How to deworm a dog

Dogs are truly man’s best friends as these animals have provided man with unending unconditional love, protection, companionship and compassion. Dog owners have taken a responsibility that is more than providing regular meals for the pet. As a preventive measure against illnesses, dog owners make sure that the pet is provided with regular veterinary care.

One of the most common health concerns of dogs owners is intestinal parasite infestation. A parasite infestation can be transmitted not only to other pets in the household but to humans as well thus eliminating these pesky parasites is very necessary. Before administering any deworming medication it would be best if the pet is taken to a vet for correct diagnosis.

Whipworms, roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms infest more that 30% of dogs. Among these parasites, heartworm infestation is considered to be the most dangerous as it can result to the death of the dog if treatment is not promptly administered. Dogs generally have worms in their lifetime. Puppies are born already infested as the worms are transmitted by the dam.

Removing the worm infestation calls for interrupting the life cycle of the parasite thus a one-time treatment would not be enough to totally rid the dog of the worms. Pet owner that choose to deal with the infestation with the least effort would simply get OTC medications but as most wormers would not be effective for all types of worms, the infestation will not be eradicated. Considering the life cycle of worms, a one-time treatment may not totally eliminate the infestation.

An aggressive course of deworming treatment is necessary for puppies. Treatment must begin at 2 weeks old and repeated at 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks of age. This 2 week interval that follows the life cycle of the parasite is given so that the first treatment will kill the adult worms and the succeeding treatments will ensure that the worms that will be hatched will be eliminated as well. Nursing dams must be treated alongside the puppies. Until the dog has reached the age of six months worming treatment must be done monthly. Internal parasite infestation can spread easily as infested dogs would excrete feces with the parasite’s larva. Dogs have the inclination to eat poop and to play and dig in areas where they usually defecate thus they can easily get another parasite infestation. Broad spectrum anthelmintics given every three months for the rest of the dog’s life will ensure that these pesky parasites will not affect the health and the quality of life of our beloved pets

Read all about how to deworm a dog and dog first aid at Sarah’s Dogs.