Question by Samson-U know the guy w the hair: What is Diatomaceous Earth and why would it be added to holistic dog food?
I started feeding my dog a holistic dog food and it says it has this ingredient in it.
It says: “Diatomaceous Earth, a natural fossil shell flour known to fight parasite”.
But if my dog doesn’t have parasites why would I want this to be in his pet food?
So I want to know is it safe that it’s in my dog food? It is one of the last ingredients, so I don’t think there is too much but maybe I should change foods?
But, my dog gets Flea preventative every month called: “Revolution” and that’s really strong stuff. So would it be bad that I’m feeding Diatomaceous Earth and putting on Revolution at the same time???

Please help?

Best answer:

Answer by Kate C *Attackofthebear*
It prevents them.

Yes, it is safe. holistic vets recommends it over the flea chemicals the conventional vet likes to sell.

No, you are fine to do both. DE is not a chemical.

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Question by FoxSocks: Why would a vet not offer a payment plan in my scenario?
To keep a long story short, I have been to the vet three times in the last two months to treat my dogs ailments. At first these ailments were diagnosed as gastroenteritis, then as possible infection via bacterium, then whipworms, and now what I believe to be tapeworms.

After today’s visit, the total bill will likely total over $ 1000 in a two-month period. This isn’t pocket change for anyone I know, and surely pet emergency funds don’t often reach such a high level for the average pet owner. I would think that after two exams, a thorough check would have been done to rule out all possible and related problems. Is this just a way to keep me coming back and nickel-and-diming me every step of the way?

How are people paying these vet bills when their pet has either a chronic condition or requires multiple pet visits to treat an ailment? Do most vets offer payment plans, or do they get enough people that don’t pay up that it isn’t a legitimate option for them to accept?

Thanks
Thanks so far to everyone who has answered. I understand that operating a veterinary clinic is expensive and understand why they need to charge what they do (most of the time).

Even so, I feel like I’m being robbed when I go in for a visit as frequently as I do. Just a little more thoroughness with testing to rule out any and all possibilities within reasonable doubt is all that I’m asking. I believe this whole situation could have been averted if the proper measures had been taken when my dog was first taken in.

I would like to keep a stash of money above $ 2000 for situations like this, but it isn’t feasible with my current living situation, even with two incomes in the “household”.

Again, thanks to everyone who answered.

Best answer:

Answer by DaBasset *Ever heard of Google?*
Unfortunately, once the vet bills start to accumulate it IS common for pet owners to fail to pay – especially if the dog ends up dying or being put down.

My emergency fund is $ 5000. Currently it’s being depleted by one of my dogs for an eye issue, which so far has cost over $ 2000 with more to come. (sigh)

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Question by Jessica A: What type of dog worms would still be alive in their poop?
My pup has some kind of worms I am thinking it is hookworms but I don’t know. He has be acting very sick now for the last 2 days. Yesterday he kept dry heaving and has black poop.

Best answer:

Answer by Nekkid Dog ©
He needs to see a vet.. any kind of intestinal worms can still come out alive in the poop.

Black poop is ussually an indication that he is bleeding somewhere in the upper digestive tract.. he needs a vet!

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Question by morningstar_gazer: Why would Heart Worm medication kill my dog if…?
If I were to put my dog on Heartguard and she has heart worms why would the medication kill my dog?

Best answer:

Answer by sophylakes
heartguard is a preventative NOT A CURE.. different drugs for different purposes.

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Question by ~*Starr Gazer*~: Would You Still Get Your Dog Heart Worm Pills?
I was never updated by my vet that he needed his heart worm shot and medicing in May. Well now its almost September and my dog and I were just told he was suppose to have it then. I am so mad at my vet that I have gone to another vets. should I worry about still getting this done for my dog? or is it to late for it to help him if hes been exposed to Heart worms? I mean I am scared for him but everyone is saying the pills don’t even really help anyways and also that the dog wouldn’t get them because hes hardly ever outside. what would you do? he has like 3 months left for the pills but do you think I should just wait?
I live in Maine and we don’t do it all year long, we do it from May to December. even in December they say we don’t need it and they only recommend from my vets that you just get the test every year.

Best answer:

Answer by Barb
Heartworm meds do keep our dogs from getting heartworms and in some areas of the US it’s extremely important.

I’m not sure where you’re at and how bad heartworms are where you are – this is really a question for your vet.

Here in NW Oregon – I test for heartworm each year and then use preventative meds only in the summer. BUT we do NOT have a lot of heartworm in my area.

What do you think? Answer below!