If you just got a new pup and you’re staring into those big puppy eyes wondering, “Wait, do I need to deworm this little guy?”, you’re not alone. Worms in dogs? Super common. But knowing what to do about it? That’s where things get a little murky, especially if this is your first rodeo.
Let’s break it down like two dog parents chatting over coffee. You bring the treats. I’ll bring the vet advice.
Why Worms Are Kinda Inevitable
Here’s the thing. Puppies pretty much come with worms as standard. Yeah, even the bougie ones with a pedigree longer than your arm.
Some get them from their mama before they’re even born. Others pick ’em up through nursing. And then there are those little explorers who eat dirt, bugs, poop… you name it.
So unless your pup’s been living in a vacuum (spoiler alert: they haven’t), worming is something you gotta deal with.
When To Start Deworming
First up, timing. Vets usually recommend starting worm treatment when the pup is about 2 to 3 weeks old. That might sound early, but those nasty freeloaders don’t waste time setting up shop.
Now, if you adopted your dog later, say at 8 weeks or older, it’s still important to ask the breeder, rescue, or shelter if and when they dewormed. Sometimes they’ll tell you they “probably did.” Not good enough. Ask for the exact product name and date it was given.
If they can’t give you a straight answer? Deworm again. Better safe than wormy.
What Types Of Worms Are We Even Talking About?
Oh buddy, it’s a party in there. You’ve got:
- Roundworms
- Hookworms
- Tapeworms
- Whipworms
They all work a little differently, and not every dewormer kills every type. This is why your vet needs to know what you’re dealing with before recommending the right dose. And that brings us to a question you definitely want to ask your vet.
What Type Of Worms Might My Dog Have?
Don’t just walk in and ask for “a worm pill.” Be specific. Ask your vet:
“What worms are most common in my area, and how can we check if my dog has them?”
Some vets might want a poop sample. Glamorous, I know. But trust me, it’s way better than guessing and using the wrong med.
Some tapeworms, for example, don’t show up in stool tests, so your vet might go by symptoms or the classic rice-like bits stuck to your dog’s butt. Yep. That’s a thing.
What’s The Right Worm Dose For My Dog?
Now we’re getting to the meat of it.
Worm dose isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on:
- Dog’s weight (most important)
- Dog’s age
- Which wormer you’re using
- How often you’re giving it
Ask your vet something like:
“Can you calculate the exact dose based on my dog’s weight today?”
This is super important because giving too little might not kill the worms. And giving too much? Well, it can cause its own problems. Ever seen a dog with an upset tummy, runny stool, and a side of guilt trip in their eyes? You don’t want that.
Should I Use A Prescription Or Over-The-Counter Wormer?
Honestly? Prescription wormers tend to be more effective. The stuff you grab at the store can work, but some of it hasn’t changed in decades, and worms are kinda getting smart about it. Like little parasite hackers.
Ask your vet:
“What’s the best and safest option for my dog’s age and weight?”
And if they suggest a prescription one, roll with it. You’re not just paying for the drug, you’re paying for something that actually works.
How Often Should I Deworm My Dog?
This one throws a lot of new dog parents off. You don’t just do it once and call it a day.
For puppies, the usual schedule is:
- At 2 weeks
- Then every 2 weeks until 12 weeks old
- Then once a month until 6 months
After that, most adult dogs get dewormed every 3 to 6 months. Some dogs who’re always out rolling in stuff or eating God-knows-what might need it more often.
So ask your vet:
“Based on my dog’s lifestyle, how often should I be deworming?”
You’d be surprised how many dogs are due for a dose but haven’t had one in years. Worms don’t exactly send calendar invites.
Can I Just Prevent Worms Instead?
Ah, wouldn’t that be lovely?
Some monthly heartworm preventatives double as dewormers for intestinal worms. Two birds, one chewy tablet. But these don’t always cover all the worm types. So you still need to stay alert.
Ask your vet:
“Does my dog’s current monthly preventative also take care of worms like roundworms or hookworms?”
And if not? Add a worm-specific treatment to your rotation.
Will Deworming Hurt My Dog?
Good question. Most wormers are safe, but some dogs may feel a bit icky for a day or two. They might poop more, eat less, or seem a little out of it. That’s usually just their body processing the dead worms.
Still, ask:
“What side effects should I look out for after giving this dewormer?”
And always keep an eye on your pup. If anything feels off for more than a day or two, check back in with your vet.
Do I Need To Worm My Dog If They Don’t Show Any Symptoms?
Here’s where new owners sometimes slip up. Dogs don’t always show signs. They could be acting fine but still carrying a bellyful of worms. And yep, some of those worms are zoonotic, meaning your dog can pass them to you or your kids.
So the answer is yes. Even if your dog is all tail wags and kisses, ask your vet:
“Can we schedule regular worm checks even if my dog seems healthy?”
Because prevention is cheaper than treating a full-blown infestation. And less gross too.
Do I Need To Deworm My Dog Forever?
Sort of, yeah. It’s not just a puppy thing. Your adult dog still needs regular deworming, especially if they go outdoors a lot or have a habit of sniffing things they shouldn’t.
Think of it like brushing teeth. It’s not glamorous. But it keeps things running smooth.
Ask your vet:
“What’s the long-term worming plan for my dog as they grow?”
Scenario Time: The Backyard Pooper
Let’s say you’ve got a cute little beagle who just loooooves your backyard. Runs, plays, rolls, and, of course, poops. But one day, you notice their belly looks a little bloated. Then you spot tiny white wiggles in their poop. Instant gag reflex.
You rush to the vet, hoping for a magic cure. But turns out, your dog hadn’t been dewormed in months, and those suckers had been multiplying like crazy. You get the dose, clean up the yard like a mad person, and now you’re more consistent with it.
Moral of the story? Stick to a schedule. Those worms don’t play fair.
Final Thoughts From One Dog Parent To Another
I’ve seen so many dogs in my clinic who just needed a little worming love to get back to their goofy, tail-wagging selves. And I’ve seen the flip side too. Dogs who suffered longer than they had to because no one knew what to ask.
So if you’re new to all this, don’t feel dumb. Ask everything. Ask it twice if you have to. Vets love when owners care enough to dig deep. It means you’re part of the team, not just tagging along.
Whether your pup’s eight weeks old or eight years old, worming matters.
Take the time. Ask the questions. Keep a poop log if you need to (hey, no judgment here). And always keep the lines open with your vet.
Because at the end of the day, a healthy belly means a happy dog.
Wanna guess how often most owners actually deworm their dogs?