My dog has worm symptoms. Is an OTC dewormer safe without a vet?

Typically, the only type of worms that can be seen in a dog's feces are roundworms and tapeworms. Medications that kill tapeworms are available only from the vet, and do require a visit. While there are OTC deworming treatments, they don't kill tapeworms, so you could be treating Chato but not killing the worms in his system. I would recommend taking him into the vet for an exam. He should get Drontal, which kills the four types of worms that infect dogs: Tapeworms, roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com

Hi there! Unfortunately, if she's vomiting and not eating, this isn't likely to be caused by parasites - these are normally signs of a more serious illness. She may have parvo (if she isn't fully vaccinated), an intestinal obstruction due to something she ate, or may have ingested something toxic. I'm afraid a dewormer isn't likely to help her at all - she really needs to be seen by a vet right away. If cost is a concern, you may be able to find a low-cost SPCA clinic in your area that could help. You can also try calling your local shelter to see if they have any resources to assist pet owners with veterinary emergencies or urgent care.

Those look like they are probably roundworms. She would have gotten them from coming into contact with infective eggs in the soil most likely. (From where another dog pooped and that poop contained roundworm eggs, then your dog was nosing around near where that was (even if there was no obvious poop on the ground, the eggs will stay in the soil). It is not a result of the food. You can get effective roundworm treatment over the counter. Look for a pyrantel product and follow the label instructions. Feed stores will generally carry it. Something like this: https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/pfizer-nemex-2-pyrantel-pamoate-oral-liquid-2-oz?cm_vc=-10005 Be sure to follow the label instructions. Also, ideally take a stool sample in to your vet so they can do a fecal exam and determine if any other parasites are present. Thanks for asking PetCoach!

Hello. Your veterinarian just wants to make sure your pet is as healthy as possible & that any infectious cause of her illness are taken care of first. Then you can worm her & hopefully this will take care of all her problems. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

You can't visually tell the difference between hookworms and roundworms. Thankfully, treatment is similar. You can use an OTC dewormer like the one linked below. Make sure to follow the label directions and repeat in 3-4 weeks to completely clear the worms. https://www.petsmart.com/dog/dental-care-and-wellness/treatments/sentry-worm-x-plus-7-way-broad-spectrum-dog-de-wormer---2-pack-13328.html

Hello. There are wormers available over the counter that will take care of tapeworms. Make sure the product contains the ingredient praziquantel, or you can pick up SafeGuard canine wormer at Petco. If you want to be sure of what you might be seeing befors giving Poppy any wormer, you can always take a fecal sample to your vet for analysis. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

No. The over the counter medications are impossible to dose for a 1.5# dog. You will overdose her. Not only that but coccidia is a protozoan parasite and many over the counter medications do not treat this. I suggest you just use a probiotic for now. https://www.ebay.com/i/253095406158?chn=ps Hope this helps. Best wishes.