Parasites or worms are common issues that veterinarians often encounter. Various types of infections can occur in both puppies and adult dogs. This could include hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, Coccidia, and tapeworms.
Your vet can recommend the proper deworming medication depending on the type of infection your pet has. Usually, this determination involves analyzing a stool sample and conducting a comprehensive examination of the dog. Before treating your canine companion, it’s vital to check with the veterinarian beforehand.
If you notice that your dog has symptoms of fatigue, diarrhea, weight loss, or abnormal fur color, then it’s time to bring him to the vet for a stool sample.
If you notice that your dog has symptoms of:
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea,
- Weight loss
- Abnormal fur color
Then it’s time to bring him to the vet for a stool sample.
If your dog has a worm diagnosis, here's what you should understand about deworming dogs and puppies.
Related: 10 Best Dogs for Kids and Families
COMMON WAYS ON HOW YOUR DOG CAN GET WORMS
There are multiple ways that your dog can get infected with worms, but here are the common ways:
SOIL
Usually, the dog will shed the egg or larva through their feces. This can be mixed into the soil where the eggs can survive for many years. Other dogs can become easily infected when they ingest contaminated soil, particularly while on park walks.
ANIMAL CARCASSES
Animals like rodents, birds, and rabbits can ingest the eggs and pass it on to your canine companion when they devour the small animal. Some tapeworms can pass through an intermediate host after the dog eats them. That’s why it’s essential to watch your dog and to prevent him or her from looking for animal carcasses.
FLEA
Many species of tapeworms live in the flea's body. Once your dog ingests it, they can quickly get infected.
PREGNANCY
The roundworm larvae can be transmitted from the placenta to the puppy before they are even born. The larvae can pass through the mother's milk to infect the puppies during the lactation period.
HOW TO DEWORM A DOG?
The deworming schedule depends on the dog's age and product that he or she is taking. For example, puppies should be treated every 2 to 3 weeks with two or three treatments to eradicate the hookworm or roundworm.
For adult dogs, it depends on the type of parasite or worm on the microscope of the stool. Keep in mind that the heartworm preventatives are effective in destroying hookworms and roundworms as well as preventing whipworms.
The veterinarians usually don’t treat pregnant dogs until after delivery. This is mainly because most of the puppies will be born with roundworms, despite how often the adult dogs are treated.
DEWORMING MEDICINES
There are various deworming medicines available for dogs. The products are based on which type of worms are in your dogs system. The most common medications are:
- Pyrantel: The most common medication is Pyrantel, which is found in Drontal Plus. Two doses of Pyrantel should be used for puppies at the age of 3 to 6 weeks to prevent hookworms and roundworms.
- Panacur C: Adult dogs should use Panacur C, Which is for whipworms and Giardia. This medication is given for 3 to 5 days, and are mixed in with the food.
- Praziquantel: Praziquantel is another medication found in Drontal Plus and Droncit, and it’s highly effective in removing tapeworm.
- Albon Tabs: When it comes to treating puppies with coccidia, it’s best to use Albon Tabs or Albon Suspension.
Dog owners should be aware that some breeds are sensitive to some products, so it’s vital to check with your veterinarian before using any deworming medication. For example, Ivermectin from Iverhart Plus can cause a severe reaction to breeds like Collie or Australian Shepherds.
Your veterinarian can recommend or prescribe medication that can get rid of the type of infection that is diagnosed on your dog's stool sample.
Related: All CBD Dog Treat and Oil
Read More
TYPES OF WORM FOUND IN YOUR DOG
Before the deworming process, it's essential to know what kind of infection that is found in your dog's system.
Here are the types of worms that can be found in your dogs and puppies:
ROUNDWORM
The majority of puppies are born with ascarids or roundworms in the tissues. These larvae are introduced through the mother's milk or uterus before they are even born. Roundworms in puppies can often cause vomiting, weight loss, bloating, diarrhea, and increase appetite. Sometimes, the puppy might also vomit out the roundworm.
