As a responsible dog parent, you must be aware of the importance of deworming for the well-being of dogs. But have you ever wondered how these deworming treatments actually work?
To feed your curiosity, we have created a comprehensive deworming guide, including common symptoms, deworming schedule, and mode of action of treatments. Having this understanding will help you make informed and proactive decisions and help your pet better.
Let’s get started with the fundamentals!
What is Deworming in Dogs?
Deworming in dogs is a process of administering suitable deworming treatment to target and eliminate parasitic worms from the digestive system. These worms, such as hookworms, whipworms, roundworms, and tapeworms, if not addressed in a timely manner, can lead to deadly health issues.
Moreover, unlike fleas and ticks, worms are not visible to the naked eye and can go unnoticed until they become a serious problem. Thus, it’s crucial to be aware of the warning signs of worms in dogs. However, not all dogs show symptoms, so deworming should also be done regularly as a preventive measure to prevent dogs from getting worms in the first place.
What are the Common Symptoms of Worms in Dogs?
Here are the common symptoms that you need to look out for:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Change in appetite
- Weight loss
- Swollen stomach
- Visible worms in the feces or around the bottom
- A dull coat
- diarrhea
How Often Should Dogs Be Dewormed?
The following schedule will help you get a general idea about the frequency of deworming in dogs.
Puppies (2 – 12 weeks): Every 2 weeks.
Puppies (3 – 6 months): Every month.
Adult Dogs (6 months & older): Every 3 to 6 months.
Senior Dogs: Every 3 to 6 months.
Indoor Dogs: Every 3 to 6 months.
However, it is always recommended to follow the deworming guidelines indicated by the veterinarian.
How Do Dewormer Treatments Work in Dogs?
Now that you are aware of the common symptoms and dosing criteria, let’s understand how deworming treatments actually work. Here’s a step-by-step flow of the entire treatment.
Administration of a suitable treatment
It begins with the administration of a suitable treatment by the vet. There are several deworming treatments available in the form of tablets, chewables, spot-on solutions, and liquid suspensions. These treatments contain specific ingredients that target and kill intestinal parasites.
Some of the popular deworming treatment options are:
Triworm-D : Triworm-D is an oral deworming treatment with Praziquantel, Pyrantel pamoate, and Febantel as the active ingredients to treat and control intestinal worms in puppies and dogs. This treatment covers ascarids, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms.
Interceptor Spectrum : It’s a broad-spectrum wormer formulated to protect dogs and puppies against a range of intestinal worms. Featuring Milbemycin Oxime and Praziquantel as the active ingredients, these chicken-flavored chews protect against hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and tapeworms, and they prevent heartworm disease.
Milbemax Chewable : Milbemax Chewable is an oral wormer that protects dogs and puppies against a range of gastrointestinal parasites. It contains Milbemycin Oxime and Praziquantel as the active ingredients and offers effective protection against roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. It also prevents heartworm disease.
Disruption of worm function
When the treatment is administered, the active ingredients target the parasite’s nervous system to paralyse it or disrupt its ability to absorb nutrients. This interrupts the life cycle of these parasites, preventing further spread or infection.
Elimination of worms
Once the worms are immobilised, the dog’s body naturally eliminates them through normal bowel movements. You can spot dead worms or their remnants in your dog’s stool. This may take from a few hours to a few days, depending on the type of treatment and dosage.
Repeat treatment (if necessary)
In some cases, depending on the type of treatment schedule and the severity of the worm infestation, follow-up doses are also recommended. Additionally, the vet may suggest wormers to prevent the development of new larvae in the intestine, ensuring complete eradication. This is especially important in puppies, as their immune system is still developing and they require deworming at scheduled intervals.
Measures to Prevent Worms in Dogs
Here are some practical preventive measures you can take to keep these pesky parasites at bay:
- Regularly visit the vet and take follow-ups as scheduled.
- Make a grooming routine and stick to it.
- When going out for walks, avoid heavily wooded areas.
- Make sure you provide a clean environment for your pet.
- Pick up the feces as soon as possible.
- Administer preventive treatment recommended by the vet.
Parting Words
We hope this informative blog satisfied your curiosity about deworming in dogs. Along with deworming your dog as per the vet-recommended schedule, remember to take preventive measures to ensure your pet’s safety. Additionally, for any doubt, it’s always best to consult your vet. They will offer professional guidance tailored to your dog’s condition and medical history.