I know some people have issues with 'stuff'. Myself, I dislike the overkill we have a tendency to indulge enre to insects, bacteria and such. However, we are talking about debilitating life changing diseases for one of our most important assets in our lives.
It does become a case of diminishing returns for me trying to avoid modern pharmaceuticals.
A little pesticide for ticks now and then.......Sometimes work. If I were worried about just a weekend or two out of the year, I wouldn't bother.
A little internal medicine once in awhile not worry about heart worm as well a few other things to boot? It's a no brainer for me.

Somethings are just worth it.
Randy

Thank you for the Dodds protocol. She has had 3 DHLPP-C vaccinations, 2 Bordeltella Vaccinations and 2 dewormings (she did have worms). They now want to give her another DHLPP-C and want to deworm every 6 months. I am putting off Rabies until she is older, maybe 6 months old.

I am done with going to the Vet.

 Quote: Anna Anderson

Thank you for the Dodds protocol. She has had 3 DHLPP-C vaccinations, 2 Bordeltella Vaccinations and 2 dewormings (she did have worms). They now want to give her another DHLPP-C and want to deworm every 6 months. I am putting off Rabies until she is older, maybe 6 months old.

I am done with going to the Vet.

Why Bordetella? What was the justification? Boarding?

Does the vet know that the stool can be checked for worms?

I have no idea, this was my fault for not checking to see what
Bordetella was. I have never boarded a dog in my life. He did check the stools and found worms, that is why she was de-wormed. From now on it is just going to be Rabies and only when I have to get her license.

Thanks Randy......Beautiful picture of your dog!

 Quote: anna anderson

He did check the stools and found worms, that is why she was de-wormed.

I meant, as opposed to "automatic" de-worming every six months.

Speaking of worms, how often do you guys check for worms?

Is there a rule of thumb?

 Quote: Nora Ferrell

Speaking of worms, how often do you guys check for worms?

Is there a rule of thumb?

I check for heartworm just before the skeeters start to come out. This after a winter of no heartworm meds, before we start back for the summer.

BTW, that schedule is only the way I feel comfy doing it. It isn't gospel. Some give heartworm meds all year, some never. Research it, and tailor your dog's schedule according to its individual risk for the area you live.

For intestinal worms, the only time I treat is if there is a problem. Like if I SEE worms or persistent tummy woes that a fecal exam shows to be wormy.

So basically I check for worms whenever I go look at my dog's poop. As far as going to the vet for it, only when I take in a fecal because my dog is having persistent intestinal problems at that time.

Thanks.

I guess I was wondering if anyone takes in a fecal routinely.

I gave mine the heartworms meds last year during June thru October, for our area. I will probably do the same thing again this year. But I haven't had a fecal test since then. Do you test fecal every year before you put yours on it?

Also, the vet told me that there was something in the heartworm stuff that was supposed to help with fleas, but I couldn't tell it by my dog.

It was the worst season for fleas last year that I ever recall. I used everything from Frontline to Bio spot, along with flea baths, treating the yard, house bedding, everything. They were actually just on the dog. It was rare for me to find one even where she sleeps. I think Mimi has an allergy and since then, she has become itchy. I am afraid she exhibits OCD behavior because she still scratches, even rubbing her back against furniture and stuff. And it started with the fleas last year.

Do you have any preventative remedies for fleas before the season starts. I really dread the thought of it, again. And I just have putting all those poisons in/on her.

You can take a sample in if you want. It doesn't cost much, and definitely can't hurt anything.

For heartworms it is a blood test. That is what I do every year before putting him back on meds.

I haven't heard anything about heartworm meds helping for fleas. That doesn't mean anything though.:smile:

No good flea remedies for a flea allergy dog, either. Flea allergies suck. I can do everything possible to keep them off Turbo, but it only takes one bite to set an allergic dog off. I feel your dread.