HOOKWORM
Hookworms are small worms that attach to the small intestine and absorbs the blood and nutrients from the dog. If left unmanaged, hookworm infestation can kill your puppy or cause severe anemia. In other dogs, it can lead to decreased appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, weakness, anemia, and low stamina.
TAPEWORMS
If your dog has ingested a flea or rodent, then he or she will have to watch out for tapeworms. Tapeworms don’t usually cause any clinical symptoms, but is often found in the stool or rectum of the infected dog.
WHIPWORM
These worms are threadlike and dwell in the large intestines of the dog. It can result in symptoms of bloody stool, weight loss, and low appetite. In the large intestine, the worm can absorb all the nutrients and blood, leading to malnutrition and anemia.
These worms are difficult to diagnose and require several fecal samples for microscopic examination to detect them. They’re also the most challenging worm to treat, so it’s best to diagnose them early before it escalates further, and lead to deadly consequences.
COCCIDIA
These parasites can grow in puppies from pet stores or boarding facility. They cause frequent bloody diarrhea and can lead to dehydration, anemia, and death. Adult dogs don’t usually have this infection because of their robust immunity against these parasites.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I DEWORM MY DOG?
It depends on the dog and the location. An adult dog should be treated every three months, and to also obtain monthly heartworm and flea medication. It’s highly recommended that you check the cover of the product.
If your monthly product does not have tapeworm treatment, then you should consider a tablet that contains praziquantel like Drontal or Cazitel.
If you have a puppy that is vulnerable to worms, then they should be treated more often. Puppies should be dewormed every two weeks until they are 12 weeks old. Then they should switch to a monthly preventative treatment until they are six months old. After that, they can be treated every three months.
Dogs in rural areas are highly susceptible to worm infections. They should be treated for tapeworm every three months, but if they live in a region where there’s a lot of animal carcasses, then they require treatment every 6 to 8 weeks.
There are other preventative methods, which include:
- Avoid giving your dog raw meat
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your dog
- Limit exposure to animal carcasses.
Related: Oatmeal Lavender CBD Dog Shampoo
HOW CAN I DEWORM MY DOG NATURALLY?
Roundworms and parasites can make your dog very sick. However, veterinarians can effectively treat your four-legged friend with deworming medication.
Unfortunately, some pet owners feel that these substances can cause undesirable side effects, and would like to go for a natural home remedy before resorting to prescription medication.
Luckily, we have listed some natural deworming remedies that can help get rid of these nasty critters.
HOW TO DEWORM A DOG WITH TOBACCO?
Small amounts of chewing tobacco mix in Fido’s food can get rid of the worm or parasite. The nicotine from the tobacco is poisonous to the infectious agent but does not have enough elements to harm your pet.
Most dogs will not like the taste of tobacco by itself, so it’s vital to mix in with a significant amount of food. Keep in mind that large breeds will require more tobacco mixed in their meals to experience optimal results.
NATURAL HERBS
Natural herbs can aid in digestion and metabolism to flush out the worm through the digestive tract. Quassia is a plant that stimulates the appetite and causes a bowel movement, therefore eradicating the infection.
Other herbs like peppermint and cinnamon can aid in digestion to remove the worm. They also create an unfriendly environment in the G.I. system to prevent the infection from latching on to the intestinal lining.
CARROT
The oil from carrots can expel the worm through the feces. Plus, the nutrients from carrots can help replenish the electrolytes and substances that are lost from the infection. It can also help boost your pet's immune system to promote a speedy recovery and to fight off the infection.
USING CBD DURING THE DEWORMING PROCESS
Deworming medication can be very stressful on your dog's body. It can lead to mood swings that can result in anxiousness, aggression, sadness, and fatigue. Fortunately, there are CBD dog treats that can keep your dog cool, calm, and collected during this whole process.
When your dog is more relaxed, it can strengthen its immune system to help them recover faster. In addition to that, the calming effects from the CBD can help them sleep better throughout the night.
Want a CBD dog treat to help manage your dog’s stress during deworming? Check out Dope Dog’s high quality CBD Dog Treats.
