Dogs are curious animals, and they encounter much of the world with their noses and mouths. Unfortunately, this means intestinal worms are a common and constant threat. If you’ve discovered evidence of worms in your dog, using a deworming treatment can quickly and effectively address the problem.
Many options are available to help you treat and control worms in your dog; the most common are tablets and spot-on treatments. Once you’ve found the right product for your dog, administering the treatment is usually straightforward. But what happens after you’ve treated your dog for worms? Here’s what to expect in the first hours and days after deworming.
The Worrying Truth About Dewormer Overdose in Dogs
Hello fellow dog lovers! As someone who’s been through the ups and downs of pet parenthood, I’ve definitely worried about giving my furry friend the right meds. One question that kept me up at night was: can you give your dog too much worming tablets? The short answer is YES, and it’s something we should all be careful about.
Deworming our pups is super important, but like with any medication, there can be too much of a good thing. Today, I’m gonna share everything I’ve learned about this topic so you can keep your four-legged family member safe and healthy.
Understanding Dog Dewormers: The Basics
Before diving into overdose concerns, let’s get clear on what these medications actually do. Dewormers are specifically designed to kill or paralyze intestinal parasites like
- Roundworms
- Hookworms
- Whipworms
- Tapeworms
Most deworming products come as tablets, though some are available as spot-on treatments. They work by targeting the parasites’ nervous systems or disrupting their ability to absorb nutrients, eventually killing them and allowing your dog to pass them in their stool
Signs of Dewormer Overdose: What to Watch For
If you suspect your dog has gotten too much deworming medication there are several warning signs you should be aware of
- Vomiting (beyond what might normally occur after taking the medication)
- Diarrhea (severe or persistent)
- Lethargy or unusual weakness
- Tremors or muscle spasms
- Drooling excessively
- Seizures (in severe cases)
- Loss of coordination
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive panting
The severity of these symptoms can vary depending on the specific dewormer, the amount consumed, and your dog’s size, age, and overall health.
Can All Dogs Get Worming Tablets?
Not all deworming products are safe for every dog. Here are some important considerations:
Age Restrictions
Most dewormers aren’t recommended for very young puppies. For example, products like Quad Dewormer specifically state: “Not for use in puppies that are younger than 3 weeks of age or dogs weighing less than 2 lbs.”
This is super important to remember because puppies are more vulnerable to overdose due to their small size and developing systems.
Health Considerations
The product information for Quad Dewormer also advises: “Do not deworm a dog or puppy that is sick; consult your veterinarian for diagnosis of the illness and appropriate care.”
This makes sense cuz a dog that’s already ill might have a harder time processing the medication, increasing the risk of side effects or complications.
How Deworming Normally Works (When Done Right)
When administered correctly, the deworming process is usually pretty straightforward:
- You give your dog the appropriate dose based on their weight
- The medication begins working within a few hours
- Your dog will likely behave normally during this time
- Within a few days, you may (or may not) see dead worms in your dog’s stool
- Some dogs might experience mild side effects like temporary diarrhea as they digest the dead worms
According to information from Elanco: “Most of the time, regardless of what you see in their stool, recently dewormed dogs behave like normal.”
What Happens If Your Dog Gets Too Much Dewormer?
Overdosing on deworming medication can lead to toxicity, which varies in severity depending on several factors:
- The specific deworming medication used
- How much over the recommended dose was given
- Your dog’s size and weight
- Your dog’s overall health
- How quickly veterinary care is sought
In mild cases, your dog might experience temporary vomiting or diarrhea. But in severe cases, especially with certain types of dewormers, an overdose can lead to serious neurological issues, including seizures or even death in extreme situations.
Emergency Steps If You Suspect an Overdose
If you think your dog has consumed too much deworming medication, don’t panic but act quickly:
- Call your vet immediately – This is not a wait-and-see situation
- Have product information ready – Know the exact product name, active ingredients, and approximate amount consumed
- Note the time of ingestion – This helps the vet determine treatment options
- Watch for symptoms – Monitor and document any unusual behavior or physical symptoms
- Don’t induce vomiting unless directed – Wait for professional guidance before attempting any home remedies
Your vet might recommend bringing your dog in right away or may suggest monitoring at home depending on the circumstances.
Prevention is Better Than Treatment
The best way to avoid dewormer overdose is to be super careful when administering these medications:
Dosage Guidelines
- Always follow weight-based dosing – Most dewormers have specific doses based on your dog’s weight
- Use a scale if needed – Guessing your dog’s weight can lead to incorrect dosing
- Read the entire product label – Don’t skip the fine print
- Double-check your math – It’s easy to make calculation errors
Storage Safety
- Keep medications in original packaging – This helps avoid confusion
- Store out of reach – Dogs can sometimes get into medicine cabinets or counters
- Don’t remove pills until needed – This prevents accidental double-dosing
- Mark your calendar – Note when treatments are given to avoid accidentally repeating doses
A Real Scenario: What Happens During a Dewormer Overdose
Let me share what typically happens when a dog gets too much dewormer, based on veterinary information. For example, if a 6-week-old puppy accidentally receives an adult dose of dewormer:
- The first signs might appear within hours – usually vomiting or lethargy
- Neurological symptoms like tremors could develop if it’s a certain type of dewormer
- Without treatment, symptoms can worsen and potentially become life-threatening
- With prompt veterinary care, most dogs can recover completely
The vet might administer activated charcoal to absorb the medication, provide IV fluids to help flush it from the system, or give specific medications to counteract the effects depending on the type of dewormer involved.
