Having discussed in some detail important aspects of worm burdens and how to prevent/remove them in our companion animals, as well as preferring advice/suggestions to caregivers who find it necessary and unavoidable to administer anti-helminthic at home, I wish to provide answers to some of the most frequently asked and relevant questions on the use of dewormers, especially for the enlightenment of those caregivers who are remotely located and may need to administer at home.
Q: Are natural products used as dewormers for pets, especially dogs?
A: Yes, they may be used. The following represents suggested natural anthelmintics:
Ground-up pumpkin seeds
Fresh garlic cloves (fegs)
Cloves
Dried coconut or coconut oil
Ground carrots
Apple cider vinegar
Turmeric
Chamomile
Dried, crumbled black sage leaves
Dried oregano leaves
Dried thyme leaves
Dried pawpaw (papaya) seeds
Before going heels-over-head using natural products as dewormers, please contact your veterinarian. She/he would advise on the dosage rate and methodology of administration. These natural products may also have toxic side-effects if used improperly.
Q: Which are the best dewormers for dogs and cats on the market?
A: Again, I emphasise that the focus must be on the type of worm one wishes to eradicate.
Against Tapeworms, I would recommend any drug containing Praziquantel (preferably as the sole active ingredient in the tablet). I further advise that the caregiver avoids the use of any lead-based medication against Tapeworms. It was recognised many years ago that although lead was relatively effective, the side effects were not acceptable. Please note that Praziquantel is marketed in different strengths, so absolute care must be taken to provide the correct dosage for the animal’s weight.
Thiabendazole derivatives are also promoted as an alternative treatment to Praziquantel, but one must administer these drugs daily for 3-5 days for optimal effect. Follow the directions given on the box of tablets, or, if sold loosely, request the specific dosage from the pharmacist/veterinarian.
Against all other worms (except Heartworm), liquid Pyrantel pamoate is currently pretty effective. Again, one is advised to obtain the correct dosage according to the concentration of the active ingredients in 1 cc (=1ml) of the liquid. This drug is taken orally by the patient without much fuss – usually.
Note that I used the term “currently”, because all dewormers, after a few years of constant usage, exhibit a reduction of efficacy. The worms simply develop a relative immunity to the medication.
Q: What are the brand names of these popular, multi-valent dewormers which can be bought over the counter (OTC).
A: Based on safety, efficacy, number of worms targeted, and the ease of administration as well as the dog’s lifestyle (e.g., roamers, hunting dogs, house dogs/kennel dogs, etc.), in addition to the parasites which have been ascertained to be prevalent in the dog’s environment, I would suggest the following products – some of which should require a prescription.
DRONTAL Plus
This product must not be used on puppies younger than 3 weeks of age and/or less than 2 pounds in body weight. Follow-up treatments may be necessary.
N.B.
Dogs may not accept this medication orally. They spit out the tablets, especially when the caregiver is not looking.
Sometimes a diarrhoea develops, and/or the animal salivates heavily, and may even throw up.
Follow-up treatments might be indicated.
If Drontal is being used against Tapeworms, fleas (the intermediary host for tapeworms) must be eradicated from the animal before, during, and after each deworming exercise.
TRIFEXIS
This drug offers protection against three common intestinal parasites, as well as against Heartworms and adult fleas. The caregiver can commence the anti-worm treatment when pups are 8 weeks old and weigh at least 5 pounds. Treatment must continue on a monthly basis.
ADVANTAGE MULTI
This product controls and efficiently prevents more parasites than other topical medications. The one serious disadvantage here in the Tropics is that it does not kill ticks. Moreover, it has the drawback that it cannot be used in puppies younger than 7 weeks of age, nor can it be given to breeding, pregnant or nursing females.
Q: Which is better: an oral dewormer or a topical dewormer?
A: A veterinarian, Melissa Smith at the Fort Morgan Clinic in Colorado, answered this question by reminding us that some animals cannot tolerate the oral medications well, or they may have a food allergy problem with oral products. Consequently, topical medications are indicated. In other cases, the animal’s skin may be too sensitive to a topical medication, and therefore an oral delivery is preferred.
Barring these issues, the owner ultimately determines which is the preferred route to administer deworming medication to his four-legged wards.
