Understanding Dewormers and Flea/Tick Products PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THIS!

First, Let me state that dewormers do not KILL the worm. They paralyze them for a period of time. This causes them to detach from the intestinal wall and be eliminated from the system through deification.

Most intestinal parasites are normally diagnosed through a fecal flotation test. Your vet will request that you bring in a fresh stool sample from your dog. A very small portion of that sample will be used for testing. It will be mixed with a solution that will cause the eggs (if present) to float to the top of the solution where they adhere to a microscope slide. The slide is then examined. The problem is, that parasite eggs can be present in one portion of the fecal matter and not in another portion. Antigen tests are Much More Accurate!!!

Hookworms are particularly difficult to control. Lane Rae Beagles participated in a 2021 hookworm parasitology study by the University of Georgia. This study was led but Jimenez Castro and proved that hookworms are resistant to all common dewormers. Not only that, but they can be stored in the dogs body for a very long time to be released later. They can penetrate through the skin AND they can be ingested.

Fecal hygiene is an important consideration as well. Most dog parks, veterinary practices and public areas around the country are going to have some degree of drug-resistant hookworms. The level of contamination depends in large part on whether fecal matter is picked up and properly disposed of. Fecal contamination combined with warm, moist conditions is a recipe for successful hookworm transmission. They are relentless!!

Hookworms are parasites that attach with sharp teeth to the intestinal wall of their animal host, feeding on its blood. Dogs pick them up from the soil or from an infected mother during nursing. Signs of hookworm infection include coughing, weakness, anemia, loss of appetite, weight loss, difficulty breathing and bloody diarrhea. Untreated puppies can die from anemia. In otherwise healthy adult dogs, hookworms usually don't pose serious problems, but if they harbor resistant hookworms, they may spread the parasites in their stool.

Until recently, veterinarians who encountered persistent hookworm infections could rely on a combination of deworming drugs to kill off the hookworms. Now there are hookworms that are resistant to most dewormers used. This means that the drugs are not paralyzing the hookworms fully to allow detachment and to be eliminated from the system.

We now ONLY use Moxidectin products for three reasons.

  • It is the only dewormer that has been proven to eradicate hookworms from the intestinal tracts of puppies, who are more susceptible.

  • If Moxidectin eliminates hookworms on it’s own, which it does, using other dewormers along with it will most likely cause higher resistance.

  • Moxidectin also prevents Heartworm disease!!!

SO WHAT CAN YOU DO TO BE SURE YOUR NEW BEAGLE IS FREE OF INTESTINAL PARASITES?

There is no way any dog can be completely parasite free. Monthly prevention and regular testing is the only way to help control parasites.

Please keep in mind most monthly intestinal worm preventatives do not contain moxidectin.

We would consider these two that have the same active ingredients.

  • Midamox (Covers heartworm, fleas, mites and all intestinal worms besides tapeworms) Just remember if you have fleas you HAVE tapeworms!

  • Parasedge (Covers heartworm, fleas, mites and all intestinal worms besides tapeworms) Just remember if you have fleas you HAVE tapeworms!

There are other options, such as products that contain Milbemycin. There are still risk factors, but overall they are safer. They will not kill hookworms.

  • Interceptor Plus (Prevents heartworm. Treats and controls all intestinal worms including tapeworms. No moxidectin however)

We do not personally recommend the following treatments as they are from the family of medications called isoxazolines. They can have some very dangerous neurological side effects such as muscle tremors, coordination impairment, drooling, vomiting, severe diarrhea, lethargy and seizures.

  • Bravecto (topical and oral)

Flea and Tick Prevention

The following products are safer and are formulations of pyrethrins and pyrethroids. Pyrethrins and pyrethroids are technically derived from Chrysanthemum plants and do kill fleas, ticks, and other insects. They do not prevent intestinal parasites however. Permethrin is the common synthetic version that lasts longer and is widely used as an insecticide. These ARE insecticides however and there can still be dangerous side effects. We would recommend the following if you are not

  • Advantix

  • Vectra 3D

  • Advantage sprays and home fogger

  • Seresto collars

  • Hartz products

The following products contain Fipronil and are recommended for flea and tick prevention.

Fipronil is not processed through any major organs and stays in the lipid system. It will NOT eradicate a flea infested dog, but it will normally prevent flea and tick infestations. They do not protect against heartworm however!

  • Frontline Plus

  • Barricade

  • Easyspot

  • Effipro

  • Sentry Fiproguard

  • Parastar

  • PetArmour

  • Pronyl OTC Spectra

  • Spectra Sure

  • May others, Look for the active ingredient of Fipronil on the label!

Are you looking for a nontoxic and natural ways that you can help control fleas?

  • Black walnut is a very effective flea repellent for dogs when given orally several times a week. It can be purchased in capsules or in liquid form. Give only the minimum effective dose because it can be toxic in higher doses.

  • A fine-toothed flea comb is essential and should be used daily to catch fleas. Keep a bowl of soapy water on hand and dip the comb into it after each sweep, or catch the fleas, put them in a container, and then freeze it.

  • Vacuum rugs and furniture frequently and launder animals’ bed covers weekly, if necessary, during the flea season. Flea eggs can be collected by vacuuming but can still hatch in the bag, which should be sealed and thrown away, or put in the freezer in a plastic bag after each vacuuming.

  • Diatomaceous earth, a powder composed of the fossilized remains of single-celled algae, can be sprinkled on carpets to eliminate fleas safely. Diatomaceous earth is harmless if ingested but should not be inhaled. When applying, remove animals from the area and wear a protective mask. Let the powder sit at least several hours before vacuuming. Look for diatomaceous earth at garden, animal supply, home improvement, and health-food stores, but never use diatomaceous earth that has been chemically treated for use in swimming pools. Ordinary table salt or borax can also be used on carpets and should be vacuumed up the day after use.

  • A company called Rx for Fleas (1-800-666-3532) uses a patented nontoxic sodium borate compound that it guarantees for up to one year.

  • Products containing beneficial nematodes (microorganisms that eat flea larvae) can be sprayed on lawns and, unlike many toxic treatments, are perfectly safe for animals, birds, and humans, as well as “friendly” garden dwellers, such as earthworms and ladybugs. Brand names such as Interrupt can be found in pet stores and in the lawn-and-garden sections of hardware stores and supermarkets.

  • Gentle herbal shampoos are effective and can be used as often as once a week, although too-frequent bathing can dry out animals’ skin. When shampooing, use warm water and begin with a ring of lather around the animal’s neck so that fleas cannot climb onto the animal’s face. Flea-pesticide shampoos and dips are dangerous and are not necessary because soap and water kills fleas.

  • To make an effective natural insect repellent for dogs that can be applied daily, add five drops each of tea tree oil, citronella oil, rosemary oil, peppermint oil, and eucalyptus oil to one cup of water, shake it, and put it in a spray bottle. This smells great and we use this often on our dogs! We purchase our essential oils from doTerra and are Wellness Advocates. If anyone would like more information about how to get a coupon please ask me. I will have my site up very soon with links!

Please also be sure that you keep heartworm prevention (from mosquitoes) and tapeworm prevention (from fleas) as well.