Worming your puppy
Getting a new puppy can be an exciting time, but it’s important to make sure you’re on top of possible worms that can make your puppy sick. Here, we’ll show you how to spot symptoms of worms in puppies – and how to safely treat puppy worms to ensure your pet has the very best start in life.
How do puppies get worms?
Intestinal worms can affect a puppy’s health right from the moment they’re born, which is why it’s so vital to start a puppy worming schedule from an early age. These nasty parasites can be passed to the puppy in the mother’s womb or even picked up from their mother’s milk.
Worms in puppies: the symptoms
So how can you tell if your puppy has worms? Signs can be very difficult to spot as there are many and they can vary; from diarrhoea, pot-belly appearance to visible worms in your puppy’s poop. It’s hugely important to be aware of the signs and follow a regular puppy deworming schedule, as these parasites are very common – and potentially can cause serious health issues. Left untreated, worms will steal the valuable nutrients needed for your puppy’s healthy growth and can result in serious intestinal issues and disease.
The main signs you may see if your puppy has worms include:
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting - sometimes worms can be seen in the vomit.
- There may be visible worms in your puppy’s poop or around their anus
- Worms can result in your puppy being constantly hungry, yet losing weight
- Your puppy may have a swollen, 'pot-bellied' stomach
- Worms in puppies can also lead to coughing and lethargy
- Your puppy may ‘butt scoot’ across the floor dragging its rear end, as some intestinal parasites will cause itching of the puppy’s bottom
There are other illnesses that can also cause similar signs in your puppy, if you notice any of the above you should seek advice from your vet.
Puppy worm treatment
Giving a dewormer is a common way to protect against the harmful effects of intestinal worms in puppies. Drontal Puppy Liquid Wormer kills roundworms, whipworms and hookworms, giving you peace of mind that you are helping keep your puppy and family away from internal parasites.
When to worm puppies
At what age should you first worm puppies? It is common for puppies to be born with a worm burden, therefore veterinarian experts recommends recommend starting a puppy worming programme from the age of two weeks. Always ensure your puppy has been correctly wormed from this age. If you’re buying a puppy from a breeder, check that they routinely worm their puppies and understand the importance of a proper puppy worming schedule, you should also check that the puppy’s mother has been wormed.
How often to worm puppies
After the initial worming at a very young age, it’s vital to follow a proper puppy worming schedule. Vets recommend young puppies should be wormed every two weeks until 2 weeks after weaning and then monthly until they’re six months old.
When it comes to the question of how much wormer should you give a puppy, the answer lies in their weight. Dosage will depend on the puppy’s bodyweight and it’s important to use a product that’s been registered for use in young puppies, and follow any guidelines with regards to the minimum age or weight for which the product is safe to use.
Are wormers safe for puppies?
As with any medicines, some puppies may experience side effects after being wormed, especially if they have a heavy worm burden. These may include lack of appetite, diarrhoea and vomiting. However, it’s still hugely important to follow an effective puppy worming schedule to ensure your puppy’s good health and wellbeing. If your puppy display any of these symptoms, you should speak with your vet for advice.
Find out more about how to worm your dog to help keep your best friend healthy throughout their life here.
