Puppy Wormers

Puppy wormers are an essential item when it comes to healthcare
While we are all aware of the harms that can be done by fleas latching on to our beloved pets, many of us are less sure of the facts when it comes to worms. There are, at least, five types of worm that like to prey on our canine pals, and the health risks that can be posed by these microscopic pests range from the unpleasant to the potentially fatal. When protecting your pup from the unpleasant experience of flea bites, it’s worth being aware that for true peace of mind, dealing with the additional threat of worms is every bit as essential. Here, we will go into the details of how to recognise worms, as well as answering key questions such as “How often do you worm a puppy?”.
How do we know when to worm puppies?
In truth, any puppy should be wormed at least four times a year - and between the ages of three and six months, it should be more often than that. At this early stage, worming should be monthly, regardless of whether your puppy shows signs of a worm infestation. The signs are hard to mistake, should they be present, but let’s be clear: you don’t want things to get to the point where you are treating a worm infestation, and if you use puppy wormers on a regular basis, you shouldn’t need to.
What are the symptoms of worm infestation?
Puppies can be affected by roundworms, whipworms, tapeworms, heartworms, and hookworms. None of these parasites sound pleasant, but the names are nothing compared to the problems they can cause. Between them, these pests can be responsible for a list of symptoms including, but not limited to:
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Blood in faeces
- Dehydration
- Poor coat condition
- Pot belly
In the case of heartworms, the symptoms can be graver, with respiratory difficulties and intolerance of exercise common. In all cases, untreated worms can do a great deal of damage, including death in the worst cases. In short, preventing worms is a vital part of puppy ownership.
How should I treat worms in a puppy?
Although it may be possible to see worms in or around your puppy’s stool, and move quickly to acute treatment, it is much better to prevent the infestation ever happening. As we note above, owners wondering when to worm puppies should make sure that younger canines are treated monthly. Beyond the six-month mark, treatment should be once every three months as a minimum, but it is worth discussing more frequent treatment with your vet.
Puppy worming tablets can be obtained, and given to your puppy as per direction, whether a pet is symptomatic. Indeed, it is better that they are treated without any sign of symptoms developing. Often, puppies will be given flea treatment and worm treatment at the same time, and this is smart; one of the major causes of tapeworm can be the bite of an infected flea. Seeking out the best wormer for puppies will allow you more peace of mind with your pooch.
How can I tell if my puppy has worms?
Any of the symptoms listed above are reason enough to check with your vet and see if your puppy has an issue that could be connected to worms, but of course you would ideally prefer that worms could be eliminated before they have a chance to cause symptoms in your beloved pet. There are various tests that can be carried out by vets to detect the presence of worms; these tests are not infallible but can give you an invaluable head start when it comes to using puppy wormers.
As a precautionary check, at regular medical check-ups you can ask your vet to carry out the relevant tests, which can include taking a stool sample as this is where worms are most likely to be visible. Many of these worms will reside in the digestive tract of a pet, and if your puppy is showing signs of being irritated around the rectum, it is also worth monitoring their behaviour and, if you are concerned by anything, making an appointment with your vet to investigate the issue before it becomes chronic.
In conclusion
If left for too long, worms can have implications for the health of your pets, so if you so much as suspect their presence it is worth acting. Also, ensure that you are worming your puppy to a set schedule and giving them flea treatments to give them the best possible chance of staying free of these unpleasant parasites.