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Another tapeworm question2007-11-25 2:58:10

Thanks for all the quick answers on my prevoius question! I feel a lot better about the situation now.

A few more things. Earlier today, I made a vet appt for tomorrow. They said they will test her feces (which I don't understand,- I knowshe has a tapeworm) and give her a prescription. I read on a bunch of websites that the OTC treatments did not work for tapeworm, however, people on here are telling me that they do. I don't know if I should go to the Dr, or just buy Praziquantel. If I do go to the doctor, is there a test for heartworm? People are telling me she might be prone to it.

When she takes the medicine, how will I know that the worm is completely gone? Is there any physical evidence?

Also, I have another dog. He is 2 years old, and the two are inseperable, How can I prevent him from getting the worm? I know that I should clean up after the infected one right away, but any other tips? Thanks again!!

Answers:

First off, I would have both dogs tested for tapeworms. If your vet does a fecal, he can also look for a variety of other worms also. He can draw blood and test for heartworms also. If he finds that your dog has tapeworms, he'll prescribe tablets for her to take. You will see the dead worms in her feces and she will begin to gain weight, that's how you'll know that the worms are gone. Since you are going to the vet anyway, I would just get the wormer from him. I've had good luck with OTC wormers, but I've also had good luck with vet prescribed treatments.

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Your best bet is to go to the vet on this one! I wouldn't get online advise for this! The vets will do a fecal on your dog, this tests for any kind of worms and parasites your dog may have, Yes there is a test for Heartworms (go to your vet for this one) People can get Tapeworms from dogs as well so becareful cleaning it yup. After your dog is don't with the medication you can get another fecal done on your dog, that will determine if your dog has any parasites left. Tapeworms can be simply treated with a dewormer pill for dogs. you probably cannot prevent your other dog from getting it. just deworm both of your dogs at the same time. Tapeworms come out of the dog in segments, segments can drop off anywhere and the other dog can scoop it up and get tapeworms!!