[phooey]

I think he probably picked up worms when we took him to Wan Chai dog park a couple of weeks ago. The whole park is probably covered in worm eggs.

It's a nice dog park though and it was good to let him meet other dogs. I was surprised how shy he is. We haven't really pushed him to socialize with other dogs because we already have a dog. Going to have to change that.

[sunniefaith]

It's hard at times to want to bring the dog out to dog parks to meet other dogs. I do get a little paranoid thinking, what if she picks up fleas or lice or whatever. On one hand, she needs the socialization on the other...all these things that she can pick up.....

[dropdedfwed]

Originally Posted by sunniefaith

It's hard at times to want to bring the dog out to dog parks to meet other dogs. I do get a little paranoid thinking, what if she picks up fleas or lice or whatever. On one hand, she needs the socialization on the other...all these things that she can pick up.....

i hear your concern... however, if your dog is vaccinated, on flea prevention, and is treated for worms regulary, then you should have little to worry about in regard to socializing.

The major concern I have is with aggressive or strange/unknown dogs - a quick mauling by another dog can mean a serious surgery for your dog with drains and antibiotics! Just take a bit of caution around strange dogs, as you don't know how they will behave.

[phooey]

I pull my dogs away from strange looking or aggressive dogs for that reason. I never let them off the leash either unless we are in a country park and they are already so tired there's no chance they could get away from me. That doesn't take much for the older one since he's a corgi.

What kind of dog have you got DDF?

[sunniefaith]

Originally Posted by dropdedfwed

i hear your concern... however, if your dog is vaccinated, on flea prevention, and is treated for worms regulary, then you should have little to worry about in regard to socializing.

The major concern I have is with aggressive or strange/unknown dogs - a quick mauling by another dog can mean a serious surgery for your dog with drains and antibiotics! Just take a bit of caution around strange dogs, as you don't know how they will behave.

OMG....that's so true too...Dogs have this herd instinct...they may pounce on one dog at the same time. Oh...it'll be scary to think about it!

[WalkAbout]

yes check with you vet on the meds they dispense but three months is the usual dosage frequency for deworm pills, aka (heartguard).

HeartGuard is the most common preventive pill for the most undetectable worm. Most vets would recommend taking this pill. Heart worms are transmitted by mosquitoes (which we have plenty of in HK). Heart worms are hard to detect until the advance stages of the disease.

there are five different types of worms each with their own treatment. so if you don't bring a sample to your vet at least know how to identify or describe. some worms you cannot see & have only mild symptoms for the dog so test the dogs stool once a year regardless, (twice per year if your in high risk areas, dog parks, other animals etc).

ways to get worms;
~from feces
~from mosquitoes
~from fleas
~dead rodents

in addition to the HeartGaurd pill;
~careful not to let you dog sniff other feces
~dog parks can be very contagious
~protect your dog from mosquitoes & fleas
~keep away from dead rodents
~wipe your dog off when you bring them inside, disinfectant towlettes, baby wipes are handy.
~cleaning your dogs bed or crate spray it with a strong saltwater solution and let dry, this can prevent worms.

[WalkAbout]

ask your vet for you particular needs, but this is my med list :

revolution - selamectin ; mosquitoes
heartgard - ivermectin / pyrantel ; heartworms
quantel - praziquantel / fenbendazole ; round & tape worms
program - lufenuron ; flea control

[PC_Man]

Hi Walkabout,

Good protection list there, but you know the revolution does your heartworm as well?
You don't really need revolution and heartgard at the same time.

Depending on how many mosquitos you have in your area I would drop one and consider starting either a stronger mosquito repellant if having big probs or just use revolution if not.

[sunniefaith]

Originally Posted by PC_Man

Hi Walkabout,

Good protection list there, but you know the revolution does your heartworm as well?
You don't really need revolution and heartgard at the same time.

Depending on how many mosquitos you have in your area I would drop one and consider starting either a stronger mosquito repellant if having big probs or just use revolution if not.

So if my little one is no revolution now, she doesn't need to get a heartworm tablet right? But does she still need a deworm pill every 3 months?

[hello_there]

I think that is a good question for your vet. As I understand it, dogs in HK should always be on a heartworm preventative. But, determinations as to the particular medications a pet should take should really be made by a vet, who will understand the indications for, and interactions between, your pets medications.