Best Worming/flea/mite/etc. Control For My Miniature Schnauzer...

[Guest Lil' Noodlez]

Good evening everyone,

Sorry if this has been addressed in another post - and if it has, can you please send me the link for it to save everyone repeating themselves...

This Saturday i take delivery of a Salt and Pepper, female Miniature Schnauzer.

I'm looking for the best worming/flea/mite/etc. treatment for her and the breed in general.

I used to use Advocate on a Boxer that i owned at one stage and then the Vet would simply give her what Advocate didn't.

I went back to my Vet this afternoon and asked them about this and they suggested a combination of Comfortis (for fleas) and Interceptor Spectrum (for worms).

I've just been looking online and had another look at Advocate, and while I’m not fond of the oily feel of it, i noticed that it addresses the mite issue too - whereas the combination recommended by my Vet above doesn't seem to address mites.

What are other Schnauzer (or even other breeds in general) owners using for this sort of control? I'm merely looking for the most effective and reliable. Cost doesn't really matter. I just don't want to purchase 5 different things when i could get 1 or 2, etc.

Appreciate any/all feedback.

Thankyou,

Steve

Edited March 28, 2011 by Lil' Noodlez

[poodlefan]

Six weeks old!

This pup is too young to be separated from its littermates. Will it have had a vaccination?

Steve you need to treat for worms but I only treat for fleas if I find them on my dogs and that isn't very often.

Where do you live? Is it a flea prone area?

[Guest Lil' Noodlez]

Six weeks old!

This pup is too young to be separated from its littermates. Will it have had a vaccination?

Steve you need to treat for worms but I only treat for fleas if I find them on my dogs and that isn't very often.

Where do you live? Is it a flea prone area?

Yes i know :D

However there is (sort) of a good reason for this...

The breeders are heading overseas 2 days after everyone comes to pick the pups up.

They are getting their first vaccination this upcomnig Friday. Everyone then has to come and get them on the Saturday. Yes it is very rushed, but i am making sure i am as prepared as possible and also have my Vet on notice should they need to be required.

Hmmm ok. Thanks for the advice there. I'll certianly keep that in mind.

I live in Penrith, NSW. As for a flea prone area...no - i would say most definitely There was a reported flea epidemic in the area about a month ago - maybe due to the most recent heat wave we had...?

[poodlefan]

I'm not a fan of Ivermectin which is what's in Revolution.

I use a monthly heartworm tablet (Proheart), a 3monthly all wormer (Drontal) and then whatever for fleas if necessary.

Book your pup into a really good puppy preschool and if possible arrange meets with owners of her littermates.

Poor planning on behalf of the breeder is not giving your pup the best start in life. If she's coming from a registered breeder, its a breach of the code of ethics to rehome a pup that young. Makes me wonder what other shortcuts have been taken.

[schnauzer]

6 weeks! :D

What breeder lets their puppies go at 6 weeks? None of the ethical ones that I know.

Steve, glad you are doing all the preparation for your new baby. With my own dogs, I use Sentinel Spectrum monthly and Advantage if I see a flea on my dogs, which is rare. I would be guided by your vet. Good luck and we need photos.

[Guest Lil' Noodlez]

I'm not a fan of Ivermectin which is what's in Revolution.

I use a monthly heartworm tablet (Proheart), a 3monthly all wormer (Drontal) and then whatever for fleas if necessary.

Book your pup into a really good puppy preschool and if possible arrange meets with owners of her littermates.

Poor planning on behalf of the breeder is not giving your pup the best start in life. If she's coming from a registered breeder, its a breach of the code of ethics to rehome a pup that young. Makes me wonder what other shortcuts have been taken.

Thanks for the recommendations and the heads up on Revolution. I've also heard some bad stories about Revolution too. I've even heard that some pups have died as a result of being given Revolution :D

Yes - that's already sorted!

Yes i agree. Although i was going to put the word - breeder in quotes because they are not registered breeders as such. The Dad is about 9-10 years old and the Mum is about 4 years old. No reports of issues with their eyes or heart, or joints, etc. I drove all the way up to Gosford to check the parents and pups myself before deciding on which pup i wanted to purchase. I also have the details of their Vet so i can contact them for details on the Mum and Dad's hostory too.

