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There are multiple species of worms that can infect your dog.
No matter what type your dog has, the worms are parasites.
This means they have to leach nutrients from your dog to survive.
According to PetMD:
If not treated in time, a severe infestation can cause death by intestinal blockage or other means.
Worms are very common in young dogs, so every owner should know how to deworm a puppy at home.
When the term ‘worms in dogs' is used, it is a broad term that includes many types of parasitic worms living inside your dog's body.
They feed off your pet's blood/nutrients to survive.
In the process, these little invaders will cause many health problems for Fido.
Some common health issues (PDF) caused by worms in dogs include:
If you leave worms untreated, they will reproduce, and the infestation will continue to worsen.
Your dog can also spread worms through their feces.
If you have other pets in your home, it's quite likely that they will contract worms as well.
ALSO READ: How Do Dogs Get Worms?
How to Deworm a Puppy Yourself at Home
Roundworms and hookworms can be passed to puppies from their mother in utero.
The pups can also catch these parasites by drinking milk from their infected mother.
Because worms in puppies are so common, a reputable breeder will deworm puppies before sending them to their forever homes.
If you believe that your dog is showing symptoms of worms, you need to seek veterinary assistance to determine the type of worm they have.
The vet will likely require you to bring a fresh stool sample in for testing. Symptoms of worms may include:
- eating more food
- dull coat
- pot belly appearance
- excessive itching
- skin irritation
- “scooting” or rubbing the bottom on the ground
- visible worms in feces or vomit
The steps involved in learning how to deworm a puppy yourself will be determined by the type of worms your dog has contracted and the severity of the infestation.
Over-the-counter remedies are usually only effective for one type of worm.
Your veterinarian will probably offer a broad-spectrum dewormer to treat multiple types of worms effectively.
If you're planning to purchase an over-the-counter dewormer, be sure the one you choose is effective for the type(s) of worms that your dog has contracted. Read the packaging and dosage instructions very carefully.
You can purchase tablets or liquid dewormers.
When administering the medication, be sure to follow the dosing instructions very carefully.
You can see how to administer liquid and tablet medications in my video guide at the top of this article.
If it's a tablet, lift your dog's head, place the pill in the back of his throat, and then hold his mouth closed while you rub his throat to ensure that he swallows the medicine.
If you've chosen a liquid dewormer, use a syringe to squirt the medicine into the back of your dog's mouth.
His natural instinct will be to swallow the liquid.
How to Deworm a Puppy: FAQs
When should I start deworming my puppy?
Early deworming of your puppies is recommended as their immune systems are still growing, and they may be born with worms.
The first time they should be dewormed is between two and three weeks old, according to veterinarians.
The first shot eliminates any worms present at the moment. After a few weeks, the second kills the eggs.
Can you deworm a puppy without a vet?
It has been shown that worms can be naturally removed from dogs by feeding them foods like pumpkin seeds, carrots, and coconut oil.
All of these foods are safe, natural remedies to aid with Fido's worm treatment. Additionally, they are considerably safer than giving him traditional deworming drugs.
Can I feed my puppy after deworming?
It is advised to wait 30 to 60 minutes before serving them their regular meal.
There are no dietary restrictions with deworming so you can feed your puppy normally.
Give him a ton of freshwater as well. He could be dehydrated and aid in the worms' removal.
How to Deworm a Puppy: Before You Go
As one of the most frequent causes of serious disease in pups, worms must be treated as soon as your puppy gets home.
Roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms are examples of intestinal worms that can make your dog ill and prevent them from absorbing vitamins and nutrients.
Regular treatment is crucial as not all infected puppies will exhibit visible symptoms of having worms.
Once your puppy turns three months old, he must receive worming medication at least once every three months for the rest of his life.
READ NEXT:
- A Vet's Guide to Dewormers for Dogs – The What, Why and When
- 4 Common Types of Worms in Dog Poop
- Natural Deworming for Dogs
