Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 7/26/2008

Question
I have a 9 yrs. old Labrador dog with very good temperament. The problem is regular dewrming have not been working for last six to eight months.I used to give him Praziquentel,Pyrantel Embonate/pamoate and Febantel/Oxantel Embonate combinaten of different brand name.I used to repeat the dose after 21 days of the first doseing then after 2-3 months later,when this process was not working this time i resorted the same protocol but the gap between first and the boosting dose was 15 days, recently after 26th day his feaces is infested with tape worm.My vet does not say anything clearly he just say to repeat the dose.  My dog's weight is approx. 37-40 kgs,I give him the medicine in accordance to his bodyweight.I know his mother had not been properly dewormed before labor and he also had not his first dose after his birth.He is little bit infested with ticks and fleas as now it is rainy season here in India.Please advice what I should do.

Answer
Kaushik -

If you want to control the tapeworms, you must first control the fleas.  Fleas contain tapeworm larvae that develops once the dog ingests the fleas.  It is extremely important to treat the flea infestation and keep it under control  or your pet will always have tapes. Tapeworms can cause digestive problems; also make sure your pet is healthy enough for repeated doses of the dewormer before and make sure the brand is a reputable one.

Both tick and flea infestation can also cause anemia.  Ask your veterinarian if there are safe flea/tick treatments available.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM