Is It Necessary for Puppies to Be 1 Month Old for First
Intestinal worms are a common parasitic disease in puppies, with almost 100% of them being born with worms.
When it comes to deworming, it's crucial to use caninespecific deworming medications, as these are relatively safe. Additionally, great care and caution must be taken with the dosage of deworming drugs. It's also important to note that deworming can be categorized into two types: internal and external deworming.
External Deworming
Common external parasites in dogs include fleas, ticks, and mites. Flea infestations can cause severe itching all over the pet's body, leading to skin breakdown and secondary infections when they scratch or bite. Some pets may be allergic to fleas, resulting in allergic dermatitis, which can be identified by examining the dog's fur. Moreover, fleas are intermediate hosts for tapeworms, and if a dog accidentally ingests a flea carrying tapeworms, it can become infected.
For external deworming, dogspecific deworming spotons are typically used. Simply apply the deworming spoton to the designated areas on the dog's body. This method not only treats existing infestations but also prevents future infections, with a preventive period of about 23 months.
Internal Deworming
Internal deworming for puppies primarily targets roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and flukes. It is recommended that puppies between 3 to 6 months old be dewormed monthly. After 6 months, deworming can be done every 3 or 6 months, depending on the cleanliness of the environment.
Many pet owners deworm their puppies when they are one month old, but the timing of the first deworming should be determined based on the specific situation. If the mother dog lives in a poor environment or has never been dewormed, it is best to deworm the puppies around 28 days before or after birth. If the mother dog's living conditions are good and she is dewormed regularly, the first deworming can be done around the time of weaning.
It is important to note that the specific dosage of deworming for puppies should be determined based on their weight and the instructions on the deworming medication packaging. An excessive dosage can cause discomfort in the puppies.
Here are some tips for deworming puppies:
1. Most deworming medication instructions specify the size of dogs for which the medication is suitable. When selecting deworming medication for your dog, consider their age, and ensure that the dosage and type of deworming medication are appropriate for their weight.
2. Deworming should be done 23 hours after eating. Avoid feeding the dog for 23 hours after taking the medication to reduce the drug's irritation to the intestines and enhance its effectiveness.
3. After deworming, the dog may experience a decrease in appetite, which is normal. Avoid feeding them greasy or hardtodigest foods.
4. Deworming medications can irritate a puppy's gastrointestinal tract, and puppies with severe parasitic infections or poor health may have more intense reactions. If the puppy shows symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or listlessness during deworming, ensure they are kept warm and offer them small amounts of water. Wait until the puppy recovers before feeding them again.