How to Deworm Your Puppy: A Vet‘s Complete Guide
As a new puppy parent, you want nothing more than to keep your furry bundle of joy healthy and happy. While puppy kisses and snuggles are certainly a priority, there‘s one less cute (but vitally important) task that should be at the top of your to-do list: deworming.
If the thought of your precious pup harboring wriggly worms makes you squirm, you‘re not alone. But here‘s the bottom line—the majority of puppies are born with worms or contract them early in life. It‘s extremely common and rarely cause for panic, as long as you deworm your pup promptly and properly.
As a veterinarian, I know that navigating the world of puppy parasites can feel overwhelming at first. But don‘t worry, I‘m here to break it all down for you! Consider this your one-stop guide to understanding, diagnosing, and treating worms in puppies so you can get back to the fun part of puppy parenthood.
Why Deworming Your Puppy Is a Must
Puppy worms are no minor nuisance—when left untreated, they can lead to serious health problems like malnutrition, anemia, and intestinal damage. In severe cases, worms can even be fatal, especially for vulnerable young puppies.
Plus, several puppy worms are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted to humans. Children are especially susceptible to contracting worms due to their tendency to put things in their mouths and not always practice the best hygiene.
Some of the risks of worms in puppies include:
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Poor growth and weight loss
- Pot-bellied appearance
- Dull coat
- Intestinal blockages
- Pneumonia and difficulty breathing
- Itching and skin irritation around the rear end
- Intestinal bleeding and life-threatening anemia
- Transmission to human family members
Scary stuff, right? But here‘s the good news—deworming your puppy is a straightforward process that will protect them (and your family) from these nasty parasites. The key is understanding your pup‘s deworming needs and staying on top of the proper deworming schedule.
How Do Puppies Get Worms, Anyway?
Puppies can contract worms in a few key ways:
From Mom: Worms just love to set up shop in puppies before they‘re even born. Many worms can be passed from the mother to her puppies in utero or through her milk after birth—roundworms and hookworms are common culprits. Even if the mother was previously dewormed, worms can become reactivated during pregnancy and infect her pups.
From the Environment: Puppies explore the world with their mouths, which puts them at high risk of ingesting worm eggs from contaminated soil, water, feces, or other animals. Roundworm and whipworm eggs are especially hardy in the environment.
From Fleas: When a puppy grooms themselves, they may accidentally eat fleas that can transmit immature tapeworms. So a flea problem can quickly turn into a worm problem too.
From Eating Infected Animals: If your puppy hunts and eats infected prey like rodents or rabbits, they can contract certain worms that way too.
The bottom line? Between their immature immune systems and their propensity to put everything in their mouths, puppies have the deck stacked against them when it comes to worms. That‘s why it‘s essential to assume your puppy has worms and start them on a deworming protocol, even if you don‘t see any signs quite yet.
The Worms to Watch Out For
Puppies are prone to picking up several types of worms, each with their own set of risks and symptoms. Here‘s a quick run-down of the most common offenders:
Roundworms: The spaghetti-like worms are extremely common in puppies. They set up shop in the intestines and steal vital nutrients, leading to poor growth, a potbellied appearance, and GI issues. You may see them in your pup‘s vomit or feces. Roundworms are zoonotic.
Hookworms: These blood-sucking worms cause damage to the intestinal lining and lead to life-threatening anemia. Pups may have bloody diarrhea, weakness, and pale gums. Hookworms can also infect humans via skin contact with contaminated soil—the larvae burrow in and cause itchy dermatitis.
Whipworms: Usually seen in older puppies, these worms nestle into the large intestine and cause chronic inflammation, leading to diarrhea and weight loss. They‘re tricky to diagnose and treat.
Tapeworms: Long, segmented worms transmitted by infected fleas. You may see squirming tapeworm segments (which look like grains of rice) in your puppy‘s feces or around their rear end. They can cause itching and weight loss.
With such an unpleasant lineup of worms and an extensive range of symptoms, it‘s essential to have your puppy examined by a vet if you notice any signs of worms. But remember, puppies with worms don‘t always show symptoms right away, so regular check-ups and deworming are crucial either way.
