Effective Dog Deworming： A Good Help For Your Dog

Deworming for dogs is an important measure to maintain their health, as parasites not only affect the nutrient absorption of the dog, but also may cause various health problems, such as indigestion, anemia, and skin diseases. Deworming is divided into two parts: internal deworming and external deworming. Internal deworming mainly targets internal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, etc., while external deworming targets external parasites such as fleas and ticks.

How to Tell if Your Dog Has Been Infected with Parasites?

1. Hair problems

Parasites will suck nutrients from your dog's body, causing the coat to lose its lustre and become dry and shapeless.

2. Scratching and licking

Dogs may scratch and lick themselves frequently, which may be due to the presence of parasites on the body and they can make the dog feel uncomfortable.

3. Weight loss

Parasites suck the nutrients from the dog's body, which may cause the dog's appetite to be affected and the intake of nutrients is insufficient, so the weight naturally drops.

4. Digestive problems

Dogs may suffer from frequent diarrhoea or vomiting, which may be due to the infection of parasites. These parasites can irritate the gastrointestinal tract of dogs, causing them to suffer from indigestion.

5. Abdominal bulging

Parasites that colonise the dog's body may cause the intestines to dilate and the abdomen may look bulging.

6. Skin problems

Your dog's skin may show symptoms such as red rashes and hair loss, which may be due to an infection with parasites such as mites, which can mess with your dog's skin, leading to skin inflammation, hair loss, and other problems.

What are the Types of Worms in Dogs?

Dogs can be infested by several types of worms, including:

• Roundworms

 Roundworms are one of the most common intestinal parasites in dogs, they are usually found in the feces and can lead to intestinal blockages and malnutrition.

• Hookworms 

Hookworms are contracted through skin-to-skin contact or through eating, and they suck blood in the intestines, which can lead to anemia and other health problems.

• Tapeworms

 Tapeworms are flat parasites that are usually infected through ingestion, such as fleas or other parasites that act as intermediate hosts.

• Heartworms

 Heartworms are not intestinal worms, but are parasites transmitted by mosquitoes that live in the heart and lungs and can cause serious health problems.

• Whipworms

 Whipworms are often difficult to diagnose because they are very small and live at the entrance to the cecum, large intestine and colon.

• Spirocerca lupi

Spirocerca lupi is a parasite that can cause abdominal discomfort and other health problems in dogs.

• Lungworms

 Lungworms affect the lungs and trachea and can cause serious respiratory infections.

• Mites

While mites primarily cause skin conditions, they can also affect intestinal health.

Also Read: Understanding Ear Mites in Dogs

These worms can be spread in different ways, including direct contact with contaminated environments, consumption of contaminated food or water, and through vector insects such as mosquitoes and fleas. Regular deworming treatments and good hygiene practices are essential to prevent infection by these parasites. If you suspect that your dog is infected with parasites, you should contact your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. 

How To Deworm a Dog Naturally?

Natural remedies can be used as an adjunct or alternative to chemical dewormers when dealing with dog parasite problems. Here are some of the natural treatment methods:

• Use of Natural Worm Repellents

You can use repellent sprays that contain ingredients such as orange peel, grapefruit peel, garlic, rosemary, etc. These natural ingredients have a repellent effect and can be sprayed once a month to prevent parasites. 

• Food Remedies

For example, use diluted apple cider vinegar or garlic juice, which have some insect repellent properties and can be added to your dog's food or as part of his drinking water. 

• Essential Oil Spray

Using essential oils that contain insect repellent properties, such as peppermint, lavender, and geranium, diluted and sprayed on your dog, can help repel parasites.

• Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which kills parasites in the intestines and can be mixed with food and given to your dog.

