Parasites and worms

[Libby Stinson]

We got our Island Mini Doodle, Havana Silk/mini poodle in April of 2012. She has been fine but has a lot of issues with worms/parasites.

At her exam today the Vet found she had worms. so she will be treated for that as well as our other dog, a Cavachon that is 3 years old. 

We have a lot of rabbits in our yard during the year. I think both dogs eat the rabbit poop. I know that is gross. But it s what it is. 

Do any of you have some sort of solution to prevent them from eating the rabbit poop. 

We have put up a fence to keep the rabbits out.

Thanks so much

[pulch21]

Hi Libby-

I started reading about Coprophagia (eating feces) a few years ago when our Yorkie started rubbing his face and body in feces on our walks. (We think maybe it was always racoon or cat, because he stays away from dog feces). I was worried that he was sometimes eating it, so I wanted to know if it was dangerous and if and how we could stop it. 

For dogs that eat other dogs poop, they say that sometimes a diet high in sulfur can help. I'm wondering if this would work for your rabbits too? Maybe try feeding them cabbage, brussel sprouts, broccoli?

Good luck, hopefully more people here will know more!

[Robin & Josie]

Hi Libby -

For what it's worth, Josie's fecal exam showed that she had eaten rabbit poop but the vet said they don't treat for that. Are you sure that's where the worms are coming from? You might be setting up fences for nothing.

I find it next to impossible to keep her from eating whatever....When we're walking I have to keep her head off the ground to prevent her from picking up sticks, acorns (this one will become especially challenging in the coming weeks), dirt, etc. She's incredibly fast. Yesterday, she somehow picked up a used condom in our sheltered suburban neighborhood. How's that for disgusting? Every day brings a new adventure :)

[Libby Stinson]

In fact I am not certain it is the rabbit poop in the yard causing the positive poop sample. It just seems the more likely cause. Are there some other causes I should look into?

[Robin & Josie]

I have no idea. What does your vet say?