Diagnosing Worms in Puppies
If you have a new puppy, your vet will likely request a stool sample at your first visit. While it may seem like a yucky chore, collecting some of your puppy‘s poop is a key step in diagnosing worms.
Your vet will perform a fecal float test, which involves mixing the stool with a special solution that causes worm eggs to float to the surface. They‘ll then examine the sample under a microscope to identify any eggs and determine which types of worms are present.
However, fecal tests aren‘t foolproof. Worms don‘t always shed eggs consistently, so a negative fecal result doesn‘t guarantee your pup is worm-free. Plus, tapeworm eggs are rarely seen in stool samples.
Because of this, most vets recommend prophylactically deworming puppies on a regular schedule, even if their fecal exams come back negative. Better safe than sorry when it comes to worms!
The Puppy Deworming Schedule
Now that you know why deworming is so important, let‘s talk about when to do it. The current recommendations from the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists (AAVP) state that puppies should be dewormed at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age, and then monthly until they‘re 6 months old.
This frequent deworming schedule helps combat reinfection, as well as any worms that may have been passed from the mother dog before the puppies were born. It‘s not unusual for puppies to need multiple rounds of dewormer to fully clear the infection.
After 6 months of age, your vet will likely recommend ongoing deworming every 1-3 months for the rest of your dog‘s life as part of their parasite prevention protocol. This is especially important if your dog is at higher risk of worm exposure through activities like visiting dog parks, hiking, or eating prey.
Deworming Medication Options
There are several types of deworming products on the market, but they‘re not all created equal. Over-the-counter dewormers from pet stores may not be as effective or safe as the prescription products your vet can provide. It‘s always best to consult with your vet to choose the most appropriate dewormer for your puppy‘s needs.
Common prescription deworming medications include:
Pyrantel pamoate: Usually given orally, this dewormer is effective against roundworms and hookworms. It paralyzes the worms, causing them to pass in the stool.
Fenbendazole: An oral dewormer that targets roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and some tapeworms. It works by disrupting the worms‘ metabolism.
Praziquantel: Used to treat tapeworms, this oral medication causes the worms to dissolve in the intestines.
Ivermectin: An oral medication that‘s effective against roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and heartworms. It disrupts the worms‘ nerve signaling.
Many deworming products combine multiple active ingredients to target a broader range of worms. Some products are given as a one-time dose, while others require multiple doses given over several days or weeks.
Your vet will determine the best deworming medication and dosing schedule based on your puppy‘s weight, age, and health status. It‘s crucial to follow your vet‘s dosing instructions carefully to ensure the dewormer is effective and safe.
Step-by-Step: How to Deworm Your Puppy
Okay, so you‘ve got your puppy‘s dewormer in hand—now what? Giving oral medication to a squirmy puppy can be tricky, but with a little patience and finesse, you‘ll be a pro in no time. Here‘s a step-by-step guide:
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Read the instructions. Double check your vet‘s dosing instructions and make sure you understand how much and how often to give the dewormer. If the dose is based on your puppy‘s weight, weigh them first.
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Prepare the dewormer. If you‘re using a pill or tablet, you may need to split it to get the correct dose. If you‘re using a liquid dewormer, shake the bottle well and measure out the appropriate amount using the provided syringe or dropper.
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Find a quiet spot. Choose a time when your puppy is calm and find a quiet, distraction-free area to administer the dewormer. You may want to recruit a helper to gently restrain your puppy if needed.
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Position your puppy. Have your puppy sit or stand in front of you, facing away. Use one hand to gently grasp their muzzle, and the other hand to hold the dewormer.
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Open their mouth. Tilt your puppy‘s head upward and use your fingers to gently pull the corners of their mouth open. For added finesse, lightly touch their throat to trigger a swallow reflex.
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Deliver the dewormer. Quickly place the pill or liquid far back on your puppy‘s tongue, then immediately close their mouth. Stroking their throat and nose can help encourage swallowing.
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Watch and reward. Keep your puppy‘s head tilted up and watch their throat to make sure they swallow the medication. Once you see them swallow, offer lots of praise and a tasty treat.
