Dog tapeworms: What OTC dewormer can I use before a vet visit?

I am sorry to hear about your concern for Shina! There are over the counter tapeworm dewormers available such as this one: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/bayer-tapeworm-dewormer-tablets-for-cats which contain the drug praziquantel. You can read more about tapeworms at https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951442 . The tapeworm requires an intermediate host, such as a flea, so the other pets cannot catch it directly from this cat but if there are fleas in the hosue they could get it that way.

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, thanks for using PetCoach! Dogs get tape worm from fleas so be sure you also start a good flea preventative. Below is a link to a non-prescription tape worm dewormer. Good luck! https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=35693

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.

You won't be able to find a tapeworm treatment over the counter so this is going to need to wait for your vet apointment (you could call them back and ask for a sooner apointment explaining the situation), you can buy an over the counter flea treatment though, Advantage spot on is safe to use on dogs from the age of 7 weeks.

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! I'm not sure what your budget is but I like Droncit or Cestex which only get tapeworms. I like Drontal Plus because it gets tapeworm and other worms as well. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3464 I hope this helps!

Hello and thank you for your question. First, I Just want to applaud you for taking a prophylactic approach to heartworm and internal parasites by giving trifexis monthly. Great job. Trifexis takes care of and prevents roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. It does not, however, prevent a dog from getting infested by other internal parasites such as tapeworms or coccidia. Because there are so many different types of medications available over the counter that treat different types of worms in a dogs gastrointestinal tract, I encourage you to take a fecal sample to your local veterinarian to get a definite diagnosis and correct treatment. It would be best to take in a sample of the feces as well as one of the worms that you find for best results. I hope this helps. Have a great day.