Let's learn about deworming puppies today, guys!
Dogs, as well as humans, sometimes suffer from parasites inside their intestines.
Intestinal parasites are not a novel notion and they have been around forever. However, it can be prevented and treated by a proper schedule.
Parasites don't want to kill your dog; they just want to use him as a dinner plate!
What is important is that you can take some action to prevent any further problems that may arise because of this.
I know - the thought of worms is not very pleasing, but it’s crucial to know when you should worm your puppies for their well-being.
Not doing so may result in severe consequences!
Without hesitation, let’s see what you can do to make your puppy’s life better!
Last Updated: October 3rd 2023
Where Do Worms Come From?
It seems that worms are everywhere.
Young puppies’ immune system is underdeveloped, and that’s why you have to take actions from the very beginning of their lives.
What Are The Ways in Which Your Dog Can Contract Worms?
Puppies may be born with worms.
Worms can also be passed onto puppies from their mother before they are born or while they are suckling.
Raw food, especially raw meat, can be a cause.
Eating a flea that contains eggs of some worms, too.
By the way, even the bottom of your shoes can contain these parasite eggs!
Parasites that get your dog infected can live on the ground up to 5 years or so.
Sniffing the soil with infected feces can infect your dog.
Licking themselves or their fellows, too, even though this is less common.
See?
It’s not that surprising how widespread parasites are, considering all the ways they can enter your dog’s body (and you’re not entirely safe, either).
Luckily, you’re on the right track to fight them! Keep reading!
Signs That Your Puppy Could Have Worms
There are some common signs based on which you can diagnose your puppies to be suffering from parasites in the intestines:
Mommy, I may have worms 
Dehydration
Lethargy
Anemia
Weakness
Swollen tummy
Diarrhea or vomiting (sometimes you can literally see worms)
Scooting their bottom around the ground
Weight loss, despite a good appetite
Common Types Of Worm
Different kinds of worms are to be found in different areas, varying geographically (depending on climate, temperatures, etc.).
Knowing the type that your dog potentially has is important, as different types cause different consequences.
Worm | How it can be contracted | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
Roundworm (the most common type) | Infected poop, dirty places | Potbellied appearance, weight loss, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, stunted growth |
Hookworm (the most dangerous type) | Mothers to their puppies before birth or through suckling; puppies can be born with it | Anemia, poor appetite; black, tar-like stool, containing blood, constipation |
Eating larvae from a host animal (e.g., a flea, or a mouse) | Anemia, poor appetite; black, tar-like stool, containing blood, constipation | |
Swallowing or sniffing the ground that contains infected soil, or other dogs’ feces | Chronic bowel inflammation, mucus in stool, weight loss, diarrhea | |
Raw or uncooked meat | Fever, diarrhea, weight loss, loss of appetite | |
Heartworm (extremely dangerous, but less common, and not contagious) | Mosquito bite | Heart and lung damage, cough, lethargy, fatigue |
Ringworm (not common, but very contagious, even for people) | Fungus on the skin, direct contact with other dogs | Oval patches on the skin, lethargy |
Of course, this knowledge will help you determine whether your dog has parasites, and what kind, but you ought to get a confirmation from the vet!
Sometimes, these symptoms can point out to some other, totally unrelated matters.
Here’s a video that tells you more about hookworms, as they are something to be approached with caution:
Worming Treatments
Taking proper care of your pet is pure love! Thanks for reading this! 
Worming is effective because it kills any present worms once you put it into practice. In other words, you deworm your little pup.
However, worming does not equal prevention, so I will mention that, too, a bit later.
The most common worming treatments include:
- Puppy worming tablets and syrups, such as Pfizer Nemex
- Flavored chews for your puppy (e.g., chocolate worming treatment)
- All-in-one treatment, such as Excel 8-in-1
Take a look at what a vet has to say on deworming:
At What Age To Worm Your Dog?
As I mentioned, worming should be practiced with puppies, as they are most vulnerable and prone to worms.
But how should you do it?
In a systematic and responsible way, of course.
Puppies 4 to 12 weeks of age should be wormed every two weeks.
From 12 weeks to 6 months, puppies should be wormed monthly.
From 6 months onward, dogs and puppies should be wormed every 3 months.
On a broader note, for puppies, worming should be done at 2, 4, 6, & 8 weeks of age, then repeated at 12 and 16 weeks of age.
Worm again at 6 months and one year; then worm as an adult.
Based on this info, here’s a schedule plan on worming puppies for your convenience:
Every second week | From 2 weeks - 12 weeks of age |
Every month | From 12 weeks - 6 months of age |
Every three months | For the rest of life (this is the standard) |
For adult dogs, I recommend the standard here.
If your dog is a big hunter, they will need more frequent worming - you must assess the risk for your pet. General dog worming is done two to three times a year.
If you think that this is too often, just think about how dogs put everything in their mouth. That’s why they need worming twice a year - to eliminate the parasites they will pick up.
Prevention Is The Best Treatment
You know how they say: An apple a day…
Even though complete prevention is impossible, the best way to worm your dog is to try to prevent it.
Follow these simple steps to prevent parasites inside your dog’s intestines:
Don’t let your dog go to the toilet in areas where kids usually play.
Take your dog to the vet at least once a year for checking out all kinds of worms (for puppies, more than two times is preferred)
Prevent your dog from flea, which can be done by keeping a clean environment, using flea-killing shampoo, or flea treatment, if needed.
Keep your dog away from its poop by picking it up right away. Usually, clearing your indoor and outdoor areas, especially your dog’s “places”, can help.
Wash your hands often with soap to kill most of the bacteria, especially after playing with your dogs or being in contact with waste.
Conclusion - Deworming Puppies Isn't Hard
Wut? Already done?
Now you’re equipped with the necessary knowledge for dealing with this quite frequent and inevitable occurrence.
As you can see, it’s pretty easy, and it doesn’t take much time to (de)worm your puppies!
It is good to know when you should worm your dogs because parasites exist in your dog’s intestines all the time.
Also, remember to follow those simple steps we talked about to prevent your dogs from getting parasites!
If you know a friend who is stuck in this vicious circle of parasites (and who isn’t), share this article with them!
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