Dog and parasites

This is a little bit gross but perhaps someone can advise.

We have an 8 year old labrador who is a much loved family pet and with the weather changing we want to bring her inside once we are at home.

However, in April we brought her to the vets and he used the worm treatment on her that goes on her skin rather than the tablet form. Before the month was out, we noticed she had a dose. First time we had seen them in 8 years and shocked needless to say.

So we used the liquid (can't remember the name) on her again but to no avail. Went back to giving her Drontal, although the vet had implied that this was an inferior way of doing it now, but thankfully it worked and worms no longer visible. However, we used to only give the Drontal every 3 months, but within 2 months, they were back. So now she is having the Drontal every 6 weeks to be on the safe side, although I'm not sure how safe that is for her.

I'm going to take her to the vets, although the attitude was that all dogs have them and there is only so much you can do. Are dogs more susceptible as they get older ? Cannot bring myself to let her back into the house these nights (don't worry she is in a heated shed!) but would like to get this problem sorted.

Hope no one was eating before reading this !
Thanks,
R-

Hi all!

What do you mean "having a dose". Fleas or worms? The liquid on the back of the neck was most likely "Stronghold" or "advocate".
Both products work against fleas and worms although Stronghold is probably a better product.

Dogs nave to be treated for worms at least every 3 months and for fleas every 6 weeks.

hope this helps

Thanks for your reply Millie06.

If I wasn't clear, what I meant was a dose of worms, which were visible in the garden when I was cleaning up.

We do dose her for worms every 3 months and for fleas once a month (powder). Stronghold was the product we used earlier in the year (as a dual medication), and like I mentioned it didn't appear to be as effective as the Drontal tablets for worms. We were using the Stronghold monthly, but it didn't appear to last that long. I am really wondering if, now having had obvious worms for the first time in 8 years, she is somehow more resistant to the medicine as we are now having to dose her with Drontal every 2 months to be sure. Or with age, can this become a problem ?

Thanks in advance!
R-

Perhaps what you saw in the garden were tapeworms. Usually an older dog would need to be wormed just 2-3 times per year (with Drontal). Stronghold can be a bit hit and miss depending on whether the dog gets wet after application and it's not effective against all types of worms. A couple of things to consider - has she been in contact with puppies lately? Is she getting the correct strength of Drontal (based on her weight). If you have children you should also get them wormed now as a precaution.

Thanks Rois.

Ok, took a risk and googled the subject (just did not want to see any up close pics !) but it looks like tape rather than the round variety, they were like grains of rice.

Will over the counter medication get rid of these or is this a job for the vet ? And how do you prevent these coming back ?

Thanks
R-

ronny78, you really need to take your dog to a Vet for a proper check up and he /she will give you the correct dosage of wormer for your dog. I would imagine that giving Drontal every six weeks to an eight year old ( Veteran) dog will most likely cause severe intestinal problems.

Please please please take your dog to a Vet.

I agree with poochpal - take a sample of the worms (if you can face it!) to the vet with the dog for the correct medication. Over the counter worming tablets (the ones you can buy in pet shops) are a waste of money in my experience.