CAN DOGS GET INFECTED AFTER THE DEWORMING PROCESS
Dogs can indeed get infected with worms after obtaining treatment. Even after the medication kills all the parasite or worm, your dog can still pick up new infectionswithin days.
Fortunately, regular deworming treatment can prevent the accumulation of infection that can cause clinical signs and symptoms. Luckily, a small number of worms don’t usually cause issues, but significant amounts can, so it's best to deworm your dog every couple of months.
HOW CAN WORMS AFFECT YOUR DOG’S HEALTH
If the infections are left unmanaged, it can be quite detrimental to their health. Parasites and worms can absorb a significant amount of nutrients and blood cells, causing:
- Anemia
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
This can be fatal for puppies and older dogs with weaker immune systems. Roundworms such as Toxocara Kanis can be hazardous to young children in the household.
HOW CAN WORMS AFFECT YOUR DOG’S HEALTH
If the infections are left unmanaged, it can be quite detrimental to their health. Parasites and worms can absorb a significant amount of nutrients and blood cells, causing anemia, weight loss, dehydration, and malnutrition. This can be fatal for puppies and older dogs with weaker immune systems. Roundworms such as Toxocara Kanis can be hazardous to young children in the household.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DEWORM A DOG?
It could take as little as two hours for the worm to start dying, and 12 hours after the medication to eradicate all the parasites and worms.
Keep in mind that you may still see the worms in your dog for about 1-2 weeks. If the infection is there for more than two weeks, then it’s time to switch to another deworming medication.
You may also notice bloody stools, but that's because the medication is destroying the worm, and shredding them apart. It’s normal to see this within the first few days after treatment, and it's also a good sign.
Diarrhea can result from the inflammation of the G.I. tract. After the medication, the worms would unlatch and go through the intestine for expulsion. This is why your dog would get constant diarrhea after treatment. Diarrhea usually lasts for 1 to 2 days, but if it lasts longer, then you should call the vet.
Unfortunately, it depends on the type of worm and if your puppy responds well to the medical treatment. You’ll want to talk to your vet, who will have a better idea of how long your puppy will poop worms.
source: https://www.k9ofmine.com/worms-in-dog-poop/
HOW LONG WILL MY PUPPY POOP WORMS AFTER DEWORMING?
Unfortunately, it depends on the type of worm and if your puppy responds well to the medical treatment. You’ll want to talk to your vet, who will have a better idea of how long your puppy will poop worms.
HOW LONG WILL MY PUPPY HAVE DIARRHEA AFTER DEWORMING?
Some puppies experience lethargy and diarrhea after receiving deworming medication. This is a normal side effect and will last between 24-48 hours after the deworming treatment.
HOW DO I KNOW IF DEWORMER IS WORKING ON MY PUPPY?
Because the worm eggs are not often visible, you won’t know when your puppy will be passing them through their poop. After giving your puppy deworming medication, the adult worms will release their grip on the intestines as they die and are eliminated through your dog’s poop.
You may see dead or dying adult worms in the poop or around your puppy’s anus. While unsettling, this is normal to see the dead worms for 1-2 weeks. Your puppy should be back to normal behavior within three days after treatment.
TAKE HOME MESSAGE
Practically every dog will have some sort of worm or parasite in their system. A small number won’t hurt them, but if left unmanaged, it can accumulate, resulting in clinical symptoms of anemia and malnutrition.
The first step in deworming your dog is to bring him or her to the vet for a stool sample. The stool sample will indicate the type of worm that is in your dog's system; that way, your vet can prescribe the proper medication.
This can be a stressful process, but fortunately for natural remedies like CBD dog treats can help alleviate the stress and anxiety. If done correctly, your dog should have his or her energy and vitality back in no time.
Dope Dog is a premier provider of high-quality CBD oil products for pets. You can read our customers’ testimonials about how CBD has helped their dogs during times of stress.
Would your dog benefit from CBD products while they deal with their worms? Shop Dope Dog’s full line of high quality CBD products for dogs.
Related: CBD Oil for Dogs
