Everything about deworming dogs - types of deworming, when and how to do it correctly

When they are dear to us, we also want them to be healthy. Protecting dogs from external and internal parasites is the secret to a carefree life for both the pet and the owner and family. Problems caused by fleas, ticks, or intestinal worms are quite common, but they can be treated by numerous methods. In this article, we will discuss:

• Main external parasites
• Methods for external parasite control
• Main internal parasites
• How to tell if your pet has internal parasites
• How to perform internal deworming
• Methods to prevent infection and measures for your puppy's health

Main external parasites

Although in the warm season, walks in green areas are appreciated by both dogs and owners, they can be the perfect way to attract unwanted guests, with fleas and ticks being at the top of the list of external parasites.

Ticks

Ticks are among the parasites that cause the most problems, and that's because they are difficult to remove and can transmit various diseases to both humans and animals. Among dogs, one of the most well-known conditions is Babesiosis. Ticks attach to the host, embedding their head in the dog's skin and feeding on its blood. Through saliva, the tick can transmit parasites. These parasites reach the red blood cells in the blood. Detecting the infested red blood cells as pathogens, the immune system begins to destroy them, which will lead to massive anemia.

Read also 👉 Babesiosis in dogs – what are the symptoms and how to prevent it

Where is your pet most likely to be bitten by ticks? Anywhere with vegetation, usually in parks or areas with tall grass and in green, shady places where disinsection has not been carried out. Their season begins in April-May and ends in August-September. Therefore, during this period, it is important to pay extra attention to deworming. Your dog can become a host for unwanted guests even after a short walk in the park. How can ticks be dewormed?

Antiparasitic solution for cutaneous application against ticks and fleas

There are several methods of external deworming, but one of the most effective methods is the application, with the help of a pipette, of liquid solutions, in the cutaneous area between the shoulder blades, where the dog cannot reach, thus being protected. The dose of solution is applied according to the pet's weight. Therefore, on our website, you will find several types of treatments, classified as follows:

👉 Frontline Tri-Act Dogs 5-10 kg

👉 Frontline Tri-Act Dogs 10-20 kg

👉 Frontline Tri-Act Dogs 20-40 kg

👉 Frontline Tri-Act Dogs 40-60 kg

Fleas

Unlike ticks, fleas reproduce all year round, and their bites can cause allergic reactions on the skin of animals and humans. For example, dermatitis is a skin disease in dogs, similar to eczema, which can have several causes, including allergy to flea bites and saliva. Due to their long legs, which help them jump long distances, fleas can be easily transmitted from one host to another. As with ticks, fleas can threaten your dog's health. Tapeworm infection can occur when the animal scratches and ingests an infected flea. Also, fleas can be intermediate hosts for flatworms, so external deworming can protect the dog, as well as the owner, from other much more difficult and costly problems to manage.

Methods for external parasite control

The importance of external deworming lies in the fact that fleas, ticks, and others can transmit infectious and parasitic diseases and cause various problems. Toxic action is one of the most important repercussions on host organisms and must be treated from the first bites and even preventively. Here are some possible solutions:

Spot-on anti-flea pipettes for dogs

As mentioned earlier, one of the most well-known methods of external deworming is spot-on anti-flea pipettes for dogs or antiparasitic solutions for cutaneous application. There are several products of this type, with Advocate being an effective antiparasitic that reduces the incidence of allergies caused by fleas, lice, and ticks, kills larval stages, but can also be used to treat hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum), roundworm (Toxocara canis) infection, and mange.

See 👉 our offer for Advocate cutaneous antiparasitic solution

Chewable tablets

These are effective deworming solutions. Being chewable and palatable to dogs, the tablets can be administered directly into the oral cavity. If the pet does not accept the tablets, they can be administered with food. The advantage of this type of treatment is its long-lasting effect. Generally, the results last for a minimum of five weeks up to 12 weeks (depending on the type of tablets). It is advisable to resort to this type of treatment when fleas and ticks are already attached to the host and have begun the feeding process, thus coming into contact with the active substance in the tablets.