Different Types of Dewormers and Their Overdose Risks
Not all dewormers are created equal when it comes to overdose risk:
Pyrantel Pamoate
- Found in many common dewormers
- Generally has a wide safety margin
- Overdose typically causes GI upset but rarely life-threatening issues
Praziquantel
- Used for tapeworms
- Relatively safe even at higher doses
- Primarily causes vomiting and diarrhea if overdosed
Fenbendazole
- Commonly used for multiple worm types
- Very wide safety margin
- One of the safer options if accidental overdose occurs
Ivermectin
- Used for certain parasites
- Can be dangerous in overdose, especially for certain breeds
- Requires careful dosing and should generally be vet-prescribed
The Safest Approach to Deworming
The absolute safest way to deworm your dog is under veterinary guidance. Here’s why:
- Proper diagnosis – Your vet can determine exactly what type of worms your dog has
- Appropriate medication – Different worms require different treatments
- Correct dosing – Vets calculate the precise amount needed
- Monitoring for side effects – Professional oversight means quicker response if problems arise
- Complete treatment – Some worm infections require follow-up treatments
Frequently Asked Questions About Dewormer Safety
What should I do if I accidentally gave my dog a double dose of dewormer?
Call your vet right away. While some dewormers have a wide safety margin, it’s always better to get professional advice. The response will depend on the specific product, your dog’s size, and health status.
Can I use the same dewormer for my puppy and adult dog?
Not necessarily. Many dewormers have age and weight restrictions. For example, according to product information, some products are “Not for use in puppies less than 3 weeks of age or weighing less than 2 lbs.” Always check the label or consult your vet.
How long after a dewormer overdose would symptoms appear?
Symptoms can begin within 1-4 hours after ingestion but may take longer depending on the medication and amount given. This is why it’s important to seek veterinary care immediately rather than waiting for symptoms.
Are natural dewormers safer than pharmaceutical ones?
Not necessarily. “Natural” doesn’t automatically mean safer. Some natural remedies lack sufficient testing for safety and efficacy, and improper dosing can still cause problems. Always discuss options with your vet.
When to Schedule Regular Deworming
When done correctly, regular deworming is an important part of your dog’s healthcare routine:
- Puppies – Usually need deworming every 2-3 weeks until 12 weeks of age, then monthly until 6 months
- Adult dogs – Typically need deworming 2-4 times per year, depending on lifestyle and risk factors
- Senior dogs – Similar to adult dogs, but may need adjustments based on health status
Your vet can help establish the right schedule for your specific dog based on their age, lifestyle, and risk factors.
The Bottom Line: Caution is Key
So, can you give your dog too much worming tablets? Absolutely. While dewormers are essential for your dog’s health, they are still medications that need to be treated with respect and caution.
I’ve learned that the peace of mind that comes from following proper dosing guidelines and consulting with my vet is worth so much more than the convenience of guessing or cutting corners. Our furry friends trust us with their care, and being informed and careful with medications is one of the most important ways we can honor that trust.
Remember, when in doubt, always reach out to your veterinarian. They’re there to help and would much rather answer a question before a problem occurs than treat an emergency that could have been prevented.
Stay safe, and give your pups a pat from me!
The Deworming Process after a Few Days
Depending on what kind of worms your dog has, you may or may not see worms in their stool in the days following a deworming treatment. Most deworming products treat roundworms, hookworms and whipworms by paralyzing and killing the parasites; tapeworms are killed and broken up into smaller segments. Some intestinal worms, like hookworms and whipworms, are so small that you won’t see any worms in your dog’s stool at all.
You may be surprised to still see live worms in your dog’s feces after deworming them, but this is normal. While this can be an unpleasant , it’s actually a good thing — it means the worms are no longer living inside your dog! Additionally, you may see dead worms in your dog’s stool for a few days following treatment, or your dog may have diarrhea as they digest the dead worms. Most of the time, regardless of what you see in their stool, recently dewormed dogs behave like normal.
Puppies and other dogs may require repeat deworming treatments a few weeks after their initial treatment. This is often based on the type of worm and product used. For questions about a deworming schedule for your dog, speak to your veterinarian.
The First Few Hours after a Deworming Treatment
It’s a good idea to deworm your pet at home where they are comfortable. If possible, choose a quiet weekend so your pet is calm and relaxed — not stressed or excited by a lot of commotion — and so you will have time to monitor your dog after administering the deworming treatment.
Deworming your dog is a relatively simple process, much like giving your pet a treat. In fact, if you use a tablet-based deworming treatment, it can be helpful to hide the pill in a treat like cheese, peanut butter, turkey or wet food to help make sure your dog completely swallows the tablet. Some tablets are already flavored to taste like a treat to your pet, so they may not need to be hidden in food. However, some dogs may try to spit out a tablet immediately or even several minutes after you give it to them — even if it’s flavored — so disguising the pill as a treat can make the process easier for you and your dog.
As with any oral medication, dogs can occasionally vomit shortly after taking the dose. If your pet is a puppy or has a habit of eating food or drinking water too quickly and getting sick, monitor them for vomiting for two to three hours after administering the deworming tablet.
If your dog vomits the tablet whole, wait a little bit for them to calm down and then re-administer the pill. If the tablet is partially digested or not visible at all, contact your veterinarian to get a new dose. If your dog hates pills and knows all your tricks, there are also topical deworming products available.
Regardless of what kind of deworming product you use, the treatment will typically begin working within a few hours and your dog will most likely behave as normal.