Essential Questions for Dog Deworming: A Comprehensive

Types of Parasites

External parasites include fleas, lice, ticks, mites, and more.

Internal parasites encompass coccidia, tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and trichomonads, among others.

How to Determine if Your Dog Has Parasites?

Here are some indicators to consider:

① An increase in your dog's scratching frequency, along with excessive rubbing of the buttocks.

② The appearance of black spots on your dog's body.

③ An unexpectedly bloated abdomen and a thin body, even when your dog isn't pregnant, coupled with a higher appetite than usual. This could indicate a heavy infestation of parasites, and it's crucial to deworm your dog promptly.

④ Apart from illness, if your dog exhibits symptoms like coughing, rapid breathing, lack of energy, and excessive sleepiness while in good health, it's likely due to internal parasites. Seek veterinary care immediately.

⑤ Inspect your dog's feces for parasites. If necessary, collect a stool sample for analysis at a pet hospital or veterinary station.

When to Start Deworming

It's generally recommended to deworm puppies around one month old, as maternal parasites can be passed down during pregnancy.

Deworming Frequency

Regular deworming can prevent common canine diseases such as enteritis, canine distemper, intestinal parasites, mange, and otitis externa. Puppies should be dewormed internally every three months and externally monthly. Adult dogs should be dewormed semiannually.

After the first deworming, if your dog expels a large number of parasites in its feces, it's advisable to deworm again in half a month.

Deworming Dosage

Follow the dosage instructions on the deworming medication based on your dog's weight and age, or consult with a local veterinarian for guidance. Typically, deworming medications can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, so it's best to administer them three hours after meals.

Important Notes:

Getting vaccinated does not equate to deworming. Wait a week after vaccination to observe for any adverse reactions before proceeding with deworming.

As of now, no single deworming medication can eliminate all types of parasites. Therefore, when deworming your dog, consult with your local pet hospital for targeted deworming based on the specific parasites present.

Additionally, maintain good hygiene in your dog's living environment and promptly treat any wounds to prevent infections. This will help ensure your dog grows up healthy and happy.