Hey there, pet parents! It's Matt from Companion Animal Veterinary Hospital. Today, I want to talk about something crucial for your dog's health and your family's safety – worming your dog. In our latest "Ask The Vet" video, we covered everything you need to know about worms in dogs, including when and how to worm them. Let's dive in!
Why Worming is Important
Worms are not just harmful to your dog; they pose a significant risk to your family, especially kids. Regular worming helps keep everyone safe. But how do you know if your pet has worms? The signs can vary, from scooting and a potbelly in puppies to diarrhea and coughing. Some worms are visible, like spaghetti-like roundworms, while others are microscopic.
How Often Should You Worm Your Dog?
Puppies are more susceptible to worms and need frequent worming – every two weeks until 12 weeks old, then monthly until six months. Adult dogs should be wormed every three months for life. However, dogs in certain environments, like farms or hunting areas, may need a special worming protocol.
Choosing the Right Wormer
Not all wormers are created equal. Look for products with a combination of active ingredients like praziquantel (for tapeworms) and febantel, fenbendazole, or milbemycin oxime. Brands like Drontal, Cazitel, Milbemax, and Milpro are reliable choices. Avoid wormers with oxantel or oxbendazole due to resistance issues.
Getting Professional Advice
You can buy wormers over the counter at vet clinics without a consultation. Our team can provide the right advice and dosage for your dog, ensuring you're not wasting product. Plus, we offer a free reminder service to notify you when it's time to worm your dog again.
Natural Ways to Minimize Worm Risk
In addition to regular worming, there are other steps you can take:
- Pick up and properly dispose of feces daily.
- Avoid hosing feces into the ground; drying out is better for preventing worms.
- Always wash your hands after cleaning up after your dog.
Summary
Regular worming is a lifelong commitment to protect your pet and family from worms. If it's been more than three months since you last wormed your dog, now is the time to act. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.
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