Deworming is an important part of a puppy’s health and overall wellness. Typically, puppies are given deworming medication shortly after being born to help get rid of any worms or parasites that may be present in their system. While it is important to ensure a puppy is free of any parasites, it is important to understand the need for deworming and when it is appropriate to do so. This blog post will explore the reasons why puppies may need deworming, how to properly deworm a puppy, and potential risks that come with deworming puppies. In addition, this post will discuss the differences between deworming puppies and deworming adult dogs. With all of this information in mind, it is possible to make informed decisions regarding deworming puppies in order to ensure their health and happiness.
When do puppies need to be dewormed?
Because their immune systems are still developing, many puppies may be born with parasitic worms. Of course, how well the mother puppies are treated prior to having their litters affects this factor. Dog owners should seek out breeders who offer these dogs adequate veterinary care because untreated mothers may pass worms to their babies.
At Petland, we only collaborate with reputable breeders who go above and beyond to provide their dogs with the best care possible. This means that our puppies are born healthy and stable. Most vets highly recommend deworming puppies early on. Puppies typically begin deworming at 2 weeks old and do so every 2 weeks until they are 12 weeks old. You can take your puppy to the veterinarian for a deworming every three months once they turn 12 weeks old.
Intestinal Parasites in Puppies
Many of us think of intestinal parasites and puppies as going hand-in-hand, and rightly so. Although in reality not every puppy has worms, it is safe to assume that all puppies will be exposed to intestinal parasites at some point before they reach adulthood. Ascarids and hookworms have previously been shown to be most common in dogs less than 1 year of age, but the same study also found that dogs less than 6 months of age were least likely to be given prophylactic deworming agents (2). These findings demonstrate an important gap in client education that all veterinary professionals should be working to address.
The transplacental and transmammary transmission routes put puppies in particular danger of contracting intestinal parasites. Because puppies will be repeatedly exposed to hookworm and roundworm during nursing, transmammary transmission of these parasites is of particular concern. In order to ensure that infections are treated, it is crucial to address intestinal parasites periodically during the first two months of life.
Anemia, diarrhea, vomiting, dull haircoat, chronic malaise, and failure to gain weight are all common symptoms of intestinal parasite infection in puppies. Long before their first trip to the vet, puppies who were infected while still in the womb or while consuming colostrum could develop a fatal anemia at the age of 1-2 weeks.
When it is feasible, staff and veterinarians should work to inform breeders and owners of animals who are pregnant or nursing about the significance of following a deworming protocol both before and after whelping.
How long does it take for the dewormer to work?
Usually, it takes several applications of dewormer to completely eradicate the eggs and larvae. The parasites, the severity and size of the infection, as well as the number of rounds and duration of treatment, vary (for example, roundworm infection typically requires 4 weeks of treatment).
FAQ
What happens if you dont deworm a puppy?
Puppies with intestinal worms may experience vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stunted growth, organ damage, or even death. Regular deworming is crucial because many parasites that your puppy may have, such as hookworms and roundworms, can infect you and your family.
When should I deworm my puppy?
Puppies should be dewormed as soon as possible because of this; typically at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks of age. Once your puppy reaches the age of 12, you can continue to use an efficient all-wormer to treat it every three months for the rest of its life.
Can I deworm my puppy myself?
Despite the fact that worms are a nasty problem, they’re relatively simple to treat. You can treat your puppy’s worms with Milbemax, which comes in the form of tiny, simple-to-give tablets and is suitable for puppies as young as two weeks old and 500g in body weight.
How do I know if my puppy needs wormed?
- visible worms or eggs in the faeces.
- visible worms in fur or around the dog’s rear.
- scratching or rubbing of rear.
- visible worms in vomit.
- bloated stomach or belly.
- weakness, increased appetite, constant hunger and weight loss.
- diarrhoea, particularly with blood.