My 7 year old Shih tzu was brought into the vet today and they found that he has tapeworms. He hasn't had fleas since he's lived with me, but had a bad infestation when my parents owned him. The vet gave him a shot and said I'd need to come back in 3 weeks for a followup. Right now, my dog is spazzing out and barking and scratching. I understand that the worms are uncomfortable, but after 3 nights of barking, I need some sleep. At night, he seems to only calm down when I'm petting him. About how long will it be until he starts feeling better and is there anything I can do to calm him down?
2007-05-24 17:42:54 · 7 answers · asked by Roatha C 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I originally brought him in because I thought he had an allergic reaction to OTC flea spot treatment. He's jumping around, barking, wimpering, etc. He seems to keep trying to itch something that's not there. They checked him out and said the worms are probably bothering him. They gave him a shot for the worms and a shot for allergies. He slept most of the day since he got back from the vet. I'll call the vet tomorrow if he's still spazzing out. Thanks for your help!
2007-05-24 17:54:31 · update #1
Tapeworms and tapeworm treatments do NOT cause the problem you posted..
The problem you posted sounds very, very much like the syptoms we see when a person uses an OTC flea product. Theses products are UNSAFE!!! They cause some severe reactions and can even cause death.
You really need to see a vet that knows what is going on and understands the problems associated with OTC flea products, also one that knows that tapeworms do NOT cause that kind of discomfort.
2007-05-25 02:19:44 · answer #1 · answered by Great Dane Lover 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe, it sounds like he is having a reaction to the shot, call the vet tomorrow and find out what medicine they gave him and have them try a different one next time. If three days have gone by and he is barking still, something else is up with your doggie. You said you just got him? and you pet him to calm him down? Sounds kind of like he has trained you to pet him when he barks, smart dog or maybe, he was a spaz all along and now he needs a little training on what is acceptable in his new home.? Try a crate, it might take afew days but he will get the message. You can put it in the car at night in your garage where you can check on him and the sound of his barks will be lessened while you sleep. I am not advocating you crate him and leave him, I am saying that if you need some sleep and he is in a safe place, been taken out potty, etc. the car might be a good place to keep him for a few hours while you sleep, in cool, not cold or hot garage. Make sure that you check on him and don't put him in the car where he can get hot during the day, if you happen to be a day sleeper...if you sleep during the day, then crate him in a room away from where you sleep or earplugs?
2007-05-25 00:55:58 · answer #2 · answered by Kiki B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless you have fleas, your dog does NOT need another shot in three weeks. Vets use Droncit for tapeworm. Go look at their website. One treatment does it. Also, the shot form is VERY painful for the dog. I had one of mine treated years ago with the shot and I saw for myself how painful. There is a pill form of Droncit that does not hurt the dog.
Next, their is an otc generic version of Droncit. It is call Pranziquantel. If you check the Droncit site, you will see that it is the chemical Pranziquantel. Treatment is less than $20.00
2007-05-25 08:40:13 · answer #3 · answered by A Great Dane Lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the others. This is not a normal reaction to having or being treated for tape worms. Do give your dog's vet a call. He or she may want to schedule the follow up a bit earlier than three weeks from now.
Edit: this does not sound abnormal for a reaction to an OTC flea medication. ( and like the one below me pointed out, it could be a reaction to the shot the vet gave) Did they attempt to give him a bath and try to wash of as much of it as possible? Some products don't hold up to water as well as others do, so it might be worth it to try giving the poor thing a bath. Your vet may want to get him on IV fluids to try to flush out his system. You could probably also give him 1mg of bendryl, per Pound of his body weight, once every 12 hours. This might help sooth him until you can get him back in.
2007-05-25 00:53:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
tapeworms don't make the dog bark. Think about it - your dog has probably had the worms for WEEKS before you even noticed them.
Your dog might be having a reaction to the medication. Or your dog might just finally be feeling better. CALL YOUR VET.
Worms don't make a dog hyper
Have you tried walking him/exercise?? Maybe he really is just going stir crazy and wants to go do something. Dogs need 30 minutes of good exercise a day . . . try taking him on a walk - see if that helps.
2007-05-25 00:47:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
Hmmm.. You should call the vet.. I have never seen a dog given worm medicine, react like that.. If anything they might have a bit of an upset tummy, or a little diarrhea, but generally they don't even act like the worm medicine is doing anything.. You should at least call and tell the vet how he is acting and ask what he thinks.
2007-05-25 00:48:36 · answer #6 · answered by DP 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Are you sure he's still pooping regular? One of the problems with mass killing all the worms is they can cause an obstruction. Maybe something is bound up.
I also agree that maybe he is having a reaction to the shot.
2007-05-25 00:48:21 · answer #7 · answered by gnomes31 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