Roundworms are often found in puppies and too often assumed to be prevalent in puppies. The roundworm can lay dormant and undetected in the mother until a pregnancy brings them to life and they transfer to the womb and hence, the offspring. However, again, a healthy mother who is well fed, exercised and cared for will probably not have a problem and neither will the newborns. A drug happy world tells us that we can treat just in case. Remember, medications are drugs and drugs are generally poisons. Applying medication to a problem that "might" exist is unessessary and costly. A healthy mother will also provide the immune health along with a healthy diet to her offspring. If roundworms are found later on, they can be successfully treated by your vet. Chances are that they will not be a problem.
Whipworms, tapeworms and hookworms behave differently. Some attach themselves to the intestine and the dog will then expel an egg sac that looks like maggots or grains of rice. Others cause anemia by sucking the blood from the host. The problem is that medications are not always the solution because the problem is hard to eradicate. Therefore, the best line of defense is building a healthy body and immune system through diet, exercise, care and alternative treatments. Most veterinarians are well acquainted with holistic measures.
Diatomaceous (food grade)Earth is highly effective against parasites in horses, dogs, cats and other animals. It is even more effective when the diet of the animal in question includes greens, carotene (carrots are good source) and garlic. Pumpkins seeds are a great regular part of any diet, and egg shells that have been crushed, are easy to add in small quantities to a dogs diet. Garlic strips down a barrier in the gut that parasites use to hide exposing them to the diatomaceous earth that is actually very tiny like shells that cut and kill parasites. Dioatomaceous Earth is inexpensive and safe for all animals including humans. Farm and feed stores will have it readily available.
The proactive and holistic minded pet owner will always have an advantage over those who leave their pets to fate or who run to the animal hospital for everything. A wise pet owner will reconsider unessessary vaccinations and too frequent re-vaccinating.
Tell your vet you are always interested in methods other than medicine when he or she is determining a path towards your pet's health.
