Worms are one of the most common parasites in dogs. But not only adult dogs can be infected with worms: puppies can also be affected. Worms can affect the puppy’s health and can even be life-threatening. It is therefore important that you dewormer your puppy on time and on a regular basis. We answer the most important questions about deworming.
How did puppies get infected with worms?
Puppies can be infected with parasites from birth. The cause: Many bitches carry worm larvae that get into the uterus during pregnancy and thus infect the puppy’s embryo. As a result, the puppy is born with a worm infestation. The assumption that puppies have no contact with worms and therefore do not need to be dewormed is a widespread misconception.
How does worming work?
Deworming takes place using a so-called worming cure. These are chemical agents that kill the parasites in the intestines. Worming does not have a preventive effect, which means that the dog can become infected again with worms as early as 24 hours after being dewormed. Therefore, regular deworming is necessary, especially in puppyhood.
When can the puppy be dewormed?
Since a puppy can have roundworms or roundworms from a young age, it is important to dewormer the puppy as early as possible. It is recommended that puppies be dewormed from the age of two weeks. Therefore, when buying a puppy from a dog breeder, it is a good idea to inquire whether deworming was done in a timely manner.
How often do you have to deworm a puppy?
After the first deworming at two weeks of age, deworming is repeated regularly every two weeks until the puppy is weaned by the dog’s mother. It is important that you stick to the deworming plan because the offspring drink the mother’s milk in the first few weeks and can become infected again with worms through the mother’s milk. Therefore, after weaning your puppy from the mother, you should dewormer again after two weeks. Subsequently, deworming is recommended every three to six months and if there is evidence of worm infestation. Whether your dog has worms, regardless of the worming plan, can be checked by the veterinarian by means of a fecal examination.
Which wormer products are best for puppies?
There are special worming treatments for puppies in the form of deworming tablets or deworming paste. Only use wormer products recommended by your veterinarian and under no circumstances should products intended for adult dogs be used, as the active substances contained may be unsuitable for puppies. You should also avoid alternative remedies, as the effectiveness of herbal remedies such as coconut oil for deworming puppies has not been proven.
What does it cost to deworm a puppy?
Depending on the worming treatment chosen, a tablet costs between 3 and 20 euros. Since puppies are only light in body weight and the tablet dose depends on their weight, the costs for the puppy wormer are manageable. Still, you should consider the cost of getting a puppy.
Is worming harmful to puppies?
Many dog ​​owners have concerns that drug deworming could harm the puppy. Like all approved drugs, wormer products for dogs are also clinically tested and are therefore considered to be harmless. As with all drugs, side effects such as gastrointestinal problems can occur with worming. However, the side effects usually subside quickly and should be accepted in order to prevent worse diseases caused by worm infestation.
