How often should a dog be dewormed? Many owners wonder if dog deworming medication is still necessary if their dog lives a clean urban life.
The answer is not straightforward, but it is crucial for the well-being of your dog and the entire care facility’s pack. We see hundreds of dogs each year in our work and take responsibility for their safety. Therefore, we want to share our views on dog deworming – honestly and without professional jargon.
Why is deworming still important for dogs?
The most common misconception is that a healthy-looking dog cannot have internal parasites. However, asymptomatic infections are the most insidious.
Internal parasites, such as roundworms and tapeworms, are not just a nuisance. They weaken the dog’s overall condition, rob essential nutrients, and cause gastrointestinal issues, anaemia, and poor coat quality. Particularly in puppies and older or otherwise unwell dogs, a high parasite load poses a direct health risk.
Dogs are constantly exposed to infections: sniffing the ground during walks, eating something they shouldn’t, drinking from puddles, or coming into contact with the faeces of other animals. The risk is always present.
Dog deworming medication: How often should it be given?
The frequency of deworming depends entirely on your dog’s age, lifestyle, and health status. There is no one-size-fits-all schedule.
Puppies and young dogs
Puppies are a special case. They often acquire roundworm infections from their mother through milk, so regular deworming is vital. Generally, puppies are dewormed every two weeks until they are 10 weeks old, and then monthly until they are six months old. Always follow the breeder’s and veterinarian’s instructions closely.
Adult dogs: Individual needs are paramount
Routine ”just in case” deworming for adult dogs is an outdated practice. Unnecessary medication burdens the dog and increases the risk of developing drug resistance. Nowadays, we operate based on risk assessment.
Based on our experience, the best approach is to have a stool sample tested.
A veterinarian’s examination reveals whether the dog has parasites and what type they are. This way, the medication can be targeted correctly, and we can avoid unnecessary treatments. This is a smart and responsible approach, which we particularly recommend for urban dogs.
However, regular deworming is still appropriate for certain groups:
- Hunting and show dogs: They are constantly in contact with other dogs and nature.
- Dogs on a raw food diet: The risk, especially for tapeworms, increases.
- Dogs that travel frequently: Different parasite strains are present abroad.
- Families with small children: Preventing the transmission of infections from animals to humans (zoonosis) is advisable.
For these groups, we recommend broad-spectrum deworming medication 2–4 times a year.
Selecting the right deworming medication
Pharmacy shelves are stocked with various products. The right medication is chosen based on which parasites you want to target.
- Broad-spectrum products: Effective against the most common internal parasites, such as roundworms and tapeworms. These are the most common choice when the parasite has not been identified.
- Targeted medications: If a stool sample has revealed, for example, only tapeworms, only the medication effective against that will be used.
Products are available in tablets, pastes, and spot-on solutions that are often effective against both internal and external parasites. If your dog is a master at hiding the tablet under the mat, a tasty paste can save the situation. Our trained animal caregivers are experts at administering medications, so we know that creativity is sometimes necessary!
Remember that when travelling abroad, echinococcosis treatment against tapeworms is often required. On trips to warmer climates, the dog should also be protected against heartworm and tick-borne diseases. Always discuss these well in advance with your veterinarian.
Frequently asked questions
Can dog deworming medication cause side effects?
Yes, but they are rare and usually mild, such as temporary gastrointestinal symptoms. Severe reactions are extremely rare. If you are concerned about your dog’s condition after administering the medication, always contact your veterinarian. Never exceed the dosage instructions on the package.
How do I know if my dog has worms?
Often, you won’t know. Symptoms such as a dull coat or occasional diarrhoea are vague. Sometimes a dog may ”scoot,” meaning it rubs its bottom on the ground. The only sure way is to see worms in the faeces or vomit, or to have a stool sample tested by a veterinarian. Even an asymptomatic dog can carry and spread parasites.
Is a natural product sufficient for deworming my dog?
From a professional standpoint, the answer is no. There are many natural products on the market, but there is no reliable scientific evidence of their effectiveness against internal parasites. They do not kill worms or their larvae. Always ensure reliable parasite control with veterinary-approved, tested medicinal products.
My dog only eats dry food; does it need deworming medication?
Probably yes, but the need is individual. Although raw feeding increases certain parasite risks, a dog can contract infections from the environment regardless of its diet. Infection can come from the park, sniffing another dog’s droppings, or eating something off the ground. The risk is lower than for a hunting dog, but it is not zero. Testing a stool sample is an excellent option for such a dog.