Keeping your pooch healthy and happy requires a lot of effort and consistency and one crucial aspect of this is to keep them protected from intestinal worms such as roundworms, hookworms, etc. But the question is, how? The answer to this is pretty simple, regular deworming. You can keep your little one safe from these worms by deworming them from time to time.
In this blog, we will discuss all the details about deworming your canine companion to protect them from harmful parasites.
Why worming is essential for dogs?
Deworming is crucial to protect your dogs from various gastrointestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. These creepy critters cause a range of health problems such as digestive issues, weight loss, anemia, etc.
Dogs get worms both indoors and outdoors. Fleas can carry tapeworms and transmit tapeworm infection to your canine when they ingest infected fleas, even when your dog is indoors, as fleas tend to hide in bedding, furniture, etc. Roundworms or hookworms can be transmitted when your furry friend ingests contaminated soil, feces, etc. while enjoying their outdoor strolls. Newborn puppies can get worms from their mother. Therefore, it is essential to deworm your four-legged friends and keep them protected.
Now, let’s understand what these worms look like and what are the symptoms of different worm infections in dogs.
Symptoms of worm infestations
Mentioned below are the different signs dogs exhibit when infected with intestinal worms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased appetite
- Dark or bloody stools
- Visible worms in stools
Also Read: Two Best Deworming Treatments For Dogs
When to deworm your puppy?
Sometimes, puppies get worms from their mother dog. Since they have an underdeveloped immune system, it is suggested to deworm your puppy as early as 2 weeks of age.
How often should you deworm your puppy?
Generally, puppies should be dewormed every 2 weeks until they are 3 months of age and then every month until they are 6 months of age. Post 6 months, you can adopt the deworming schedule of an adult dog.
How often should you deworm your adult dogs?
Ideally, adult dogs should be dewormed once every three months, year-round for continuous protection. The treatment frequency also depends on the severity of the worm infection. You can consult your vet for a tailored deworming schedule for your dog.
Conclusion
Worming your dog isn’t an easy task but it is surely an important one. It is inevitable to keep your canine companion protected from intestinal worms. Make yourself aware of different types of worms and deworming schedules for puppies and adult dogs. However, always consult the veterinarian for your dog’s specific deworming requirements. There are various deworming treatments for dogs available in the market that suit individual dog preferences and lifestyles.