Introduction
Deworming dogs is extremely important for their health and wellbeing. Intestinal worms like roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms live in a dog’s digestive system and can cause major problems. Worms steal nutrients, damage the intestinal lining, and release toxic waste into a dog’s body. Left untreated, they can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, lethargy, and even death in severe cases.
Thankfully, there are over-the-counter dewormers available that make basic deworming easy and affordable. However, some circumstances do require veterinary expertise. Puppies, pregnant/nursing dogs, and dogs with heavy infestations often need prescription-strength dewormers. Additionally, accurate diagnosis through fecal testing helps determine the proper deworming treatment. So while occasional OTC deworming may be appropriate, a vet should be consulted for the full picture of your dog’s parasite status and needs.
Types of Intestinal Worms in Dogs
There are four main types of intestinal worms that commonly infect dogs:
Roundworms
Roundworms are long, thin, spaghetti-like worms that live in a dog’s intestines. They are transmitted when dogs ingest worm eggs from contaminated soil or stool. Roundworms absorb nutrients from the intestines, interfering with digestion and nutrient absorption. Puppies are especially prone to roundworms, and the worms can stunt growth and cause intestinal blockages.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms are flat, segmented worms that attach themselves to a dog’s intestines. Tapeworm eggs are ingested when a dog eats an infected flea. The eggs hatch inside the intestines and develop into adult tapeworms that can grow up to 20 inches long. Tapeworms often cause mild symptoms but can lead to significant weight loss.
Hookworms
Hookworms are small worms that bury their heads into the lining of the small intestine. They drain blood from the dog’s intestines leading to anemia, weakness, and weight loss. Dogs get hookworms when they come into contact with larvae, often through contaminated soil.
Whipworms
Whipworms live in the cecum and colon where they cause inflammation and bloody diarrhea. Eggs are passed in the stool and can survive in soil for years. Dogs ingest the eggs by grooming infected areas or eating contaminated soil.
Over-the-Counter Dewormers
You can purchase effective over-the-counter dewormers without a prescription to treat common intestinal worms in dogs. Some popular OTC brands include:
- Bayer Quad Dewormer – treats roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms
- Durvet Triple Wormer – treats roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms
- Panacur C – treats roundworms, whipworms, hookworms and giardia
- PetArmor Worm-Away – treats roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms
These OTC dewormers contain medications like pyrantel pamoate, praziquantel and fenbendazole to kill intestinal parasites. They are safe for puppies over 2 weeks old if dosed properly by weight. Certain brands have age, weight or breed restrictions so always read labels carefully.
How to Administer an OTC Dewormer
When giving your dog an over-the-counter dewormer, it’s important to carefully follow the label directions. Here are some tips for proper administration:
For deworming tablets or capsules:
- Check the weight guidelines on the label and give your dog the appropriate dose for their size.
- Try to give the pill right before or after a meal, when your dog has just eaten. This can make it easier to swallow.
- Place the pill far back over the tongue, close the mouth, tilt head upwards and gently stroke throat.
- Blowing on their nose may elicit a swallow reflex.
- Reward with a treat after swallowing.
For deworming liquids or suspensions:
- Shake well before use and measure out the proper dosage into an oral syringe or dosing cup.
- Squirt into the dog’s mouth beside the back teeth.
- Gently hold mouth closed and stroke throat until you see them swallow.
- Follow with a small treat.
Make sure to complete the full course of deworming treatment, even if your dog seems better. Stopping early can lead to resistance. Monitor your dog afterwards for any vomiting or diarrhea, which could indicate an intolerance.
Natural Deworming Remedies
In addition to over-the-counter and prescription dewormers, there are some natural remedies that may help eliminate intestinal worms. These should not replace OTC or prescription treatments, but can be used alongside vet-recommended dewormers. Some natural options include:
Pumpkin seeds – These contain an amino acid called cucurbitin that may paralyze and eliminate worms from your dog’s intestinal tract. Give 1 teaspoon per 10 lbs of body weight, ground plain pumpkin seeds mixed with their food.
Coconut oil – The lauric acid in coconut oil may help kill off parasites. Give 1 tsp per 10 lbs of body weight daily. Gradually introduce to avoid diarrhea.
Papaya – Contains an enzyme called papain that could help digest worm larvae and eggs. Give a few small slices per day.
Garlic – Has anti-parasitic properties, but should only be given in small amounts as too much can cause Heinz body anemia. Use caution and consult your vet.
