Worms are parasitic microorganisms that cause discomfort and disease. Many dog owners administer monthly dewormers as a preventative measure to keep their pets happy and healthy. Sometimes these preventative measures don't work and a dog contracts worms anyway.
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Identification
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Many worm infestations exhibit similar symptoms. A veterinarian can examine your dog and determine the type of worm infestation using a fecal sample. The type of parasite determines what dewormer, if any, is safe to give to your dog in conjunction with his monthly dewormer.
Significance
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Different medications eliminate different parasitic infections. The worm your dog has may not be a parasite that the monthly dewormer you administer protects against. For example, if your dog is on a monthly dewormer to protect against roundworms and hookworms, but contracts tapeworms, it is perfectly acceptable to administer a medication that is effective against only tapeworms, according to the Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians.
Effects
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Many of the chemicals contained in dewormers are the same or similar in terms of their mode of action and effects. Dewormers work as an insecticide to kill the parasites in the dog's body and later to expel them within fecal matter. Safety testing on most dewormers states that these chemicals are safe, some even up to 40 times their dose, according to "Applied Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians."
Considerations
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Topical dewormers, such as Advantage Multi, and monthly oral wormers, like Droncit, are perfectly safe and acceptable when used in conjunction, according to the "Clinical Veterinary Advisor: Dogs and Cats."
Warning
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Administering the wrong type of medication or or the wrong dose of medication can cause extreme discomfort in your pet. Do not administer dewormers to nursing, pregnant, ill, extremely young or extremely old dogs without first speaking to a veterinarian.
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