Embarrassed Dog Owner with Sick Dog

Updated on March 19, 2008
A.M. asks from Chula Vista, CA
13 answers

I have a 2 yr old boxer who we found out today has worms. I feel so bad because our dogs have not been a priority as of late. And now I feel his sickness is a result of that. I cannot find anything on the web to tell me what to do till we get to the dr tomorrow or the outcome or the cause. Can anyone tell me anything? If this is my wake-up call. I am awake, just need to know what to do.

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So What Happened?

Thank you so much for all the advice and "it's ok" 's. I love this site. It put my mind at ease and when I took care of things, I felt so much better! Took Dozer in this morning and it was no big deal. Medicine administered and all is good! I can't thank you enough for supporting me even when you don't know me! Deep breath taken...onto life's next challenge! Happy Tuesday night!

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D.V.

answers from Los Angeles on

It depends on the type of worms he has. If he has tapes, which they get from eating fleas, they are common and don't be embarrassed. They are segmented and when they break off, they look like a grain of rice, when dry a sesame seed.

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T.L.

answers from Bakersfield on

Hi A.. Don't be embarressed. Lots of dogs get worms even when they are well cared for. You need to take them to the vet because the vet is the only one who can tell you what kind of worms he has. (Yes, there are many kinds of worms). You can find out what kind of worms they are, and then go to any pet store (we like Pets Co.) and get the medicine. Only certain types of medicines will work with certain types of worms. Good luck with this! Best Wishes, T.

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D.D.

answers from Las Vegas on

Just because your dog has worms doesn't mean your a bad pet owner. Dogs can get worms from many many places. When I worked in a vet clinic we recommended having a fecal done at least yearly to check for worms because sometimes there is no evidence. You do need to take him to the vet though to identify what kinds of worms he has. The dewormer at the pet stores kills lots of worms but if he has tapeworm you can not buy that medicine over the counter it has to come from a veterinarian. Hoep everything works out. D.

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K.L.

answers from San Francisco on

Dont be embarrassed! My husband and I have two cats who have been not a big priority since our daughter was born 14 months ago. It is because of THEIR recent outbreak of worms that I can answer your question.

Go down to the nearest Petco or Petsmart and ask an employee to take you to the aisle with the de-worming pills. Curing your dog of worms is as simple as stuffing a pill or two down his throat or hiding the pills in his food. Animals get worms all the time, and mass pet store chains have made it easy to cure.

The pills are no prescription and dont cost much. Simple as that.

Good luck!

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S.V.

answers from Stockton on

A. give your dog garlic, yes garlic. take a couple of slices of garlic put it in dogs mouth at the back and hold his nose/mouth shut and blow into his nose so he will swollow it. It is a quick remedy until the vet visit. It works. You are not a bad dog owner.. stuff just happens.

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C.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

I feel so bad because my puppies are not taken care of since I"ve been pregnant. I so understand. And feel the same as you do. That's it since your problem is taken care of I have no advice except West Highland Dog and Cat hospital is GREAT!!! Dr. Lee is wonderful and understands as pet owners we love our animals but can't afford to spend a million dollars on them and take care of our children as well.
Thanks for bringing this up, I feel so guilty for not taking care of my other set of boys!! :)

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J.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

I know everything is taken care of now, but I would recommend checking into "Revolution" for your dog. Through "Golden State Humane Society" (sp?) in Long Beach, it's about $90 for 6 months, but is SOOO worth it. See if you can find one closer to you for "non-urgent" care. (I know lond Beach is about an hour from you. TOO far with a dog and a baby!) For us to get our dog started on Revolution it would have cost us $12 for a vet visit, $15 for a "Heart Worms Test", and the cost of the medication. (We didn't have to pay the $12, because we had him tested the same day his manliness was removed.) I recomend Rev. because it protects agaist fleas, ticks (the 2 most common on K-9's), the 5(?) most common intestinal parisites, and heart worms. I think my dog is worth the $15 a month for the medication, when it protects him from so much.

Also, you mention "dogs" as in more than one. Did you have them ALL treated? If not, then congratulations- he probably has them again. Sorry, but the dewormers only take care or what they have WHEN they are medicated. I suggest making an apointment for ALL of them, and getting them all treated at the same time. If you find a Humane Society near you, it's pretty cheap. No vet appointment, and only (I think) about $15 for dogs under 20#, $30 up to (?) 60#.

Also, know that worms are SO common. It doesn't have anything to do with fleas! Keeping fleas under controll does HELP with worms, but only because anti-flea medications are toxic to the worms as well, and because when you keep things cleaner to prevent the spread of fleas, you prevent the spread of the worms as well. Thet are NOT the same parasite. They do NOT come from your dog eatting chocolate or sugar. And they deffinitely are NOT! a sign of a neglectful owner!

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K.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

Well it all depends on what type of worms they are. Some worms are caused by fleas. Your best bet is to call your local pet store. They usually have the meds their. However you are going to have to know what type of worms they are. If they are the ones that look like rice then it is from having flees. You will need to take the dog to the groomer, bomb the house and be sure to put flee meds on the dog montly.

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A.P.

answers from San Francisco on

Don't be so h*** o* yourself! It really isn't as horrible as it sounds. It comes from your dog eating fleas or eating animals that have fleas. The vet will give him a pill or two and the worms will disapear in a day or two. It only is a problem if you let it go and the dog gets a lot of them. I don't think it is even uncomfortable for the doggy. Just wanted to put your mind at ease =)

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T.S.

answers from San Francisco on

When I was 15, and living at home with my parents, our dog got worms. It was certainly not a result of neglect. I remember shoving the pills for it into food items and giving them to my dog. The vet suggested a piece of hot dog. I hope your dog feels better soon. I know that my Mom and I were unable to eat spagetti for years after seeing our doge vomit worms. Poor thing.

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A.M.

answers from Sacramento on

The Carmichael area is HORRIBLE for all types of dog virual and parasitic conditions. Parvo, fleas, worms, etc. This is due in large part to negligent or ignorent owners not providing proper preventative maintenance. That being said, pets owned by more responsible owners suffer. Even being hyper vigillient about treatments is not good enought in some cases. So...don't beat yourself up abot this, just get your pooch the proper meds from your vet and know to expect these problems in Carmichael.

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C.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi, I have a 2 dogs and they both have had worms. Not a big deal. The vet gives them some medicine and they are fine. From what I know, dogs get worms by if the yard is not clean, from eating their own feces, or from another dog. Hope this helps!

1 mom found this helpful
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D.C.

answers from Honolulu on

Worms are not a big deal! Usually they are caused by fleas so do a body check! The vet will give you some pills and that's about it. Wash their beds, etc.

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