Dogs sniff everything, and sometimes eat things they encounter, which can expose them to worm infections through contaminated materials. Since you can’t completely prevent this natural behavior, the next best thing is, knowing which dewormer actually fits your dog’s situation. There’s no single product that qualifies as the best dewormer for dogs. It usually depends on many factors. In this blog, we will discuss the common worms in dogs, their signs, factors to consider before choosing a deworming treatment, and the best option for your dog.
Worms in Dogs
Four common types of intestinal worms found in dogs are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms.
Often, pets don’t show any signs of having worms, but a worm infestation could be life-threatening if left untreated. Symptoms alone don’t tell you which parasite is involved, and plenty of infections cause no obvious signs at all. Roundworms and hookworms both carry zoonotic potential and can occasionally infect people, particularly children.That is why, routine deworming matters even in dogs that seem healthy.
Things to Consider Before Choosing a Dewormer for Your Dog
The most critical part of the complete process is choosing an appropriate treatment for your pet. Well, here are some factors you must consider:
- Type of parasite: First, identify the parasite involved through veterinary diagnosis.
- Active ingredients and spectrum: Each active ingredient in a worming treatment works differently and covers different worm species. Some dewormers target only roundworms and hookworms; others also cover tapeworms or whipworms.
- Age and weight: Many products have minimum age or weight requirements for dogs, and dosing is almost always weight-based.
- Life stage: Puppies are dewormed on a more frequent basis than adults because of how easily they are infected early in life.
- Pregnancy or lactation: Not every dewormer is appropriate for pregnant or nursing dogs; labels vary on this.
- Mode of administration: Deworming treatments are available in tablet, chew, paste, and granules formulations. Choose a formulation that is practical for your dog; for example, a dog that resists tablets may find flavored paste easier to take.
Top 5 Deworming Treatments for Dogs
1. Milbemax
Milbemax is an oral treatment, formulated to provide protection against intestinal worms and heartworm disease. Milbemax is administered monthly for heartworm prevention and is generally given every three months for roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. It comes in an unflavored, small-tablet formulation, making it a suitable choice for dogs undergoing a diet elimination trial. Milbemax for dogs is safe for dogs and puppies from 2 weeks of age and 1.1 lbs. (0.5 kg) bodyweight,when used as per label instructions.
2. Drontal Plus
Drontal Plus is a broad-spectrum oral dewormer formulated for dogs and puppies 3 weeks of age or older and weighing at least 2 lbs. A single dose of Drontal Plus is labeled to remove nine different species of hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms in dogs and puppies. Drontal Plus is available in both tablets and chewables forms, to make administration easy.
3. Triworm-D Dewormer
Triworm-D is a worm remedy against ascarids, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms in dogs. Puppies should be dewormed from the age of 2-12 weeks at 2-week intervals and at regular intervals of 3-6 months thereafter to control worm infestation. When used as directed, Triworm-D can be given safely to all dogs, including young pups, old dogs, working dogs, and pregnant female dogs 10 days before whelping.
4. Panacur Worming Paste
Panacur Oral Paste is a ready-to-administer oral anthelmintic for domestic dogs and puppies. It’s administered using a graduated syringe based on the pet’s body weight. Panacur Oral Paste is indicated for the treatment of adult dogs infected with roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. It may also be used in puppies over 2.2 lbs. (>1 kg),for gastrointestinal nematodes and Giardia infections and in dogs infected with specific lungworm species.
5. Antezole Deworming Paste
Antezole Paste is a worm remedy against ascarids, hookworms, and tapeworms. It comes in a convenient and easy-to-use dial-a-dose syringe. When used as instructed, Antezole Deworming Paste is safe for all dogs, including old dogs, young pups, working dogs, greyhounds, and even pregnant and lactating female dogs 10 days before whelping.
Whichever deworming treatment you choose, always follow the label’s specific dosing instructions and your veterinarian’s guidance to ensure that the product and dose are suitable for your dog.
Final Thoughts
The best dewormer for your dog is not necessarily the product with the longest list of claims. It is the product whose active ingredients and labeled indications match the parasites involved and the condition of individual dog being treated. You can check out the suitable dewormers from reputable brands at BestVetCare. If you still have any questions, it’s always best to talk to your veterinarian for customized guidance on your dog’s care.