An update to last Saturday’s post.

Earlier yesterday afternoon Jim Goodbrod sent me the following email. I should explain for those that are unfamiliar with Jim that he is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). He is also a friend and neighbour.

Hey Paul,

I read your guest blog yesterday regarding canine helminthiasis (ie. worms) and just wanted to comment that none of Ms. Turner’s so-called home remedies will do anything to rid your dog of worms.

I don’t know where these people get these strange remedies.  Her chamomile tincture actually has a good quantity of ethanol in it, in the form of vodka or rum (?????)  I’d never give that to my dog.

Over the years I’ve heard dozens of clients extol the virtues of these “natural” worming therapies from Tabasco sauce, chewing tobacco, oral diatomaceous earth, habanero peppers, garlic, turpentine, old motor oil etc. etc.   Vinegar was in vogue for a long time as a cure-all for almost any ailment.  Lately coconut oil seems to be the miracle cure.

I don’t know why they persist in giving their dogs ineffective treatments that make their dogs sick, when they could go to the Grange or Mini Pet Mart and get a benign over-the-counter veterinary medication such as pyrantel or praziquantel which is actually specifically labelled for the treatment of certain worms.  Or better yet, many heartworm preventives contain an intestinal wormer, and since all dogs in this area should be on heartworm medication anyway, each month you would be preventing heartworms and treating intestinal worms at the same time.

That’s what I do for Louie.  He loves those Heartgard treats!
Anyway,  just a comment, for what it’s worth.

Regards, Jim

I am very grateful to Jim giving me his permission to publish his advice.