See 👉 our offer for CHEWABLE TABLETS

Antiparasitic collar

This is a fairly well-known and practical solution, but it is recommended to be used more for prevention. If your dog has already been infested with external parasites, another treatment may be needed. It is also recommended for dogs that are at least three months old. The advantage of the antiparasitic collar is that the pet can wear it all the time, without problems and without side effects. Being used permanently, it is important to choose a quality collar for your dog, resistant to wear and tear, and also with a balanced concentration of active substance.

Antiparasitic spray and shampoos

The advantage of these two solutions is that they act immediately after application. The disadvantage is that their effectiveness is quite limited. If we are talking about spray, it can be effective for a maximum of four hours, and shampoo is good for the moment, calming the skin affected by flea or tick bites. For treatment, both solutions must be used in parallel with a long-lasting deworming method.

Main internal parasites

Internal parasites are a common cause of dog illness, whether your pet is a puppy or a senior. Problems caused by internal parasite infection must be treated with as much seriousness as external parasites. Like fleas or ticks, some diseases caused by internal parasites can be transmitted from dog to owner, and this is certainly undesirable for anyone. What are the most common internal parasites? Generally, we are talking about intestinal parasites, such as:

• Tapeworms - Dipylidium caninum and Taenia taeniformis are the most common types of tapeworms. They exceed six cm in length and are easy to identify when parts of them are eliminated through stool. Generally, dogs can become infected by ingesting feces or infected fleas. Itching in the anal area, weight loss without loss of appetite, and a swollen abdomen are some of the symptoms a dog may exhibit when it has such parasites;

• Hookworms - can cause real problems, and that's for two reasons. First, they attach to the wall of the dog's small intestine, feeding on blood. From here they can migrate to the lungs, where they can cause complications and symptoms similar to pneumonia. Second, this type of parasite can be transmitted from animal to owner through contact of dog feces with human skin;
• Roundworms - many specialists claim there are over 2000 species of roundworms, but those that can parasitize dogs are Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina. These worms have an average length of 7-12 cm and, once they reach the canine host's intestine, they feed on partially digested food. Diarrhea and vomiting are the most acute signs of infection with this type of parasite. Other symptoms may include: dull coat or a swollen abdomen, like a ball.

How to tell if your pet has internal parasites

In the case of internal parasites, either a fecal analysis can be performed, where eggs or parts of eliminated worms will be discovered, or the diagnosis is made based on the present symptoms. These differ depending on the type of parasites, but there can also be some common signs:

• Bloated abdomen, although the rest of the body is thin;
• Weight loss without loss of appetite;
• Vomiting;
• Diarrhea;
• Apathy, fatigue;
• Anemia;
• Itching in the anal area;
• Loss of coat luster and skin;
• Pale gums.

How to perform internal deworming

Many puppies can be infected with parasites from birth. The larvae of these worms are very easily transmitted from the mother, transplacentally or through breastfeeding. Therefore, deworming the puppy is mandatory starting at four weeks of age. For adequate treatment, it is recommended to seek advice from a veterinarian.

Methods to prevent infection and measures for your puppy's health

Of course, prevention is the best form of treatment for both internal and external parasites. For this, the following measures are essential:

• Periodically, and especially in the warm season, use solutions for external deworming of your canine friend;
• If you have several pets, it is recommended that they all be dewormed during the same period:
• In the warm season, check your dog's fur after every walk in parks with tall grass, in green areas, in shady places in nature, preferred by external parasites;
• Follow the internal deworming schedule recommended by the veterinarian;
• Be careful about the food or objects your dog chews when you go out, especially if you know he tends to investigate everything wherever he goes;
• When walking, prevent your canine friend from drinking water from puddles, but only from potable and clean sources;
• Feed your pet safely; for example, raw meat can harbor unwanted intestinal parasites.

Increased attention to your pet's external deworming and choosing an optimal internal deworming regimen will help you have a healthy, well-groomed, and happy dog.

Photo source: Shutterstock

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