the natural health of your dog or cat. It’s a book you will continually be referring to and will glean so much helpful information regarding the health and wellness of your pet. It’s one I always give as a gift to a new pet owner or someone who has begun to encounter health problems with their pet.

So, if you suspect your dog may have worms, don’t just medicate — take a fresh stool sample to your veterinarians FIRST! Make sure s/he actually has worms before you give the poison that’s necessary for helping to expel the parasites. When we know better, we do better.