If your puppy spits out the dewormer or vomits immediately after, you may need to re-dose. Contact your vet for guidance if your puppy repeatedly vomits up the medication. Some puppies may experience mild diarrhea after deworming as the dead worms pass through, but this should resolve within a day or two.
Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks
Is your puppy more interested in playing tug-o-war with the dewormer than swallowing it? Medication time can quickly turn into a frustrating battle of wills, but there are a few strategies that can make the process smoother for both of you.
Disguise the Dewormer: If your puppy is food-motivated, try hiding the deworming pill inside a glob of wet food, peanut butter, cheese, or a commercial "pill pocket" treat. Make sure they eat the entire thing promptly.
Use a Pill Popper: This handy syringe-like device holds the pill until you‘re ready to deliver it to the back of your puppy‘s throat, making it harder for them to spit it out.
Try the Three-Treat Trick: When using a liquid dewormer, sandwich it between two yummy treats like small bits of cheese. Give your puppy the first plain treat, then quickly give the medicated treat and the last plain treat. The goal is to get your puppy excited to gobble up all three "treats" without realizing one contains medication.
Make It Fun: Use plenty of happy, encouraging baby talk and offer tons of praise and play throughout the deworming process. You can even turn it into a mini training session by asking your puppy to sit, lie down, or shake before and after. The more positive the experience, the easier it will be next time.
With a little creativity and patience, you‘ll find the deworming method that works best for your puppy‘s unique personality. Don‘t get discouraged if it takes a few tries to get the hang of it—you‘re doing great!
Cleaning Up After Deworming
Now that you‘ve given the dewormer, it‘s time to tackle any worm-contaminated areas in your home and yard. This is a crucial step in preventing your puppy (and other pets and humans in the household) from getting reinfected with worms.
Focus your cleaning efforts on your puppy‘s living and sleeping areas, as well as any favorite potty spots. This may include:
- Washing your puppy‘s bedding, blankets, and toys in hot water
- Steam cleaning carpets and upholstered furniture
- Mopping hardwood and tile floors with a disinfectant cleaner
- Vacuuming thoroughly and disposing of the vacuum contents in an outdoor trash can
- Scooping feces from the yard daily and disposing of it in a sealed bag
- Raking and disposing of leaves, grass clippings, and other yard debris that may harbor worm eggs
- Avoiding walking your puppy in areas that may be contaminated with feces from other animals
It‘s important to note that reinfection with worms can happen quickly, especially in the early stages of deworming. That‘s why it‘s crucial to stick to your vet‘s recommended deworming schedule and maintain a regular cleaning routine, even if your puppy‘s fecal tests come back negative.
When to Call the Vet
While deworming is a routine part of puppy care, there are times when you should contact your vet for guidance. Call your veterinarian if:
- Your puppy vomits repeatedly after receiving dewormer
- Your puppy has severe diarrhea or bloody stools after deworming
- Your puppy seems lethargic, weak, or has pale gums
- You see worms in your puppy‘s vomit or stool after deworming
- You‘re unsure about the proper dewormer dose for your puppy
- You have other pets or children in the home and are concerned about worm transmission
- You‘re struggling to administer the dewormer successfully
Your vet is your partner in keeping your puppy healthy and worm-free, so don‘t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. They can provide personalized advice and adjustments to your puppy‘s deworming plan as needed.
Wrapping Up
Deworming your puppy may not be the most glamorous part of pet parenthood, but it‘s one of the most important things you can do to keep your furry friend healthy and happy. By understanding the risks of puppy worms, sticking to a regular deworming schedule, and practicing good hygiene at home, you‘ll be giving your puppy the best possible start in life.
Remember, your veterinarian is always there to help you navigate the ins and outs of puppy care. With their guidance and your dedication, you‘ll be able to conquer the yuckiest puppy parent challenges with confidence and ease.
As you snuggle up with your wriggly, worm-free puppy, you can take comfort in knowing that you‘re doing everything you can to help them grow into a happy, healthy adult dog. And that‘s something to feel really good about.