I too was very very wary. This was why i wanted to see them for myself and drove up there at night straight after work. Mum and Dad looked great. The pups all looked well cared for. The family looked after the pups like their own children. This is the mum's 2nd litter and their local groomer has one of the pups from this litter and has no reported issues either.

I've done my best to do my homework with all the information i've been able to gather from everywhere and from talking to others, etc.

Thanks again

[Guest Lil' Noodlez]

6 weeks! :D

What breeder lets their puppies go at 6 weeks? None of the ethical ones that I know.

Steve, glad you are doing all the preparation for your new baby. With my own dogs, I use Sentinel Spectrum monthly and Advantage if I see a flea on my dogs, which is rare. I would be guided by your vet. Good luck and we need photos.

No they definitely aren't registered breeders. However they also aren't the sort of breeders that breed purely for the financial aspect of it either. They seem like a nice, honest, genuine family looking for good homes for the pups.

I've already spent $300+ on her already. It's like when you prepare for a new baby!! Getting the food, brushes, bedding, toys, etc.

Yes photos will come the minute i have her (which will be this Saturday!!)

Can't wait!!

Thanks for your advice too - much appreciated.

[poodlefan]

No they definitely aren't registered breeders. However they also aren't the sort of breeders that breed purely for the financial aspect of it either. They seem like a nice, honest, genuine family looking for good homes for the pups.

Did this nice, honest genuine family conduct any health testing to ensure that you don't end up with a puppy that has an inheritable (and preventable) health issue? Have the parents been DNA tested for Progressive Retinal Atrophy? Do they get annual eye checks?

Edited March 28, 2011 by poodlefan

[nightgrace6]

You got sucked in by a byb, no loving nice breeder would let their pups go that early the Sire sure sounds old??.... any way, my vet worms my pup with endoguard and I have had the pro heart injection. Good luck to you.

[nightgrace6]

Sorry just re read, sounded harsh I apologise, just worried about the poor young pup!

[Guest Lil' Noodlez]

Sorry just re read, sounded harsh I apologise, just worried about the poor young pup!

Yeah i definitely didn't get sucked in. I was as educated about the breed/purchase as i could possibly have been i think. I'm certainly a long way off being a dog expert that's for sure.

Yes we are worried about the pup too. But we are ready i think. My wife and 4 kids will certainly keep it happy and entertained. Plus my Vet isn't very far away should we need to pop in there for a visit.

[W Sibs]

I used Sentinel Spectrum monthly and Frontline.

I think people are worried about how much dog on dog socialisation your pup will get. At that age, they need to be able to play with their littermates. It teaches them how to be a dog

Book your pup into a really good puppy preschool and if possible arrange meets with owners of her littermates.

is very important!!

Good luck with your new pup and have fun with it

Lots of photos please ;)

Edited March 28, 2011 by CW EW

[Guest Lil' Noodlez]

No they definitely aren't registered breeders. However they also aren't the sort of breeders that breed purely for the financial aspect of it either. They seem like a nice, honest, genuine family looking for good homes for the pups.

Did this nice, honest genuine family conduct any health testing to ensure that you don't end up with a puppy that has an inheritable (and preventable) health issue? Have the parents been DNA tested for Progressive Retinal Atrophy? Do they get annual eye checks?

No unfortunately they didn't. I also didn't feel it was appropriate for me to ask them to get these tests done as i'm sure it would cost money that they wouldn't have wanted to spend. They did say however that both Mum and Dad have always been in fine health and the pups whom owner's they are still in contact with also reprot no issues with their "pups" either.

All i have is their word and the answers to all the questions i had for them...

Having said that though, are there any particular tests (for this breed) that i should be asking my Vet to perform on my little one when i take her there?

[Dogsfevr]

']No they definitely aren't registered breeders. However they also aren't the sort of breeders that breed purely for the financial aspect of it either. They seem like a nice, honest, genuine family looking for good homes for the pups.

Did this nice, honest genuine family conduct any health testing to ensure that you don't end up with a puppy that has an inheritable (and preventable) health issue? Have the parents been DNA tested for Progressive Retinal Atrophy? Do they get annual eye checks?

No unfortunately they didn't. I also didn't feel it was appropriate for me to ask them to get these tests done as i'm sure it would cost money that they wouldn't have wanted to spend. They did say however that both Mum and Dad have always been in fine health and the pups whom owner's they are still in contact with also reprot no issues with their "pups" either.

All i have is their word and the answers to all the questions i had for them...

