Dewormer

[CatLuvrs]

Until I get to the vet on the 18th will the store dewormer work ok?

[moosmom]

I don't trust anything sold in a pet store, especially after that Hartz scare with the flea/tick application. I'd wait till I see the vet. It's not a life threatening problem.

[CatLuvrs]

Thank you! I will wait I just didn't want to harm the kittens if they did have them and I have to wait that long to go.

[Scooby4]

I wouldn't purchase the dewormer from Hartz but may try other brands. I would go to a pet store exclusively and look at their products. Hartz products have never been the strongest or the safest out there. If you live near a "co-op" they may have dewormer there to give. Co-ops typically have the same thing as vets do since farmers use these medicines routinely on their farms.
I believe Ring worm has to be treated by a vet but other common worms can be treated over the counter.

[critters]

I believe Ring worm has to be treated by a vet but other common worms can be treated over the counter.

Ringworm is a fungus, not a worm, but it can be treated at home too. I wouldn't use a piperazine wormer because the rounds come out paralyzed but alive. WIth Pyrantel dose is by weight, so probably the best thing to do is wait for the vet, but not too long.

[Jessika]

I've always used OTC stuff (not Hartz, though!) and have had success. So long as you can keep the cats worm free, then the dogs stay worm free (if you have pups who like to dine on the litter box buffet, anyway...)

[moosmom]

HOLD IT!! We're talking about two entirely different kinds of parasites.

Ringworm is an internal fungus that shoes up in a round, raised red patch. The area will lose fur. It is HIGHLY contagious. You'll need topical creme and an antibiotic. Where sterile gloves when applying the ointment. Keep any other animals separated.

Roundworms, the most common in kittens, is an intestinal parasite and is treated by Pyrantal. One or two doses should do it.