Related: Coconut Oil for Yeast Infection in Dog Ears: A Natural Solution

When using natural remedies, the following points should be kept in mind:

1. Ensure that the natural materials used are safe for dogs and avoid substances that may cause allergic or toxic reactions.
2. It's a good idea to test any new natural remedies on a small scale before using them to make sure your dog doesn't have an adverse reaction.
3. Natural remedies may not be as quick and effective as chemical repellents, so they may need to be applied more frequently and observed over a longer period of time.
4. Even with natural remedies, your dog's health should be checked regularly to ensure that the parasites are being effectively controlled.
5. It is still very important to keep your dog's living environment clean and to have regular parasite checkups while implementing natural treatments. If your dog has a serious parasite problem or if natural treatments are not effective, you should consult your veterinarian promptly.

How to Properly Deworm Dog Inside and Out?

Steps of internal deworming 

Puppies are usually first dewormed around one month, puppies before six months are dewormed every month, and puppies after six months, as well as adult dogs, are dewormed every three months. The choice of deworming medication should be based on the dog's weight and health condition. Commonly used medications include BayPetrol and Canine Heartworm.

• Choose the right deworming medication

Choose the right deworming medication according to your dog's weight and health condition, such as BayPetrol or Canine Cardio. 

• Calculate the dosage

Calculate the dosage of the medication strictly according to the instructions of the medication or the recommendation of the veterinarian.

• Taking medication

The medication can be mixed into the food and fed. For dogs that are not willing to take the medication voluntarily, a feeder can be used to assist.

• Observe the reaction

After deworming, observe whether the dog has any uncomfortable reaction, such as vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Contact your veterinarian if necessary.

Steps for deworming in vitro

The frequency of external deworming is usually adjusted according to the season and climatic conditions in your area, and more frequent deworming may be needed in the summer. Deworming products, including drops and sprays, should be applied directly to the dog's skin to avoid licking.

• Choose the right deworming product

Choose a suitable deworming product according to its coverage and applicability.

Fenbendazole Tablets Dewormer

Chewable deworming medicine for dogs helps eliminate the most common forms of tapeworms

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• Apply correctly

Apply the deworming product directly onto your dog's skin, usually the neck to tail area, avoiding wounds or wet skin.

• Avoid licking

Make sure your dog cannot lick the medication until the deworming product has dried to prevent poisoning.

Protective Cone Collar/ Elizabethan Collar for Pets

top scratching and biting; stop licking; easy bathing

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• Wait for the medication to be absorbed

Worming products take time to be fully absorbed into the skin and it is usually recommended to wait at least 24 hours after worming before bathing.

Deworming precautions

1. Bathing should be avoided before and after deworming to maintain the effectiveness of the medication.
2. Deworming medication should be used strictly according to your veterinarian's recommendations or drug instructions to avoid overdose.
3. The dog's reaction should be observed after deworming and the veterinarian should be contacted promptly if there is any abnormality.
4. Pregnant or lactating dogs should be extra careful when using deworming drugs, preferably under the guidance of a veterinarian.
5. Regular internal and external deworming, combined with good hygiene habits, can effectively prevent parasitic infections and protect your dog's health.

How to Regularly Prevent Deworm Your Dog?

Regular preventive deworming is essential to ensure your dog's health. Here are some steps and suggestions to help pet owners implement preventive deworming measures effectively:

1. Develop a deworming program

Depending on your dog's age, weight and activity level, develop a reasonable deworming program. Generally, internal deworming is recommended every three months, while external deworming is recommended monthly. 

2. Choose the right deworming products

There are a variety of deworming products available in the market, including oral medications, topical medications and integrated in- and out-of-body deworming products. Choose a reputable brand and follow your veterinarian's advice on choosing the right product. 

3. Proper use of deworming products

When using deworming products, make sure to follow the instructions on the product manual, including the dosage, route of administration and frequency. Ensure that your dog is not bathed immediately after using the deworming medication to maintain its effectiveness. 

4. Monitor your dog's reaction

After deworming, closely monitor your dog for any adverse reactions such as vomiting, diarrhea, or allergy symptoms. If these symptoms occur, contact your veterinarian immediately. 