Having said that though, are there any particular tests (for this breed) that i should be asking my Vet to perform on my little one when i take her there?

The bolded bit is the simple answer .

Yes Miniature Schnauzers do suffer from Health issues .

All breeding stock should have yearly eye clearances from a specialist eye vet plus you can test DNA for sector 1 PRA.

This isn't expensive just people breeding for the wrong reason.Many of us are also testing pups for CHC between 6/8 weeks

They don't even groom there own dogs so there knowledge as breeders is very poor.

Your pup is going at 6 weeks,getting vacc the day before & then the stress of it going to new homes at such a young age would be a massive concern especially if the pup reacts to its vacc.

At 6 weeks there not on full solids & still feeding from there mum (unless she is unable to feed )so you will be spending alot of time educating this pup to maybe eat correctly especially if they haven't weaned it.

There breeder support will be minimal considering they haven't health tested for some serious issues that you could pay the ultimate price for.

Are they microchipping the pup at 6 weeks??

We breed/show Minis & all our stock are eye checked yearly & we now our lines & which to avoid .

Our pups go with there first full groom so they experience a pleasurable groom with people they trust & the fact they get hairy quickly & you need to wait until fully vaccinated .

There ears are plucked as well .

In the crucial few weeks of pups in there new homes & the breeders won't be there to assist with any queries you have or concerns that the breeder should deal with after all you are paying for the pup & the breeder after care.

Keep in mind the vet will not discuss the parents history due to the privacy act unless they have approval from the breeders ( well a good vet wont).

Sadly Mini Schnauzers in Australia has a massive number of BYB now & the breed is suffering for it & the exact reason all our pets must be sterilized because they will put any dog & bitch together & have no clue on there lines & whether compatible or lethal

No they definitely aren't registered breeders. However they also aren't the sort of breeders that breed purely for the financial aspect of it either. They seem like a nice, honest, genuine family looking for good homes for the pups.

They don't health test yet breed a very sellable breed sorry it is for money gain at the pet buyers expense otherwise they would be spayed & family pets .

[nightgrace6]

I'm confused about you saying that you did not want them to spend money getting health checks from the "breeders" but then you asked about what you should be talking to your vet about in terms of health checks, you'll loose out on a bit of money buying the "cheaper' product as you will have to get these done out of your pocket and you will probably be in and out of the vets frequently for consultations seeing as you're getting him/her so young. . As soon as you have your pup its going to be too late as the "breeders" will jet off overseas leaving you with either an ok pup or a very expensive one with problems...I'd be researching the problem with taking the pup so early and really preparing myself for what is coming...

Edited to add: I thought you had written you had spent $300 on the dog itself not the toys, doesn't really change my post but now I am hoping you didn't spend a fortune on a byb puppy.

Edited March 28, 2011 by nightgrace6

[Guest Lil' Noodlez]

']No they definitely aren't registered breeders. However they also aren't the sort of breeders that breed purely for the financial aspect of it either. They seem like a nice, honest, genuine family looking for good homes for the pups.

Did this nice, honest genuine family conduct any health testing to ensure that you don't end up with a puppy that has an inheritable (and preventable) health issue? Have the parents been DNA tested for Progressive Retinal Atrophy? Do they get annual eye checks?

No unfortunately they didn't. I also didn't feel it was appropriate for me to ask them to get these tests done as i'm sure it would cost money that they wouldn't have wanted to spend. They did say however that both Mum and Dad have always been in fine health and the pups whom owner's they are still in contact with also reprot no issues with their "pups" either.

All i have is their word and the answers to all the questions i had for them...

Having said that though, are there any particular tests (for this breed) that i should be asking my Vet to perform on my little one when i take her there?

The bolded bit is the simple answer .

Yes Miniature Schnauzers do suffer from Health issues .

All breeding stock should have yearly eye clearances from a specialist eye vet plus you can test DNA for sector 1 PRA.

This isn't expensive just people breeding for the wrong reason.Many of us are also testing pups for CHC between 6/8 weeks

They don't even groom there own dogs so there knowledge as breeders is very poor.

Your pup is going at 6 weeks,getting vacc the day before & then the stress of it going to new homes at such a young age would be a massive concern especially if the pup reacts to its vacc.

At 6 weeks there not on full solids & still feeding from there mum (unless she is unable to feed )so you will be spending alot of time educating this pup to maybe eat correctly especially if they haven't weaned it.

