What would you do if your vet did this?

Actually guys the asker is right. You don't treat for tapeworm unless you have proof of tapeworm. The pesticide in tapeworm treatments has some really nasty side effects (like stroke and sudden death...). Regular worming for roundworms and hookworms is fine but for tapes a stool sample should've been taken...it's fairly easy to diagnose under the microscope because they lay eggs by the tens of thousands on a daily basis. I'd find a new vet if I were you.

She's probably right. Adult fleas make up only 5% of the population - so even one flea means you've got a much larger problem. Not only that, but that one flea is going to lay between 12-20 eggs in one day - so you can see how an infestation will happen rather quickly.

Unfortunately, fleas also tend to carry tapeworm. Even more unfortunate, is that tapeworm eggs are very large (on a microscopic level), so they are very difficult to find even on a stool sample. Chances are you will only see them when the infestation becomes severe enough that the tapeworms begin to shed, and you see segments passing in the stool.

Now, in terms of cost, this is why your vet should be recommending prevention - treating an infestation is time-consuming, and somewhat expensive. Your vet *should have* sent you home with a dewormer, a flea control (topical, oral, or both) for 3 mos, and instructions to treat your house. This means vacuuming 2 times per week for at least 6 weeks.

I would have asked for a test for the worms, why did you dog go to the vet? If one dog has fleas or worms it is easily spread so it is better than a vet who wants to run loads of expensive tests on both dogs before they give medicine and then charge you for the medicine. I had one of those vets and they nearly let my puppy die of things that would be easy to treat because they wanted to keep seeing her and the other dog. They wanted me to miss work several times a week to go take her in then to go pick up meds after the test results came back.

If you are concerned or your mom is she needs to ask more questions and be careful not to sound rude they deserve respect like any other person. If you and you mom still feel cheated change vets

Well, I agree with most of the other users, but I am a little confused by some of the information you provided.

1) The treatment for fleas and worms are not out of the ordinary for a dog who has neither. They are preventative measures. If one is found you should absolutely treat both dogs.

2) Both of these problems are both highly common and IN-expensive to treat. The medical test to check for worms (fecal exam) will likely cost more than medicating without the test. So you vet was probably doing the fiscally responsible thing by medicating without the exam.

You mom must have agreed to this.

Usually a flea means there are many more in the home. Fleas carry tapeworms, which are transmitted to the dog.

Personally, if I find a flea, or think my dogs have fleas, I'd rather treat them than take the chance of having an infestation in my home which would be harder and more expensive to get rid of. And I figure it never hurts to deworm, I do it fairly regularly anyways, so I don't see the need to spend the money on the test, I just use a broad-spectrum dewormer from the vet.

Bit of both, unless he did a fecal exam then he can't say the dog had worms and give him a treatment for something he doen't have.

NOW, my dog does not have worms, she did have constant upset stomachs so as a precaution the vet put her on a broad spectrum dewormer to kill any parasites that do not show up in fecal exams. She's been fine ever since but not sure if it was from the de wormer or the fact I changed her food to holistic. So it's not uncommon for a vet to prescribe that however, what problem did the dog have that would make them consider worms?

However, if you do not have confidence in your vet [I don't in a couple of mine] then you have the right to take your dog to another vet for another opinion until you find one you like. You can do free consultations and "interview" a vet like you would interveiw for a job, this is your family pet we are talking about so being precautious is never a bad thing.

Good luck in your decision

Why did she take her dog to the vet for 1 measly flee. Instead, she could treat the problem herself with a flea treatment and a bath with a dog wash aimed at targeting fleas. No check done for worms? wrong. Do as above; flea treatment and a flea wash bath. They are trying to scam u.

If in dobt bout worms, got to another vet! She should already be doing a monthly worming treatment anyway like all dog owners do.

Well I have never had dogs, but i have had cats and fleas can spread very quickly and can become a serious problem. I would recommend changing vets or getting a second opinion. U may be right about the vet just trying to get a few more bucks

Well, I think this is a combination of both. ONE flea is all is takes to start an infestation, and it doesn't take long at all. Dogs should be dewormed on a regular basis anyway, unless they were dewormed recently, that isn't a big deal either. But a simple dose of Frontline or Advantage on both dogs would of taken care of the flea issue. Please remember, you have a right to refuse any treatment the vet prescribes, so next time, just say thanks, but we'll just get the routine flea treatment and dewormer.

One flea does mean there are more. Fleas lay like over 1,000 eggs or something like that. Advantage should take care of this. As for worms. All dogs should have regular wormings done.

Fleas can carry tapeworm. If fleas are found, treating for tapeworm also is wise. If one dog has fleas & tapes, chances are the other one does too. The test for tapeworm does not always come back positive, even though the dog may have them. If it were me, I'd treat the dog as the vet recommended. If you don't agree, talk to your vet. Good luck.