[mscat]

I know of two potenially fatal parasites a dog could get. One is tapeworm, which is from a flea, the other is heartworm carried by a mosquito. I agree that you really need to find out which parasite your dog is suffering from. The heartworm is extremely dangerous, and even worse if having to be treated for. It is costly and can endager you pets life. Tapeworm can make a dog suffer from anorexia, because all the nutrients are lost by this parasite. The younger and smaller the animal is the worse it can be for your dog. I think it is best to always use a preventative medicine ordered by your vet each month to save your dog's life. Since Summertime is fast approaching this is a inportant reminder. Although parasites can happen any time of year , Summer time is the worst, mainly because the dog is outside more. Once infected though, it is so hard to get rid of. Even the simple flea can be a headache. I have only had cats with a flea problem, never a dog. I am sure a cat is just as hard to treat too. even if your dogs are kept inside they still can be infected. I once had to deal with a black widow inside the home, hiding behind book shelves... I also have to worry a whole lot about snakes too, their is a large field behind my apt . And yes, some are poisioness. I will not step foot on the grass we have here in the summer. We also have problems with mice too.