There breeder support will be minimal considering they haven't health tested for some serious issues that you could pay the ultimate price for.

Are they microchipping the pup at 6 weeks??

We breed/show Minis & all our stock are eye checked yearly & we now our lines & which to avoid .

Our pups go with there first full groom so they experience a pleasurable groom with people they trust & the fact they get hairy quickly & you need to wait until fully vaccinated .

There ears are plucked as well .

In the crucial few weeks of pups in there new homes & the breeders won't be there to assist with any queries you have or concerns that the breeder should deal with after all you are paying for the pup & the breeder after care.

Keep in mind the vet will not discuss the parents history due to the privacy act unless they have approval from the breeders ( well a good vet wont).

Sadly Mini Schnauzers in Australia has a massive number of BYB now & the breed is suffering for it & the exact reason all our pets must be sterilized because they will put any dog & bitch together & have no clue on there lines & whether compatible or lethal

No they definitely aren't registered breeders. However they also aren't the sort of breeders that breed purely for the financial aspect of it either. They seem like a nice, honest, genuine family looking for good homes for the pups.

They don't health test yet breed a very sellable breed sorry it is for money gain at the pet buyers expense otherwise they would be spayed & family pets .

Thanks for your concerns and they are all well noted.

As for my original query without getting off-track - what do you use or consider to be the best worming/flea/mote/etc. control that you use for your dogs?

[Guest Lil' Noodlez]

I'm confused about you saying that you did not want them to spend money getting health checks from the "breeders" but then you asked about what you should be talking to your vet about in terms of health checks, you'll loose out on a bit of money buying the "cheaper' product as you will have to get these done out of your pocket and you will probably be in and out of the vets frequently for consultations seeing as you're getting him/her so young. . As soon as you have your pup its going to be too late as the "breeders" will jet off overseas leaving you with either an ok pup or a very expensive one with problems...I'd be researching the problem with taking the pup so early and really preparing myself for what is coming...

Edited to add: I thought you had written you had spent $300 on the dog itself not the toys, doesn't really change my post but now I am hoping you didn't spend a fortune on a byb puppy.

Thanks for your concerns and they are all well noted.

As for my original query without getting off-track - what do you use or consider to be the best worming/flea/mote/etc. control that you use for your dogs?

[Puglodge]

We use Advocate for puppies up to 4 kg. which can be used from 7 weeks. Covers fleas, ticks, worms (except tapeworm) mites, ear mites. Good luck with your puppy. What a shame it is missing the important last two weeks with it's littermates and mum.

[Sandra777]

Ummm - this is one of the miriad of questions the breeder should be able to answer for you. THEY brought this poor mite into the world, it's THEIR responsibility to provide you with extensive information about it's care.

That is one of the fundamental differences between a breeder and a puppy farmer, and a nice family just breeding their pets for fun (and profit!) are back yard breeders which IMO is just a prettier name for small scale puppy farmer.

My pups (not Schnauzers) get wormed using a rotation of medications - each time get a different variety from the vet. Between 2 and 12 weeks worm every 2nd week, after that I don't worm at all unless a fecal sample shows there are worms to be got rid of (regular worming doesn't build up any sort of resistance to later infestations)

A work mate has a puppy farmed mini Schnauzer too and he has allergy issues, so I would be more concerned about keeping an eye out for this than smothering the pup with chemicals which may actually cause issues. Comfortis for fleas seems to be the go. I use permoxin but that only lasts a few days and possibly isn't the best choice for a potentially more sensitive skinned animal.

Be careful to socialise your puppy with as many other dogs as possible and make sure you get a full and proper diet sheet at least from these people BEFORE you get the pup so you can buy the appropriate supplies.

[schnauzer]

Great post Showdog.

I have been thinking about this overnight Poor puppies and poor bitch.

Surely someone is looking after the bitch whilst the "breeders" are overseas? Why can't the pups be kept with their mother where they belong until they are over 8 weeks ;) I would be asking if this were possible for the benefit of your puppy and its siblings.

There are great registered breeders who health test, have wonderful lines and are incredibly knowledgeable, and raise their puppies correctly. They will give you support for the lifetime of your dog. PM me if you would like more information.

An eight week old pup is very much a baby - but even I would be very daunted at bringing a six week old puppy home and I have owned the breed for 30 yrs.