What is the most natural way to rid a dog of tape worms?
D.L. from Bonney Lake, WA
Dogs & cats get tape worms from fleas. A cat could get the fleas off of a mouse or off the lawn or from another animal. If you prevent fleas, then you prevent tapeworms. At least that's what my vet said. But, that's only PREVENTION.
To actually rid your pet of the tapeworm you have to get the worm to stop attaching to the stomach or intestine lining. Once it lets go of the lining the stomach acid will digest & kill it. The little "rice-like" grains that you see under your pets tail are actually the worm reproducing.
If it were me, I'd use whatever chemical or drug that your vet sells that you need to rid your pet of these nasty critters. But as far as a "natural" solution, any kind of hot peppers or cayenne can help remove parasites, but I doubt very much that your dog will eat them. Your best bet is to first remove the tape worm by using what your vet recommends, then use natural ways to keep fleas away so they won't come back.
If you can't afford a vet visit, then buy the worming treatment online. But, I bet you can just go in to any vet & ask them for the worming meds without them actually seeing your animal.
PS. I also live in Western WA & since you live in Bonney Lake, WA, you can go to the Federal Way "Vets for Less" animal clinic. They worm & give shots for half the price of other vets. Check out their web site. It's worth the drive to Federal Way. (It's located where I-5 meets Highway 18) ...I drive 20 miles to go to them & like I said, it's worth the drive if your car gets good gas mileage because you'll save money in the long run.
PRICES:
http://www.vetsforless.com/pricing.html (10/15/2008)
By Cyinda
The walnut hulls and pumpkin seeds are an excellent home remedy. However, you need to be VERY careful about giving Ivermectin to dogs without a vet overseeing it, certain dog breeds like collies have a gene that makes Ivermectin deadly to them. You can give ivermectin to cats under a vets direction but I would be extremely cautious about doing so. Ivermectin does not kill all types of parasites that animals can get, you have to read the label of the particular brand you get. (10/15/2008)
By Anna
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