5. Regular Veterinary Examinations

Even with preventative deworming, it is important to take your dog to the veterinarian for regular wellness checkups so that parasite problems can be detected and dealt with in a timely manner. 

By following the above steps and recommendations, pet owners can effectively provide their dogs with preventive deworming protection, reduce the risk of parasitic infections, and maintain their long-term health.

How Should I Increase The Frequency Of External Deworming During The Summer?

Summer is an active season for parasites, and dogs can easily come into contact with and bring back fleas, ticks, and other extracorporeal parasites when they are outdoors. These parasites not only cause skin diseases in dogs, but can also transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, posing a threat to both dog and human health. 

• Recommendations for Increasing Deworming Frequency

To effectively prevent and control parasitic infections, it is recommended to increase the frequency of external deworming in dogs during the summer months. According to professional recommendations, external deworming of dogs usually needs to be done once a month. During periods of high parasite prevalence, consider using a long-acting dewormer or additional deworming treatments after each outdoor activity. 

• Considerations for using deworming products

When using deworming drops or sprays, apply them properly according to the product instructions and make sure the medication penetrates your dog's skin. Do not bathe your dog for 2-3 days after application to prevent the dewormer from becoming ineffective. In addition, choosing deworming products that contain natural ingredients can reduce the potential impact on your dog and the environment. 

• Integrated Management Practices

In addition to the regular use of deworming products, integrated management measures should also be taken, such as regular checking of your dog for parasites, keeping the home environment clean, cleaning up stagnant water in a timely manner, as well as avoiding your dog's direct consumption of raw meat and raw water. These measures will help minimize the chance of survival of parasites and protect the health of the dog and family members. 

Can I Deworm a Pregnant Dog?

Yes,you can. But deworming management for dogs during pregnancy or lactation requires extra care to ensure the health of both mother and puppies. Here are some key considerations:

• Drug selection and dosage

When deworming during pregnancy, choose medications that are safe for the bitch and fetus, and follow strict veterinary instructions for drug selection and dosage adjustment. 

• Timing of deworming

Deworming is required in both the mid and late stages of pregnancy, but should be done under the advice of a veterinarian to avoid adverse effects on the bitch and fetus. 

• Avoiding highly toxic drugs

Highly toxic deworming drugs such as phenoxazine should not be used in pregnant dogs; instead, low-toxicity, short-acting deworming drugs such as low-toxicity pyrrole dewormers should be used. 

• Preparation before deworming

Before deworming, you should prepare your dog's stomach and intestines and control the amount of water to ensure effective absorption of the drug and reduce discomfort. 

• Pay attention to drug dosage

According to the weight of the dog to accurately grasp the drug dose, different weight of the dog needs to use a different dose. 

• Control the frequency of deworming

The frequency of deworming during pregnancy should not be too frequent, usually once in 3-4 months. 

• Follow Veterinarian's Instruction

All deworming measures must be carried out under the guidance of a veterinarian to ensure safety and effectiveness.

FAQs

Can I Use Cats Dewormer On Dogs?

Cat-specific dewormers are not recommended for dogs. Although some cat and dog dewormers may contain the same active ingredient, such as praziquantel, their dosages and formulations are customized to the specific needs of the cat or dog. Incorrect administration of pet de-wormers may result in toxic reactions or inadequate treatment because metabolism and tolerance vary widely between species. 

Before using any pet de-wormer, you should always consult your veterinarian to ensure that the product is appropriate for your pet's species and that you are following your veterinarian's instructions for proper dosage and administration. Your veterinarian will recommend the appropriate de-wormer based on your pet's weight, age, health and living environment to ensure safe and effective parasite control.

How long should I wait to feed my dog after deworming?

Can I deworm my dog without going to the vet?

Conclusion

Regular deworming is essential for maintaining your dog’s health and preventing the spread of parasites. By understanding the types of worms, recognizing the signs of infestation, and choosing the right treatments, you can ensure your furry friend stays healthy and happy. Always consult your veterinarian for the best deworming schedule and treatment options for your dog.