Why do Puppies Need Deworming?
Dr.Amarnath Muthukrishnan.
Director,Amulya pet speciality clinic, Salem
Why do Puppies Need Deworming?
Intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms are common among young puppies and kittens. All puppies should be given a dewormer for easily-prevented illness caused by these parasites. Read more about how to prevent parasites in your dog or cat
Common intestinal parasites in dogs and cats:
You’ve probably heard the names before
1. Roundworms, 2. Hookworms, 3. Whipworms and 4. Tapeworms. These are the intestinal parasites most often seen in pets, and each of them can harm your dog or cat in unique ways.
Symptoms of intestinal parasites in pets:
While worms are usually found in puppies and kittens, infection can occur in dogs and cats of all ages. Signs of an intestinal parasite infection can include:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Weight loss
Swollen stomach
Anemia
Death (in severe infestations)
Note that these signs can also be associated with other diseases so if you observe any of them, you should take your pet in to see your veterinarian for an examination. Diagnosing an intestinal parasite infection is usually done through a laboratory analysis of your pet’s feces.
Deworming has become a controversial subject.
Developing deworming strategies requires consideration of a several different things, including:
• What parasites are in the area?
• Are the risks the same all year round or are they seasonal?
• What parasites pose a risk to an individual pet or what are the pet’s chances of exposure? (e.g. Does the pet go outside? Is it exposed to many other animals? Are there multiple pets in the household?)
• Are there any people in the household at particular risk for parasitic infections? (e.g. young children, people with developmental disorders that might be more likely to be exposed to pet feces?)
Everyone agrees puppies and kittens need more aggressive deworming, but there are a few different approaches to managing deworming in adult animals.
So as far as myself consider regular deworming in these schedules:
STAGE ONE :
Puppy deworming: (age 40 days – 120 days) preferably suspension
(I don’t recommend deworming puppies before 30 days as it may affect their nutritional absorption mechanism and reduce the immunity level, while they are feeding with the dam I think they are well protected. )
1. Puppy at the age of 40-60 days while doing the primary vaccine
2. Next second dose at the booster stage around 15 days from the first dose i.e. around 55 days – 75 days.
3. Third dose is at 90-120 days
STAGE TWO :
Puppies at 120-180 Days of age: preferably tablet
Deworming around 180 days is preferable and do consult with your vets for specific drug of choice depending up on breed and their nature of infection they have
STAGE THREE:
Semi adult dogs 180 – 360 days: preferably tablets
In this period u can deworm the puppy either once in 2 months if you have a group or pack of dogs or you can deworm once in three months if you have just one dog with you
STAGE FOUR:
Adult dogs anything above 360 days
Once in every 3 months i.e. yearly four times is the recommended Schedule for Asia
BITCH IN HEAT:
special condition
Should be dewormed at 4- 5 th day of heat and repeat dosage at 9-10th day second dose and third and final dose is after whelping and after the milking period stops i.e. after whelping 60 days apart best way to maintain the breeding bitch as per standards
Choosing the right dewormer for your dog:
There are many different types and brands of dewormers on the MARKET: and determining which dewormer to use, whether to administer it by pill or liquid, and at what dose can depend on a lot of factors.
Knowing which dewormer to use and at what dose can depend on a variety of things such as the type of intestinal parasite present, and the age, size and current health of your pet. Aside from reading the labels on deworming products, it’s important to discuss the options and your dog’s unique needs with your veterinarian first.
Your veterinarian can recommend a product that’s appropriate for your pet after a diagnosis has been made of the type and species of the parasite. In addition, some medications can also be used to help control intestinal parasites. Considering that some parasites can infect people as well as pets, certain dewormers may be used as a preventive measure to decrease the risk to humans.
STRATEGIC DEWORMING GUIDELINES:
Parasites don’t want to kill your kitten or puppy; they just want to use them as a dinner plate! Our goal is to prevent that from happening. Intestinal parasites have been around forever and are not going away, but you can control them with the proper deworming schedule. Hookworms and roundworms are by far the most common intestinal worms found in puppies and kittens. Roundworms compete with your pet for food, while hookworms live on blood, causing anemia.
Rough hair coats, diarrhea, malnutrition progressing to intestinal obstruction, and anemia are common issues with worms. We want to feed our pets – not the parasites. That is why we deworm dogs and cats. Don’t wait until you are sure your pet has parasites because they have already caused damage at this point.
STRATEGIC DEWORMING GUIDELINES
Strategically deworming dogs and cats is a practice recommended by the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists (AAVP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
DEWORMING PUPPIES AND KITTENS:
Worms in puppies and kittens are common. This growth phase of their life is when they are most susceptible! Knowing when to worm puppies and kittens is important.
• Deworm puppies and kittens at 2, 4, 6, & 8 weeks of age, then again at 12 & 16 weeks of age.
• Deworm again at 6 months and 1 year.
• Then deworm as an adult.
ADULTS – WORMING DOGS AND CATS:
We are recommending the standard here. If your dog or cat is a big hunter, they will need more frequent deworming – you must assess the risk for your pet.
• General Dog or Cat DeWorming: Thrice a year for life.
o Dogs put everything in their mouth and need deworming twice a year to eliminate the parasites they will pick up. Deworm outside cats thrice a year for the same reason.
• Cats that are strictly inside animals: Deworm twice a year.
• Cats that like to hunt: 3 times a year may be necessary.
NEWLY ACQUIRED ANIMALS:
No matter what the history or age, assume they have parasites!
• Deworm immediately and repeat in 2 weeks.
• Then put on the above adult program.
WORMS IN DOGS AND CATS:
DOGS :
• Roundworms and Hookworms
• Roundworms, Hookworms, Whipworms & Tapeworms
CATS:
• Tapeworm, Roundworm & Hookworms
