Dogs and cats can become infected with a variety of intestinal parasites including heartworms, roundworms, tapeworms, whipworms and hookworms. They acquire these from the environment, fleas, mosquitoes, and ingesting other animals (mice/squirrels). This usually results in weight loss, poor haircoat, and potentially anemia. Occasionally, these parasites can travel outside the gastrointestinal tract and cause serious problems in other parts of the body. Routine deworming helps to eliminate gastrointestinal parasites and prevent spread of them to other organs. Some parasites can be zoonotic (spread to people) so you are protecting yourself while you protect your pet. Our veterinarians at Middletown Animal Hospital can help you choose a product that it right for your pet depending on their exposure because not all products get rid of every parasite.
Here is a perfect example of how bad parasites can get if you don't use preventative medicines once a month. This Doberman was brought to Middletown Animal Hospital by Animal Control for possible euthanasia due to limited funding because he was sick. Our veterinarians decided to give the dog a chance at treatment so the dog was surrendered to us. After a week of bloodwork and diagnostics, he was put on a course of extensive deworming and started to recover. We neutered him and he has been with us for 3 weeks now and is recovered enough to be adopted. This is a perfect example of how something as easy as deworming your pet once a month can save his life!!!
A wonderful end to the story.....Dobie was with us for almost a month and finally was ready to be released. Dr. Jessica Baldwin from Analy Veterinary Hospital in Sebastopol found out about him because she is a Doberman lover and had arranged for his brother to be adopted from Animal Control. She contacted us and offered to take him to foster until she finds him a home. It is wonderful to see animal lovers working together to save lives and find homes for animals who would not have a chance otherwise.
10/25/16 Dobie update from Dr. Baldwin: We renamed him Dobby. He got along just fine after introductions with 3 of my 4 male dobies. My really old man Ducky for some reason- he did not like and would growl at him randomly. He did fine with puppies at work. Too much interest in cats and chickens outside to be trusted, but very trainable in the house with baby chickens in a brooder. I love this dog!!! Such a happy wiggler.
He just went to a new home in Bodega Bay today to live with an older female min pin & a human who is a long time dobie lover. He will be going to Bodega Bay Hospital for his non emergency vet care.
Just thought you would like to know he is doing well. Thank you again for not euthanizing him, and making him well again :)
Jessica