Oregano – Some active components may be effective against parasites. Sprinkle a small amount onto your dog’s food.
When to See a Vet
While giving over-the-counter dewormers to an otherwise healthy dog is generally safe, there are some situations where it’s best to seek veterinary care for deworming:
- If you suspect a heavy worm burden based on symptoms like a pot-bellied appearance, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or anemia.
- For puppies under 6 months old, as their immune systems are still developing and a parasite infection can be more detrimental.
- For dogs with certain medical conditions like a compromised immune system or gastrointestinal disease, as the side effects of deworming medication may be exacerbated.
In these cases, your vet can do a fecal test to identify the type of worm infection and its severity. They will then prescribe a deworming medication specific to the parasite and safe for your dog’s age, size, and health status. Following up with repeat fecal tests helps ensure the medication was effective. Your vet can also advise you on prevention to avoid reinfection.
Diagnostic Fecal Testing
If you suspect your dog has intestinal worms, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis from your veterinarian before beginning any treatment. Vets check for the presence of worm eggs, larvae or adult worms by examining a fecal sample from your dog.
The most common diagnostic test is known as a fecal flotation or float test. Here’s how it works:
- Your vet will have you collect a fresh stool sample from your dog.
- In the lab, a small amount of stool is mixed with a solution that has a higher density than the stool.
- Worm eggs and larvae will then float to the top of the solution where they can be examined under a microscope.
There are several benefits to having a fecal test performed before deworming your dog:
- It allows your vet to identify the type of worm infecting your dog.
- It confirms if your dog actually has an intestinal worm infection.
- It determines the severity of the infection.
- It guides your vet in choosing the most effective deworming medication.
- It allows your vet to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
Diagnostic fecal testing provides important information to your vet so they can recommend the best course of treatment for your dog. Periodic testing can also identify reinfections and ensure your dog’s deworming is keeping their intestinal parasite levels low.
Prescription Deworming Medications
While over-the-counter dewormers can be effective for mild cases, veterinarians may prescribe stronger prescription medications for more severe worm infestations. Here are some of the common deworming medications vets may prescribe:
Fenbendazole (Panacur) – This broad-spectrum dewormer is effective against roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms. It comes in liquid, paste and granule formulations and is given over the course of 3-5 days.
Praziquantel (Drontal) – Drontal is effective against tapeworms, the most common intestinal parasite found in adult dogs. It paralyzes and kills the worms, allowing them to be passed in the stool.
Other Options – In certain situations, vets may prescribe other dewormers like milbemycin oxime, moxidectin or pyrantel pamoate. Combination products like praziquantel/pyrantel may also be used. Your vet will recommend the appropriate dewormer based on your dog’s symptoms and type of worms detected.
Always follow your vet’s instructions carefully when administering prescription dewormers. Give the complete course as directed, even if your dog seems better. Proper treatment ensures all worms are eliminated from your dog’s system.
Deworming Schedule for Puppies & Adults
Deworming puppies is crucial in protecting them from serious health issues caused by intestinal parasites. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends all puppies be dewormed starting at 2 weeks of age, then every 2 weeks until 12 weeks old, and then monthly until 6 months old. After 6 months, most vets recommend deworming adult dogs 1-4 times per year using broad spectrum dewormers that target roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms.
For adult dogs, the frequency of deworming depends on your dog’s lifestyle and exposure risk. Dogs with minimal exposure can be dewormed annually, while hunting dogs or those with access to contaminated soil or feces should be dewormed every 2-3 months. It’s a good practice to administer a broad spectrum dewormer to adult dogs at least 2-4 times per year. Check with your veterinarian on the appropriate deworming products and schedule for your dog based on age, breed, and health status.
Preventing Reinfection
Once your dog has been successfully treated for worms, you’ll want to take steps to prevent reinfection. Here are some tips:
- Clean up feces promptly – Be diligent about cleaning up your dog’s poop, both in the yard and on walks. The longer infected feces sits around, the more likely eggs can hatch and reinfect your dog.
- Bathe & groom regularly – Bathing can help remove worm eggs that may be clinging to your dog’s fur. Brush regularly as well.
- Clean bedding – Wash your dog’s bedding frequently, at least weekly. Replace beds if they are too soiled.
- Tips for yards:
- Remove feces promptly
- Mow and water frequently
- Avoid overcrowding of dogs
- Pick up dog toys/bones regularly
Following proper sanitation and hygiene practices can go a long way towards preventing reinfection after treating your dog for worms. Be vigilant and stick to a schedule.