Dog Dewormer 101: What to Know
Our sweet furry friends are loyal companions. As pet owners, we are responsible for ensuring our pups are healthy, nourished, and full of joy. One common way to keep them healthy is by deworming them regularly. Dog dewormer helps to rid dogs of internal parasites that affect the digestive tract and other organs.
If you’re new to deworming, don’t worry. Consider these need-to-knows for all things dog dewormer.
Dewormer For Puppies: The Essentials
Life with a puppy is absolute heaven. However, puppies have more health risks to be aware of. That’s why dewormer for puppies is critical! They are very vulnerable to worms and parasites, so vets recommend they begin deworming at two weeks old.
From there, you’ll want to continue the deworming process every two weeks until the puppy is twelve weeks old. Another thing to note is that these parasites are “zoonotic,” which means your pup can pass them to humans in the household. This makes deworming even more crucial.
So, what kind of worms can affect our furry friends? Here are some of the most common ones.
- Roundworms: These are extremely common and are passed to puppies by their mother through the placenta or milk.
- Tapeworms: Unpleasantly, tapeworms are picked up by dogs that have ingested fleas.
- Hookworms: Also common, these are picked up through contact with contaminated feces or soil.
- Whipworms: This worm is also picked up through contact with contaminated soil.
Other common parasites to be aware of are coccidia and giardia. These parasites and worms are identified by using a stool test to examine the feces.
Though sometimes there are no symptoms, some common ones are:
- Diarrhea
- Excessive gastrointestinal upset
- Vomiting
- Worms passed in the stool
- Potbelly appearance
Dewormer Details and More
Getting started with dewormer can be intimidating, but it’s actually a straightforward process. There are many different kinds of dewormer available, including:
- Tablets
- Liquids
- Topical treatments
As always, reach out to your veterinarian for a recommendation about which medication is right for your paw-tner. Typically, vets choose a medication based on age, weight, and what kind of worm your dog has.
The Process
Deworming your dog is simple, but following the medication instructions are vital. This is because medication intake varies.
For example, some are given with food, while others need to be ingested on an empty stomach. Moreover, you’ll need the correct dose – too much dewormer can be harmful. Seek a vet or health professional if you have questions, concerns, or reservations about how to proceed.
There are other steps to take to prevent a worm or parasite infestation. For one, keeping the dog’s living area clean and clear is of the utmost importance. Dogs, especially puppies, are prone to eating poop, so keeping the yard feces-free is also vital. After handling your puppy or their feces, always wash your hands.
Regularly clean bedding, toys, food and water bowls, and other surfaces to prevent spreading, too. Remember, deworming your dog is a top priority in keeping them healthy. It mitigates various health complications like weight loss, anemia, and digestive issues like diarrhea. If you don’t deworm your dog, it can lead to serious health problems like heart disease.
Following a deworming schedule and taking steps to prevent infestations will ensure that your dog stays healthy for many years to come.
Take Care of Your Furry Friend!
Deworming your puppy is an essential aspect of care that pet owners should never overlook. Following this process with extra love and attention will keep your pup harm-free and without parasites.
At Get Joy, our health professionals will guide you to the right dewormer for your sweet fur baby. Try scheduling a TeleVet appointment or asking our experts all your questions. Get started today!
