Many dog owners have questions about worming – when should I worm my dog? How do I worm my dog? How often to worm puppies? The answers are important, because worms can play havoc with canine health.
Worm infestation is common among dogs – and most pooches will have an outbreak at some point in their lives.
The symptoms vary. Your pet can experience anything from a brief upset to an extended illness which – at the extreme end – may be life-threatening.
It’s also worth knowing that internal parasites can pass on a zoonotic disease to you and your loved ones, if left untreated.
The good news? Most infestations can be headed off with the right treatment, at the right time.
How often do you worm a dog?
Puppies can be wormed every two weeks up to 12 weeks of age. Following this, monthly treatment is recommended up to six months old.
Once the dog is classed as an adult at six months, worming can be administered every three months for the rest of the dog’s life.
What are the most common worm types?
First, let’s take a look at the different type of worms that can be found in dogs.
1. Tapeworms
These are one of the most common worms found in dogs. According to Dogs NSW, they live in the intestines of dogs and cats, leaving tell-tale sections in the stool which resemble rice grains. While dogs usually adapt to tapeworms with minimal side effects, you may notice your dog becoming lethargic and irritable, also with diarrhoea.
Treatment: If you notice scooting or signs in the stool, your vet can diagnose tapeworms from a stool sample. Appropriate drugs can then be given orally or injected.
2. Hookworms
Hookworms are also very common and can pose a human health risk if left untreated. Resembling strings of spaghetti, they feed on blood lining your dog’s intestines. Symptoms include diarrhoea, weight loss and anaemia. Dogs may pick them up by eating infected eggs or larvae, then passing them on through eggs in their stool.
Treatment: Hookworms can also be diagnosed by microscopic examination of a stool sample. Deworming medication can then be given, usually with a follow-up dose two to four weeks later.
3. Whipworms
Whipworms live in the dog’s large intestine. Eggs are passed in faeces, which can lead to mass infestation where several dogs live in close proximity to each other. Symptoms are similar to hookworm infestation, including bloody diarrhoea. Whipworms also have a long shelf-life, able to survive outside for several years.
Treatment: Diagnosed via stool sample, whipworms can be stubborn to treat. They may require three monthly treatments to ensure the worms are eradicated.
4. Roundworms
These spaghetti-like worms take up residence in the small intestine, sometimes creating a slight pot belly in your dog. They can also impact the feel and quality of the dog’s coat. Roundworms can pose a big danger to pups, with symptoms including failure to thrive and, sometimes, secondary bacterial pneumonia. Litters can be adversely affected with lung damage, stunted growth and – at the extreme end – death. They can also be passed on to humans.
Treatment: Once diagnosed through the stool, your vet will prescribe one to three doses to kill adult worms. Follow-ups will be required to ensure complete cover.
5. Heartworm
Heartworm poses a serious threat to dogs, sometimes killing the animal within months through lung or heart disease. Caused by a mosquito bite, typical symptoms include coughing up blood, difficulty breathing and loss of weight.
Treatment: Medications can be given in tablet or spot-on form, from the age of six to eight weeks.
What symptoms should I look for in my dog?
While worm symptoms are not always apparent, there are common signs which may indicate a worm problem. These include:
- Vomiting or coughing up blood
- Diarrhoea, sometimes with blood
- Dull, lifeless coat
- Poor general condition
- Bloated or swollen abdomen
- Stunted growth
- Worms or sections visible in stools
- Loss of appetite and/or weight
- Difficulty breathing
Only a vet can give a full diagnosis, so don’t hesitate to contact your local veterinary clinic.
Treating worms in your dog
It’s critical to treat your dog if you think it has picked up worms. A faecal analysis by the vet is the best way to get a firm diagnosis of the type and extent of worms in your pet. Medication and follow up tests may be required, to be sure the infestation has been properly dealt with.
Once the worms have gone, it’s important to ensure they don’t come back. There are many preventative worming treatments available on PetPost to help you keep these unwelcome parasites away.
A range of tasty, easy-chew tablets and spot on treatments is available to prevent worms in your dog, according to size and age. Some products include prevention of heartworms as well as the more common roundworms and hookworms. If not sure which product is best for your dog, a vet can advise you.
Are puppies prone to worms? When can I worm puppies?
Very young puppies are especially prone to worm issues. Sadly, a bad worm infestation at this age has the capacity to impact the puppy’s health across its lifetime.
A regular puppy worming schedule is therefore recommended, starting at an early age and continuing regularly as the puppy grows up. It’s generally accepted that puppies can start worming as early as two weeks old.
Is there anything else I can do to prevent worms?
Yes, there is! The following guidelines will go a long way to keeping your home worm-free.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling dogs.
- Clean up faeces frequently and dispose of it carefully.
- Feed your dog branded or cooked food, instead of raw meat.
- Make sure your dog has an annual vet check to stay healthy.
- Always use worming medications as prescribed.
An early and regular worming routine can help ensure the health and happiness of your dog for years to come.
