[JeanieK]

Originally Posted by Marilize

I hate giving my dogs chemicals, so I don't routinely deworm.

Have you considered that if the dam has fleas, the puppies will have worms? So it may be that your girl doesn't have worms, but if she has fleas, her puppies will have worms. Tapeworms are the most common ally of fleas and one swallowed flea (from biting the fleabite where it itches) will cause intestinal worms.

Also, you can use diatomaceous earth to get all these parasites out of your home and it is completely organic and natural. It's cheap too. Diatomaceous earth kills fleas by breaking down their outer shell and drying them out. Fleas can't build up a resistance either. You can also use the earth (sprinkled on food or mixed with water) to naturally deworm your dog. Not puppies though.

Until puppies are old enough to venture outside the breeders home, they should not have any worms (or fleas for that matter). If you can't control their environment, you need to change your system or stop breeding. Don't just sit back and say: All dogs have worms. Attack the source and stop throwing poisons on top of the problem!

Very Good post