Kelliwic Border Collies Posted March 10, 2007 Report Share Posted March 10, 2007 I've been wondering whether or not to de-worm my dogs. They look quite healthy and I have no reason to suspect they have worms (no evidence in poop), so this is more from a "just in case" perspective. They occasionally snatch some sheep poop, but it's certainly not a routine or regular thing. Naturally when they under more pressure, they are more likely to try to eat more or grab it more frequently during our lessons. It's not usually that often, but last week one of them grabbed a large chunk and gobbled it before I could stop her. I don't mind a few pellets here and there, but this was literally a mouthful. So, it made me wonder about whether I should worm them now and then. The sheep are wormed regularly. I'm not really keen about putting that type of medication into their bodies unless it's a good idea (ie, better to be safe than sorry). If so, should I get something particular from my vet? I don't know if the general broad-spectrum stuff available at pet supply stores cover the right types of worms. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shoofly Posted March 10, 2007 Report Share Posted March 10, 2007 My dogs make asteady snack supply out of sheep droppings. It's no big deal. If you suspect your dog has worms, have your vet do a fecal, don't just worm for no reason. That said, i use Interceptor heartworm pills and they do contain wormer for some other common worms. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ljrphoto Posted March 11, 2007 Report Share Posted March 11, 2007 I've been wondering about things like daily strongid for horses and the Ivermectin for dogs. Is there any danger of creating a resistant parasite population using these methods? I just saw something about a study on horses saying that "we" should go back to the old fashioned method of worming horses in the spring and fall to avoid resistance and it just got me thinking. It had something to do with the timing of there being the fewest resistant worms in the pasture at that point but I don't remember all the scientific stuff. I haven't really been able to find anything online saying one way or another. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted March 11, 2007 Report Share Posted March 11, 2007 What Robin said! Take a fresh fecal sample to your vet to be checked if you are concerned. With all the outrageous stuff my youngster consumes, his fecal this last week was negative, perhaps because of monthly use of Interceptor to avoid heartworm (with its effectiveness against other parasites). If I am right, many worms are species-specific (or at least confined to activity in certain families of animals) and so the consumption of herbivore poop by a carnivore/omnivore might not be an issue when it comes to cross-contamination with worms. A fecal sample check is cheap and can provide peace of mind, as well as allowing you to treat only those things that you need to treat. Best wishes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juliepoudrier Posted March 11, 2007 Report Share Posted March 11, 2007 ljrphoto, I think you have a valid concern and it's one that's bothered me with products like Interceptor, which give a monthly dose of meds to kill intestinal parasites. I can't help but think that eventually we will create resistant parasites. But I have no scientific proof of that. I use ivermectin as an HW preventive, and then periodically test/treat the dogs for intestinal parasites. I think it's all about educating yourself and then doing what you're comfortable with. J. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pipedream Farm Posted March 12, 2007 Report Share Posted March 12, 2007 I've been wondering about things like daily strongid for horses and the Ivermectin for dogs. Is there any danger of creating a resistant parasite population using these methods? I just saw something about a study on horses saying that "we" should go back to the old fashioned method of worming horses in the spring and fall to avoid resistance and it just got me thinking. It had something to do with the timing of there being the fewest resistant worms in the pasture at that point but I don't remember all the scientific stuff. I haven't really been able to find anything online saying one way or another. My Vet has the same concern; we were discussing this the last time we were in for a visit. It is easier to deal with the intestinal worm issue since there are different classes of drugs to use here. HW is another issue; all HW meds are the same class of drug. Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ljrphoto Posted March 13, 2007 Report Share Posted March 13, 2007 It hadn't occurred to me to be concerned about resistant heartworms, to be quite honest. That's a little scarier, because what does one do? I wouldn't want to start spraying my dogs with mosquito repellent every time I take them outside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelliwic Border Collies Posted March 16, 2007 Author Report Share Posted March 16, 2007 Thank you to each of you for posting. My dogs have no sign of worms (and are on Interceptor), so I have no reason to believe they have worms. I'm not going to worry about it any more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.