Introduction
Intestinal worms are a common health problem in dogs. The most common types of intestinal worms found in dogs include roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms. These parasites live in a dog’s intestines and feed off partially digested food, causing gastrointestinal upset, malnutrition, and even death if left untreated.
All puppies are born with roundworms, which are contracted through the mother’s milk. Adult dogs can pick up worms by ingesting infected feces or eating prey animals that have worm larvae or eggs. Additionally, hookworms can burrow into the skin. These worms are highly contagious and can easily spread between dogs.
Intestinal worms have detrimental impacts on your dog’s health. They rob your dog of vital nutrients, often leading to weight loss or failure to thrive. Severe infestations can cause vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, and even intestinal blockages. Some worms can migrate to other areas of the body like the lungs. It’s crucial to routinely deworm both puppies and adult dogs to prevent worms from causing harm.
There are safe and effective over-the-counter dewormers that make it possible for dog owners to conveniently and affordably deworm their pets at home. With some basic knowledge of how and when to use OTC dewormers, owners can protect their dogs from the dangers of worms.
Types of Intestinal Worms in Dogs
There are four main types of intestinal worms that commonly infect dogs:
- Roundworms: These are the most common intestinal parasites found in dogs. Roundworms resemble spaghetti and can grow up to 7 inches long. They are prolific egg layers, and their eggs are shed in the dog’s feces. If accidentally ingested, these eggs can hatch in the dog’s intestine and result in re-infection. Roundworms can also pose a health risk to humans if eggs are ingested.
- Tapeworms: Tapeworms are flat, segmented worms that attach themselves to a dog’s intestines. Their bodies are made up of many small segments. As the segments break off and pass in the stool, they look like grains of rice. Tapeworms are transmitted when a dog ingests a flea or small rodent infected with tapeworm larvae.
- Hookworms: Hookworms are small worms that latch onto the intestinal wall and feed on the dog’s blood, causing anemia. They are prolific breeders, releasing thousands of eggs into the dog’s feces. These eggs hatch in the soil, and larval worms can then re-enter a dog’s body through contaminated soil or feet.
- Whipworms: Whipworms earned their name from their whip-like shape. They bury their heads in the intestinal wall and feed on tissue, blood and intestinal content. Whipworm eggs pass into the soil where they can survive for years before being ingested.
This covers the main types of intestinal worms that commonly infect dogs. Let me know if you would like me to expand on any part of this section further.
Signs Your Dog May Have Worms
Some of the most common signs that your dog may have intestinal worms include:
Diarrhea – Worms can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and cause inflammation, leading to loose stools or diarrhea. Diarrhea from worms may be intermittent or chronic.
Vomiting – In some cases, worms can cause a partial intestinal blockage that may lead to vomiting. Roundworms sometimes make their way up to the esophagus and are vomited up.
Weight loss – Intestinal parasites can rob your dog of nutrients and calories, resulting in weight loss even with a normal appetite.
Dull coat – Worms can cause protein deficiencies that make your dog’s coat appear dull and thin. The coat may also be dry and flaky.
Visible worms – Seeing worms or eggs passed in your dog’s stool or vomit is an obvious sign of a worm problem.
Pot belly appearance – Some worms, especially roundworms and hookworms, can cause an expanded or ‘pot belly’ look in puppies and young dogs.
Keep an eye out for these common signs of a potential worm issue. If you notice any of them, consult your vet about deworming.
When to Deworm Your Dog
It is crucial to follow a strict deworming schedule while your dog is a growing puppy. Puppies should be dewormed every 2 weeks, starting at 2 weeks of age, until they reach 12 weeks old. This frequent deworming schedule helps eliminate any worms they might have contracted from their mother before birth or from nursing. After 12 weeks of age, puppies can be transitioned to a monthly deworming schedule.
For adult dogs, most vets recommend deworming 1-4 times per year. Many vets suggest deworming during your dog’s annual wellness exam or when bringing them in for vaccines. Some vets may advise deworming more frequently if your dog spends time outdoors, eats rodents, or has contact with other dogs’ feces. Deworming at least twice per year is a good rule of thumb.
Keep in mind that certain intestinal parasites like whipworms and tapeworms have longer lifecycles and can be harder to eliminate. Your vet may recommend deworming specifically for these parasites up to 4 times per year in areas where they are prevalent.
Over-the-Counter Dewormers
There are two main types of over-the-counter dewormers available for dogs:
Pyrantel Pamoate
Pyrantel works by paralyzing the worms and causing them to be passed in the stool. It’s considered safe for puppies and dogs of all ages. Follow the dosing instructions on the package based on your dog’s weight.
Fenbendazole
Fenbendazole works by inhibiting the energy metabolism of the worms, leading to their starvation and death. It can safely be used in puppies over 6 weeks old. Dose according to your dog’s weight as directed on the product’s label.
