Dog Worming: Get Into the Habit of De-worming Puppies and Dogs

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Summary: Dogs and puppies regularly need to be 'dewormed' after they are 6-9 weeks old. Intestinal worms and parasites are extremely common in dogs and puppies. In fact, most puppies are born with them. Several dog wormer products are available to choose from.



How to Worm A Puppy or Dog?

Dogs and puppies regularly need to be treated for worms. Intestinal worms and parasites are extremely common in dogs and puppies. Your veterinarian will give you medicine to clear up the situation. Some veterinarians will prescribe a pill that has to be administered monthly to your pet. Worms are contracted in various ways including contaminated soil, mosquito bites, and by eating fleas. Your vet will probably ask you to bring in a recent stool sample to be tested. This is usually done at the puppy’s/dog’s yearly check up.
The worming product shown to the right is called 'D-Worm: Dog Wormer Chewable Tablets'. It is offered at PetSmart. "These chewable tablets make it easy to treat your dog or puppy for roundworms or hookworms. D-Worm controls and eliminates the most common intestinal worms safely and effectively. Tablets may be offered directly, or added to food. Available in two varieties: Small dogs/Puppies & Large Dogs. For dogs and puppies over 3 weeks of age. Note: The presence of these parasites should be determined by a laboratory fecal examination."
We have generally wormed our puppies between 6-9 weeks old depending on how their physical strength and development is doing. IMPORTANT: Do not give over the counter worming medicine to a dog that is looking or acting sick. Your dog or puppy should be taken to consult a licensed vet in this case.
Another dog wormer product offered by 1-800-PetMeds is manufactured by HomeoPet called Wrm Clear. This product caters to those who are looking for more of an all-natural method to treat worms. It is described by them as, "Worm Clear is a 100% natural and fast acting liquid homeopathic product formulated for removal and prevention of hook, round, and tapeworms."
One of the last products offered without prescription at 1-800-PetMeds is WORMX Plus. This product is described as "a flavored chewable tablet for the removal of large roundworms and hookworms in dogs and puppies." For Tips on how to administer chewable tablets to dogs or puppies, read our article about how to administer tablets or pills to your dog our puppy.


General Deworming Guidelines:

(Please follow manufacturer's directions for individual wormers. Deworming history of newly acquired puppies should be obtained to determine whether additional deworming is needed.)

Puppy Deworming:
Initiate treatment at 2 weeks, repeat at 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks of age. For a puppy at increased risk, also treat at 12 weeks, and then monthly until the puppy is 6 months old. Treat mother at the same time.

Nursing Dams Deworming:
Treat concurrently with puppies.

Adult Dogs:
Treat monthly or as recommended by your veterinarian. Also monitor and eliminate parasites in pet's environment.
Newly Acquired Dogs:
Worm immediately: repeat in 2 weeks, then follow above recommendations.


Comment on this Subject

Comments

October 2, 2009 - 1:05pm — luckyladyfarms

Worming puppies

I was thankful to come across a new, safer, more complete worming method recently and am glad to share it. Formerly I used Strongid at 3, 6 and 8 weeks. This only treats for one type of worm. Panacur or Safe-guard as it is branded to the public protects against all 4 types of canine intestinal worms, plus it is considered an effective treatment against Giardia. It is safe for puppies, adults and nursing mothers. The dosage is per the weight of the animal and is done in three consecutive day increments. All dogs should be done at the same time to prevent reinfection from one animal to another. A recurring treatment should be given at least once during your care of the puppies, though my protocol is 4, 6, and 8 weeks.
While I have only ever seen roundworms (thankfully - they are gross enough!), there are worms and parasitic conditions that you cannot see or know! This protocol is a cheap, preventative means of starting your puppies on the best start possible. This information is not meant to constititute medical advise. As with any course or treatment for your animal - a licensed Veterinarian should always be consulted.
www.luckyladyfarms.com

PS This treatment, though effective, is not well appreciated by the dogs! It must taste awful. Good luck getting the dose down on the third day.LOL

October 12, 2009 - 2:40pm — WalnutHill

Dewormer

We use a liquid dewormer called Pyran that is given based on the weight of the dog. The treatment is once a week for 4 weeks. Our dogs love the taste and I have never had a problem giving it.

Sarah Henery - Yorkies of Walnut Hill
http://www.yorkiesllc.com