Information and Explanation of / internal parasite/ parasite treatments
Puppies get tapeworms from fleas. A young flea will eat tape worm eggs, and puppies get tape worms if they swallow a flea. The tapeworm is segmented and flat, so what you will see are small, flat, cream colored pieces less than a half inch long. The most common place to see them is around a dog or cat's behind. These moving pieces contain tapeworm eggs. When they're dry, they look similar to uncooked rice. Tapeworms can cause a loose stool.
Coccidia is not a worm. It is a microscopic internal parasite (protozoan) common in warm, humid climates. Most southern breeders have a problem with it because of the heat, humidity, and mild winters - nothing dies
The prescription medications (from your vet)(some over the counter such as Panacur and safeguard for de-worming)
· Round worms: Strongid T (pyrantel pamoate) - yellow liquid given once, and then 2 weeks later. In a stubborn case, treat 3-5 days in a row, and then repeat the same in 2 weeks. If you have a litter of puppies, the first worming should be at 2 weeks of age, repeated every two weeks until 8 weeks of age. The mother should be treated at the same time.
or Panacur (10% Fenbendazole) - white liquid that tastes terrible. Dose 1cc per 5 pounds for 3 consecutive days, and repeat process in 2 weeks. The benefit of Panacur is that it usually works in a situation where Strongid T has been ineffectual. It also comes in granular form, to be mixed with food.
· Hook worms: Strongid T (pyrantel pamoate) - yellow liquid given once, and then 3 weeks later. In a severe case, treat 3 days in a row, and then repeat in 3 weeks. Drontel is another medication prescribed for hookworms. It comes in pill form, and is also used to treat tapeworms.
or Panacur or Safeguard (10% Fenbendazole) - same directions as above, except repeat treatment in 3 weeks, rather than 2 weeks.
· Tape worms: Droncit, Drontel, or Centex - serated tablet given once, repeat if tapeworms reappear. Or Panacur C or Safeguard, they are also effective on tape worms and other;s.
· Coccidia: Albon - darker yellow liquid given for 10-21 days. Double dose the first day of treatment. Also comes in pill form.
· Giardia: Metronidazole - most common in pill form but can be gotten in liquid form by special order. Give once daily by weight for 10 days, twice daily (divided dose) in severe cases. Panacur has actually been found to be more effective in treating giardia.
Even a healthy appearing puppy can have some form of parasite. When you get a new puppy, it's always a good idea to have a fecal exam done by your vet, even if the puppy just had one by the breeder's vet. The breeder would have sold you the puppy in good faith, but as I mentioned, going to a new home can be stressful. That's when parasites are more evident, and easier for a vet to detect.
Don't forget about heartworm preventative for your new puppy! This can only be gotten from a vet, so you should discuss the different options with him or her.
As a Breeder I use the Product (pyrantel pamoate) for the first worming at 3 weeks and then the Panacur C at times Safeguard when available for de-worming my puppies at 4 wks and 5 wks. so that it may be free of Tape worm as well. These are the 2 Best de-worming products that I have found.
Your puppy is currently eating Purina Puppy Chow Complete & balance diet. (Sample bag included in your puppy kit and is given to you upon Pick-Up of your puppy
He/She get this moistened 4 times a day with Bottled water at all times.
They are also given dry food at all times thru the day now, they may just pick at this for a
While as their teeth are still coming in.
If your puppy is not eating enough give them Nutri –Cal a few times a day, this will help until they start to eat more.
Remember to take your puppy to the Vet and start his/her Heartworm Preventive started! This is important and required!
Do not be alarmed if your puppy has loose stool for 2 days after arriving as when the puppy is stressed they tend to get this. If this occurs for more than 3 days you must take your puppy to the vet, he/she may need to be de-wormed again at this time. This is a sign of re-infestation and it happens, but you want to have it checked in case it is something more serious, chart the puppy stool, diet, water intake and activity during this time do not let the puppy get dehydrated during this time, give lots of water (pedeolyte for infants) is the best to give during this time
I hope this information is helpful to everyone and remember, I am here 24/7 , if you have a concern at all, call me first, I will instruct you of what to do at that time. Call me first, Vet second unless you know you have an emergency And Notify me after you have received your medical attention First!!! AND PLEASE, Keep your puppies Puppy pack handy with its medical records and receipts in it, when you go to the Vet, take this with you as it will help your Vet with the history and Treatment of your puppy expediting his diagnosis time for that emergency!!!
Thank you again for Choosing one of my puppies to love as a member of your family,
Deborah Thompson
(304) 727-1821