When using an OTC dewormer, be sure to accurately weigh your dog to ensure proper dosing. Under-dosing can lead to continued infection while overdosing can cause side effects like vomiting. It’s generally recommended to retreat in 2-4 weeks to catch any newly hatched worms. Speak to your vet if you have questions about the appropriate OTC dewormer or dosage for your dog.
How to Administer an OTC Dewormer
When administering an over-the-counter dewormer to your dog, it’s crucial to carefully follow the label instructions. OTC dewormers are typically given based on the dog’s weight, so you’ll need to weigh your dog accurately using a pet scale. The label will indicate the appropriate dosage amount per pound. Carefully measure out the correct dose into an oral syringe or liquid measuring spoon. Make sure your dog swallows the entire dose.
OTC dewormers are often flavored to improve palatability. However, if your dog refuses the medication, try mixing it into a small amount of wet food or peanut butter. Ensure your dog eats all of the food so that the full dose is ingested. It’s best to avoid feeding your dog for 12 hours before and after deworming treatment to increase its effectiveness.
Be aware that some dogs may vomit after being dewormed, but this is a normal reaction. Contact your vet if vomiting persists more than 24 hours after treatment. Observe your dog for any abnormal behavior after administering the OTC dewormer and call your vet with any concerns.
After Deworming Care
After giving your dog a dewormer, it’s important to monitor their health and stool. The deworming medication can irritate the intestinal tract, so you may see some digestive upset or loose stool. This is normal and should resolve within a day or two.
Make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water after being dewormed. The medication helps flush the worms out of their system, so hydration is important. You may want to mix some broth or low-sodium chicken stock into their water to encourage drinking.
Watch your dog’s stool over the next 2-3 days. You should see evidence of worms passing through their system. If not, or if you still suspect worms, give another dose of dewormer 2-3 weeks after the initial dose. It can take more than one treatment to fully eliminate an intestinal worm burden.
Contact your vet if lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea or other concerning symptoms arise after deworming. Your vet can also do a fecal test to check if additional doses of dewormer are needed to clear an infection.
Natural Deworming Options
In addition to over-the-counter and prescription dewormers, there are some natural remedies claimed to help eliminate intestinal worms in dogs. Some of the most common natural dewormers include:
Pumpkin Seeds: These contain an amino acid called cucurbitin that may paralyze and eliminate intestinal worms. Give 1-2 teaspoons per 10 lbs of body weight, grinding seeds thoroughly before feeding.
Garlic: Garlic contains allicin and ajoene, compounds said to have anti-parasitic properties. However, the exact safe and effective dosage is unknown. Too much can cause toxicity, so use cautiously.
Diatomaceous Earth: The sharp edges of this powder are claimed to damage the exoskeletons of worms. Mix 1-2 teaspoons into food for two weeks on, one week off.
While anecdotal evidence exists for these natural dewormers, there is limited clinical research on their efficacy and safety. It’s best to consult your vet before using them, especially in puppies. Monitor for any side effects like vomiting or diarrhea.
Preventing Re-infection
After deworming your dog, you’ll want to take steps to prevent re-infection. Here are some tips:
Clean up your dog’s feces promptly when out for walks or in your yard. Worm eggs live in your dog’s feces, so removing them quickly can help prevent re-infection and spread to other areas. It’s recommended to clean up feces at least once a day.
Control fleas on your dog and in your home. Some types of worms are spread by fleas, so effective flea prevention and control is important. Speak to your vet about flea control products.
Have any new dogs or puppies tested and dewormed before introducing to your home and pets. Puppies especially can harbor worms, so make sure new pets are cleared of worms before contact with your dog to avoid easy transmission.
Following these tips can help avoid re-infection after deworming and keep your dog worm-free.
When to See the Vet
While over-the-counter dewormers can be effective for treating mild worm infestations in adult dogs, there are some situations where it’s important to see your veterinarian instead:
- Puppies should have their first deworming done by a vet around 2-3 weeks old. Puppies are highly susceptible to roundworms and other parasites, so it’s crucial their first deworming is conducted properly.
- If an over-the-counter dewormer fails to eliminate your dog’s worms or symptoms, make an appointment with your vet. They can prescribe a stronger medication if OTC treatment isn’t working.
- Only your vet can test for and treat tapeworms in dogs. Tapeworms require prescription dewormers like praziquantel as they are not affected by OTC treatments.
- For any serious symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea or weight loss, take your dog to the vet promptly. These may indicate a major worm infestation or other health issue requiring medical care.
- Pregnant and nursing dogs should be dewormed by a vet, as certain dewormers can be unsafe during this time. Your vet will advise the safest approach.
In most mild to moderate cases, over-the-counter dewormers work well for owners wanting to treat their dogs at home. But at the first sign something more serious is going on, or for puppies and pregnant dogs, your vet’s expertise is strongly recommended.