Key Takeaways
Dewormers vary by their main component depending on the type of parasite involved in the infection.
Puppies should start deworming at 2 weeks of age.
A professional deworming appointment consists of a full exam, fecal and diagnostic tests, and medication.
Deworming is the process of eliminating intestinal and internal parasites from your pet’s body. The right dewormer for dogs depends on age, weight, symptoms, health status, and the specific parasite.
It’s considered a significant part of routine pet care, including vaccinations and external parasite preventives.
What Is the Best Dewormer for Dogs?
It depends on the specific worm or parasite. Our veterinarians carefully select deworming treatments, emphasizing a specific component for each parasite. Here’s an overview:
Parasite | Main Treatment Ingredient |
|---|---|
Roundworms | Fenbendazole and pyrantel pamoate |
Tapeworms | Praziquantel |
Hookworms | Fenbendazole and pyrantel pamoate |
Whipworms | Fenbendazole and febantel |
Heartworms | Melarsomine dihydrochloride |
Giardia | Fenbendazole and metronidazole |
Coccidia | Sulfadimethoxine |
Types of Deworming Medicine for Dogs
Deworming medications can be grouped into broad-spectrum and targeted categories. Broad-spectrum dewormers treat multiple types of parasites, while targeted dewormers treat a specific parasite.
These may come in forms such as:
Chewable tablets
Standard pills
topicals
Liquids and pastes
injections
When Should Puppies and Dogs Start Deworming?
Puppies should get dewormed starting at 2 weeks of age. This must be repeated every 2 weeks until they reach 12 weeks of age.
After the 12-week series, the schedule will switch to monthly deworming treatments until they reach 6 months of age. By this time, dewormers for dogs must be administered every 3-4 months based on lifestyle and risk of exposure.
Puppy and Dog Deworming Schedule
Age | Deworming Frequency |
|---|---|
2 weeks | Every 2 weeks |
12 weeks | Every month |
6 months | Every 3-4 months |
According to Dr. Soheyl Simaei, our head vet, deworming is especially important for puppies because their immune systems are still developing. Puppies may contract worms during birth or nursing.
Adult dogs, even with their developed defenses, will still need preventive treatments to stay safe. High-risk dogs, including those who always visit outdoor dog parks, daycares, boarding facilities, and grooming salons, will require more frequent treatment.
Ideally, our veterinarians recommend annual parasite checkups to confirm your dog’s health and happiness.
What Is Included in Veterinary Deworming?
Our clinic specializes in treating parasitic infections and preventing future threats. We provide a full examination, stool sample tests, and targeted medications.
A physical exam is essential to assess your dog’s overall health and symptoms, and to determine weight, ensuring an accurate dose. Fecal testing is done by obtaining a fresh sample for microscopic examination. This will allow us to identify the specific type of parasite.
How Can Professional Deworming Benefit My Dog?
Veterinary deworming treatments for dogs ensure the precise use of medications. It’s an essential preventive measure that protects them from life-threatening parasites. Overall, it also supports gut stability, promotes steady development, improves quality of life, and lowers the risk of transmission.
Our veterinarians also recommend deworming to prevent serious diseases such as:
Malnutrition
Organ damage
Delayed growth
What Are the Types of Parasites Our Vets Treat in Dogs?
Parasite | Symptoms |
|---|---|
Roundworms | Pot-bellied appearance, diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, poor growth, and respiratory distress. |
Tapeworms | Scooting, excessive grooming at the rear, visible segments, and vomiting. |
Hookworms | Pale gums, weakness, rapid breathing, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. |
Whipworms | Bloody diarrhea, straining to defecate, weight loss, anemia, dehydration, and stomach pain. |
Heartworms | Coughing, reluctance to exercise, lethargy, difficulty breathing, fainting, and heart failure. |
Giardia | Persistent diarrhea, weight loss, lethargy, and excess mucus in feces. |
Coccidia | Dehydration, lethargy, vomiting, watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss. |
Are There Side Effects for Dewormers for Dogs?
Dog deworming treatments are safe and effective, but there might be some mild side effects that may resolve within 24-48 hours, such as:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lethargy
Decreased appetite
Nausea
In very rare cases, some dogs may experience severe side effects such as hives, difficulty breathing, facial swelling, or neurological issues. Always monitor your dog after treatment and call our veterinarians if you notice anything unusual.
“Protecting our dogs internally helps them stay happy externally.”
- Dr. Mafalda Sardinha
Dog deworming is a quick and simple procedure that provides long-term protection for your best friend. It helps prevent dangerous parasites from causing severe diseases that could threaten your dog’s life and well-being. When you have a complete schedule, you provide complete protection.
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