When do puppies get dewormed?

Ah, puppies. Those cute little balls of fluff that can make even the grouchiest person smile. But with all that cuteness comes responsibility – and a lot of it! One important aspect of taking care of your puppy is deworming them. But when exactly should you deworm your furry friend? Read on to find out!

What are worms, and why do they affect puppies?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of deworming, let’s talk about what worms actually are. Worms are tiny parasites that live inside your pup’s intestines and feed off their nutrient-rich blood supply (eww). They can cause all sorts of health problems for your doggo such as diarrhea, weight loss, anemia or even death!

Puppies in particular have weaker immune systems than adult dogs because their immune system isn’t fully developed yet – which makes them more vulnerable to getting infected by these pesky worms. That’s why it’s super important to follow a strict deworming schedule if you want your puppers to grow up healthy and strong.

How often should I deworm my puppy?

So now that we know why worm-hunting is so crucially important (because who doesn’t love some sick humor), let’s answer the question: how often should you show those creepy critters who’s boss?

The answer largely depends on what kind of parasite(s) is lurking within those wee tums; but here’s a general guideline:

  • From birth until 2 weeks old: No need for extra attention here.
  • 3-4 weeks old: First round – You made this far hiding from me!
  • 6-8 weeks old: Second round – Ok, seriously…
  • 10-12 weeks old: Third Round – NO MORE RUNNING!!!
    (Think they got rid off ’em? Time to go out for nature’s calling and STRIKE AGAIN)

For older puppies and adult dogs, it recommended deworming at least 4x a year.

What are the different types of worms that affect puppies?

To know how you can eliminate these devils – we need to identify our enemies! Here are the four most common worm types seen in pups:

Roundworms

A frequent guest of young puppies usually hitchhike their way through your doggo mom while fetal formation. Just imagine them discussing their place they will get accompanied with puppy all happy like saying “Hey Bob, see you on Beach-Maldives once I grow long enough!” (weird little creatures) These parasitic nematodes reside inside the digestive tract – move over food I’m coming in. They consume nutrients from undigested food and lay eggs that pass into feces (innocent day killer!).

Your pup could potentially come into contact with roundworm eggs from other contaminated animals or when they decide interesting places to explore during walks – leaves possibility open (they’re too curious).

Hookworms

These straws-attachment-nematodes make themselves comfortable lodging within small intestine linings of hosts to feed off nutritious blood supply (where does one gets those job postings?). A hook shaped mouth helps them latch onto intestinal walls causing irritation resulting in coughing, breathing problems & bloody faeces (Gross right?)

Pups acquire hookworm larvae either by ingesting larva-infected milk or suckling dirt-contaminated surfaces around various areas outside.

Tapeworms

We often hear stories/ jokes about these big boys which typically look pretty alien-like extraterrestrial life-forms found originating ingested fleas (a nightmare). Puppy gobbles flea(s) during cleaning routine chowtime = developing tapeworm invasion!

Tapeworm bites have been known for their unique ways to garner weightlessness which helps them ride through wind outside infected host’s body.

Whipworms

Ah, yes. One of the most sneaky pests in our list seen primarily near sides of large intestine (lovely). Similar to hookworm buddies mentioned before, they too prefer suction of blood supply causing dark-colored or bloody diarrhoea (sounds like it as if my bathroom story)

Doggo can come into contact with whipworm eggs whilst sniffing around or rolling in contaminated soil, feces from places other dogs had already visited beforehand (Now that’s one way to feel competitive).

How do I know when my puppy has worms?

You cant just rely on eyeballing your pup and coming up with a fast diagnosis! Here are some sure-shot signs that your little buddy might be hosting unwanted guests:

  • Change in appetite – either loss of appetite or constant hunger
  • Shabby mood – continuous lethargy & less social interaction than usual.
  • Spike in waistline growth – without increased feeding rounds.
    (<- Yes mama likes ‘bork’ but not at THIS level imagine cute doggos staring you down)
  • Vomiting – Checking out the inside seat!
  • Dull Coat/ Hair-loss
    (If affected by these traits choose any color you like best blue, green perhaps? Might keep ticks and fleas away 🤔 )

Keep monitoring pupper’s behavior for too much time-redundancy towards above indicators if confirmed ACT WITH CAUTION!

What medicines should I give my puppy?

It is decidedly advisable to consult veterinarian when deciding about medical help. Different breeds have various types and tolerance levels for medication consumed so blindly administering could eventually hit back worse.

In worm cases generally following measures are taken:

1) Panacur oral suspensions containing Fenbendazole: For treating Round-worms, Tapeworms & Hookworms; while also being safe for puppies from 2 weeks old.

2) Drontal tablets: The right fit to tackle Whipworms, Hookworms & Round-worms in one dose. (suitable for pups aged more than 3kg up to 6 months of age)

Remember that it is important to adjust dosage according to body weight of your little treasure – DO NOT ADMINISTER ENTIRE PACKET unless recommended by your vet!

Final thoughts

Now you know when a worm has taken residence in your adorable pup’s intestines, what signs could indicate their presence – along with the different types that inflict puppy growth stages; you are ready with some knowledge when visiting veterinary clinics if ever feeling fishy about inside situation during daily routines or upon checkups but remember,”An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” Ooops I mean “A dog-pound’s prevention is priceless!”(couldn’t resist). Not only will it help you maintain well-being and happiness among fellow canines around home/area BUT also contributes towards preserving environment cleaner/fitter for everyone (Who doesn’t like clean playground hey?).

Happy deworming!

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