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Parasites
We keep our puppies on a strict worming/parasite prevention schedule, and, while they are treated for all of the things below, their schedule will need to be continued once in their new home and for the lifetime of any dog. Depending on when you receive your new puppy, you may need to continue the worming schedule shortly after the puppy comes home. For this reason we recommend a fecal check at your puppy's first wellness exam to see if they need to be wormed at that time. This is a normal part of owing a dog.
Intestinal Parasites
Intestinal parasites are very common in puppies and dogs and are generally not serious when dealt with and treated preventively, but prevention is necessary for all dogs. The most common of intestinal parasites are hookworms and roundworms, but dogs can also be affected by whipworms, tapeworms, coccidia, and giardia.
All of our puppies are routinely wormed for hookworms and roundworms at 2, 3, 4, and 6 weeks of age, and also receive a routine broad spectrum parasite preventative prior to leaving for new homes which includes being treated preventively for giardia and coccidia.
Young puppies are very susceptible to parasites and we recommend that a fecal sample be taken at your puppy's first checkup as the stress brought on by re-homing can make them more susceptible to all parasites. It is common for puppies to have parasites such as intestinal worms, and worming is a normal part of owning a puppy. They should be wormed routinely at 12 & 16 weeks after going to new homes, then once a month until six months of age when they can be wormed every 3 months.
Heartworms
Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes and can be deadly to dogs. By having your vet prescribe heartworm prevention you could literally be saving your dog's life. Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes that are infected with the larvae which is then passed on to your dog when the mosquito bites. Heartworm prevention is most commonly given as a pill or topical treatment. Both forms are given once monthly. Common forms of this preventative are Heartgard, Sentinel, Revolution, Advantage Multi, etc. Another form of heartworm preventative is an injection given every 6 months at your vet clinic.
Other Parasites
Other parasites include fleas & ticks. For these we recommend a holistic approach rather than the very strong medicines that are known to cause side effects.
Please talk with your vet regarding the various treatment options available for your dog's needs. AND PLEASE SEE THE SECTION ON OUR WEBSITE RELATED TO DRUG AND ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICITY.
This advice is given solely as a means of educating individuals; all vaccinations, heartworm prevention, and general medicine should be discussed with a licensed Veterinarian before administering.